Daniel Lucius Adams obtained n M.D. from Harvard Medical School in 1838, Following his time in college, he joined his father’s medical practice. The pair worked in Mont Vernon, before the younger Adams relocated twice, first to Boston and then to New York City.

Adams also worked for the New York Dispensaries, which provided medical care to poor residents.[He offered his assistance when outbreaks of cholera affected New York City. For providing vaccinations, Adams received yearly pay of $400 for a time. His field of employment gave rise to his nickname of “Doc”, which was given as “Dock” at the time

The following is a letter that Doc wrote to his father during the cholera outbreak of 1854.

“… Thermometer from 95 to 100. Cholera is upon the increase – new hospitals are being opened. … The mortality… will be great, much exceeding last week… Our District Attorney… died last week…”