Jewett William Adams (August 6, 1835 – June 18, 1920) was an American politician who was the fourth governor of Nevada.

He ran a general store in Mariposa County, California until he was hired as paymaster on the estate of John C. Fremont in 1860.

In 1864, he moved to Nevada, where he worked in mining, freighting, cattle raising, and owned a general store.

During his tenure, the site for the University of Nevada was moved to Reno, the silver industry flourished, and railroad development was promoted.

[4] In 1896, forming a partnership with William McGill, a cattleman, he built one of the largest ranches in the state of Nevada.