Pages 487-488, transcribed by Carolyn Ward from History of Allen and Woodson Counties, Kansas: embellished with portraits of well known people of these counties, with biographies of our representative citizens, cuts of public buildings and a map of each county / Edited and Compiled by L. Wallace Duncan and Chas. F. Scott. Iola Registers, Printers and Binders, Iola, Kan.: 1901; 894 p., [36] leaves of plates: ill., ports.; includes index.



 

  WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 487 cont'd

GEORGE A. AMOS.

GEORGE A. AMOS.—In the "learned professions" merit alone can win advancement. When success must depend upon the various mental attributes of the individual, neither wealth nor influential friends can aid one in the progress toward fame. The man who has attained prominence at the bar is therefore entitled to great credit, for as he lengthens the distance between himself and mediocrity it is the indication of great zeal, marked ability, close application and thorough knowledge. It has been through the exercise of these qualities that George A. Amos has attained a position at the bar that might well be envied by many a practitioner.

Mr. Amos is now residing in Humboldt. He was born in Springfield, Illinois, on the 4th of September, 1841. His father, Josiah F. Amos, was a native of Maryland and in 1836 emigrated to Illinois. He was an architect and carpenter, and in the capital of the Prairie State he engaged in the lumber business. He married Miss Julia Hay, a native of Kentucky, and unto them were born three children: George A., of this review; John M., who is now in business in Springfield; and Sarah E. Shepherd, a resident of Los Angeles, California. In the public schools of Springfield, Illinois, George A. Amos acquired his education. Entering upon his business career, he was connected with the lumber trade, and in August, 1869, he removed to Humboldt, Kansas, where he was again engaged in the lumber business until 1873. He then sold out and began the study of law, and was admitted to the bar by the district court of Allen county, November 21, 1874. On the 15th of January, 1880, he was admitted to practice in the federal court and was admitted to the supreme court July 6, 1887. He has been very successful, having the confidence of his clients and of the public, and has demonstrated his ability by the many verdicts he has won favorable to the people whom he represents. In 1882 he was elected county attorney of Allen county and throughout his term he served in a most creditable and satisfactory manner. In 1884 he was re-elected. His father died in 1889 and Mr. Amos returned to Springfield, Illinois, to settle up the estate, remaining in his native city five years. During that time he was elected city attorney of West Springfield, but when his business interests were satisfactorily ended there he returned to Humboldt, and since 1894 has been continuously practicing his profession in Allen county. He is a strong advocate before a jury and concise in his appeals before the court. He began as all others do in the practice of law—at the bottom round of the ladder—and his present prominence has come to him as a reward of honest endeavor, fidelity and recognized ability.

His efforts have not been limited alone to one line, for he is a director and one of the stockholders in the Humboldt Brick plant. Socially he is

488 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND  

connected with the Masonic fraternity and has taken the Knight Templar degree of the York rite. His life exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the order and he has the high regard of his brethren of the craft.

On the 30th of October, 1866, Mr. Amos was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Andrews, of Wapakoneta, Ohio, a daughter of Colonel G. W. Andrews of that state. They had two children, Georgia C., who is now the wife of John H. Armel, of Humboldt, and Anna R., a very bright young lady, who died November 23, 1890. Mrs. Amos passed away on the 16th of August, 1885. Mr. Amos remained single for ten years and was again married, his second union being with Miss Laura Warner, who became his wife August 13, 1895. She was also a native of Ohio. They enjoy the hospitality of many of the best homes in Humboldt and their circle of friends is extensive. Mr. Amos has those qualities which give him strength in business circles, and his advancement in professional life is due to his business ability, his determination and his laudable ambition. He is an indefatigable worker, which means that he is a student, accurate in his analysis and of broad learning.


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