He married Jane Ellen "Jennie" Keen (1873–1952), in Fitzroy, Victoria on 28 March 1900.
Adamson played for Napier Imperial, the South Melbourne junior side in the Metropolitan Junior Football Association, before graduating to play for four seasons (1893 to 1896) with South Melbourne in the Victorian Football Association.
[6] He played on the half-forward flank (with his brother Dave, at full-back) in South Melbourne's 1896 premiership match loss to Collingwood.
[9] Adamson was also a noted cricketer; he was a wicketkeeper who played 6 first eleven games for South Melbourne.
[10] Adamson lived in South Melbourne for most of his life and was a member of the local Masonic Lodge.