Franz Wilhelm August von Adler was born in Schloss Adler near Vöhrenbach in Germany, the son of Freiherr (Baron) Karl Wilhelm August von Adler and his wife Adriénne von Adler (born Dubois). He grew up in the castle, but went to the local public school, often trekking the forests around Vöhrenbach after school. He also received private tutoring in English and French at the behest of his mother. After graduation, he studied English and Russian at Paris-Sorbonne.