Edward was last seen on April 17, 1910. He went trout fishing at a private stream with some friends near present day James City. A man approached the boys as they were fishing, and they thought he may have been a game warden. The boys ran from the man and Edward became separated from his friends. Bloodhounds were brought in to help with the search. Despite extensive searches in the woods, caves, streams, and a reservoir no sign of Edward was found. The night Edward disappeared, a man called the Adams home "at least a dozen times". The caller identified himself as "Watson of Russell City" and asked if Edward had been found and various other questions. When the Adams family later talked to Mr. Watson of Russell City, he denied making the calls and regular subscribers in that telephone section knew nothing about the use of the telephone wire by the alleged "Watson". On April 29, a rural mail carrier discovered a card tacked to an old wooden bridge near the Adams home. The card read "Will return your son for $10, 000" and the words "Leave Reward" were written on the back. After an investigation, no new leads were discovered. On the same day Edward disappeared, 13 miles north, 7-year-old #link#5767DMPA Michael Steffan also disappeared while fishing. Other than similar circumstances, no link was found.