My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Greene County, Illinois published by Donnelley, Gassette & Loyd in 1879.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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AMOS, GEORGE H. farmer, stock raiser and shipper, Sec. 26, P.O. White Hall. George H. Amos was born in Maryland, July 8, 1826. He was in his twelfth year when his parents moved to Virginia; remaining one year the family moved to Pennsylvania. At fourteen young Amos concluded to go it on his own hook, and accordingly made his way to Illinois. Locating in Greene County he secured employment on a farm and afterwards worked in the cabinet shop of his brother. At seventeen he was apprenticed to the trade of a blacksmith. Serving his time he opened a shop on Main street, and continued in business several years. While here he married Miss Levina Barrow. For a short time Mr. Amos became a resident of Iowa. In 1854, long before the Union Pacific was thought of, Mr. Amos made his way across the continent to California; by way of speculation, driving some fifty head of cattle, which upon arriving in California, near Sacramento, he disposed of for a fair profit. When he made the return trip, on a sailing vessel, he purchased a farm of 160 acres in Piatt County. He disposed of this for a stock of goods, and accordingly opened a general merchandise store at White Hall, where he sold goods for a few months. He now became a trader, and during the war speculated largely in horses, and here procured his first start in life. In order to show his enterprising disposition Mr. Amos gathered together a large flock of turkeys, which he drove to the Illinois River and shipped them to New Orleans, making a fair profit on his venture. At another time he made a similar venture, his shipping point being St. Louis. In all probability he was the first one engaged in this venture in Greene County. The life career of Mr. Amos has been fraught with interest. Early learning to rely on his own resources he today is the owner of 570 acres of valuable land. His keen judgment and extraordinary energy have brought about the wealth he today enjoys. The marriage of Mr. A. was to Miss Barrow, and was blessed with eleven children: Ruth M., William T., George H., Joseph B., and Charles R.; not living: John L., Elizabeth L., James L., Addie, Mary and Alfred. Three years ago Mr. Amos was elected County Commissioner. He is an extensive grain buyer.

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This family biography is one of 744 biographies included in The History of Greene County, Illinois published in 1879.  View the complete description here: The History of Greene County, Illinois

View additional Greene County, Illinois family biographies here: Greene County, Illinois Biographies

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