Spoiler : Adams, Franklin P. (birth name was Franklin Pierce Adams) Born in Chicago, Illinois 11/15/1881; died 3/24/1960 in New York City. Adams began his career as an insurance salesman, then moved to New York in 1903 to pursue a career in journalism where he became known for his column, "The Conning Tower" which appeared in New York newspapers including The New York Post which was read by millions. Adams was known simply by his initials F.P.A. Panelist on Information Please for the NBC, CBS and the Mutual Radio Networks (1938-1948); CBS-TV (1952).