Our People
Family History
Bob Adams was born in Brisbane in 1900. He suffered from chronic chest problems and was advised to move west for his health. He married and moved to Muttaburra and worked as a bridge builder. In the 1930’s he moved his family to Yelarbon near Goondiwindi and built a grocery and universal provider store to service the booming tobacco industry.
The R. Adams store at Yelarbon in the 1930's. |
Soon after the start of World War II Italian P.O.W’s were relocated to the area to work the tobacco farms. Bob saw the opportunity and started a syndicate of tobacco farms. The money came from investors in Brisbane, labour from the Italians and management from Bob. He also built a picture theatre and owned a dairy farm along with a large tobacco farm. When the war was over he became a very successful businessman.
Bob's son Graham (senior) served in the Australian Navy during the war and was trained as a Beach Commando. He saw action in Borneo and Bali. On his return to Australia Graham married Jean Brydon and they couldn’t stand the idea of growing tobacco or milking cows for a living. They talked Bob into going half shares in Dangarfield and paid for their half with a repatriation loan offered to return servicemen by the Government.
In their first year Bob made the mistake of trying his hand at cattle dealing, but an entire mob were stolen shortly after they were put on agistment. In the second year redwater killed 60% of the Dangarfield bullocks that were ready for market. By this stage Bob had had enough and wanted out and sold his share to Graham and Jean, putting great strain on them and their young family. Dogged determination to succeed by them paid off and the business is still operating today.
Robert Adams
Robert was the original founder of the Dangarfield stud in 1983, as a third generation Adams in the cattle business. Robert spent most of his life on Dangarfield and took over the management of the operation following the forced retirement of Graham (Senior) in 1977 after a back operation. He was an active supporter of the local community, with long term involvement in the Taroom and Wandoan Show societies. Dangarfield is heavily involved with a range of local events, including local campdrafts, rodeos, fishing competitions, and many other charitable events throughout the year. This has all come about from Robert and his efforts to helping strengthen the local community. Robert was a valuable team member and in recent years had taken a step back from the forefront of the management of the business to allow room for the next generation to take up the reins - his council was still often sought. The pride which Robert felt watching bulls head off to their new homes for so many well respected operators and friends was truly something he was grateful for. He was a keen fisherman and would indulge in his passion with several fishing trips per year. Sadly, Robert passed away in March 2024 after a short battle with cancer. He is truly missed everyday. |
Ben AND AMANDA Adams
Terri Adams-Munn
Terri currently lives near Gatton in south-east Queensland with her husband and 2 children.
Graham Adams
Graham is living just outside Ambrose near Gladstone with his wife and 3 children. He makes several trips home each year to help with major construction and contracting jobs.