Part of the Indiana Biographies Project
Amos Stuart
One of the aged and venerable citizens of Richmond is Amos Stuart, who, though now approaching the ninety-first anniversary of his birth, possesses the clearness of mind and physical strength of one a quarter of a century his junior. He is remarkably well preserved, having an erect carriage, a firm step, and much of his old-time energy. His has been a busy and useful life,—a life filled with arduous and honorable toil, for the good of his family and others, and all who know him respect and reverence him.
The paternal grandfather of Amos Stuart was a resident of the vicinity of Philadelphia in the early part of last century. He, Robert Stuart, married Martha Richardson, and their son, John, the father of our subject, was born on the old homestead on Todd's creek, near the Quaker City, in 1740. Having grown to manhood there, he went to Wilmington, Delaware, where he learned the trade of wagon-maker. Later he went to Virginia, where he met and married Martha Stanley. To them were born three sons and three daughters. His wife died and he married Sarah Guyer, who was the mother of our subject, and subsequently he settled in Guilford county. North Carolina. The farm upon which he settled was an almost unbroken forest, only a small patch of ground having been cleared, and thereon a tiny log cabin erected. Beneath his sturdy ax the forest was razed, and eventually fertile fields rewarded his efforts. The cabin gave way to a comfortable frame house, and other substantial improvements were added until Mr. Stuart was acknowledged to be one of the thriftiest farmers and business men of his community. A faithful member of the Society of Friends, he attended the meetings regularly and lived a consistent Christian life. His death occurred at his old home, June 6, 1827.
Amos Stuart was born on the parental homestead in Guilford county. North Carolina, June 30, 1808, and with his several brothers and sisters he was reared to the duties of an agricultural life. He continued to dwell in his native county until the outbreak of the war of the Rebellion, when he removed to the north. Settling upon a farm near Knightstown, Henry county, Indiana, he remained there for a few months, while seeking for a permanent home, and finally he became a resident of Spiceland, same county, where his younger children attended the local academy, the older ones having been educated at Haverford Academy, at Haverford, Pennsylvania. In 1876 he removed to Chester, Wayne county, where for the following decade he gave his attention to gardening. Since 1886 he has lived a retired life in Richmond, enjoying the rest and comforts to which his busy years of active toil justly entitle him. While he remained in his native county he was one of the most influential citizens in all public affairs of the locality, was deeply interested in the cause of education, being trustee of the Newgarden boarding-school; and was prominent in the Friends' Society, serving as elder, clerk of the monthly meetings and in various other capacities. To his children he will leave the priceless heritage of an unblemished record and noble career.
The first marriage of Amos Stuart was solemnized in 1830, the lady of his choice being Matilda Hadley, of Guilford county, North Carolina. They became the parents of thirteen children that lived to attain mature years, and, without exception, they received the benefits of an excellent education, and went forth to battle with the world well equipped as to mental and moral training. Harper, the eldest, now deceased, was a teacher in the Friends' boarding school; Mrs. Martisia Bundy, resides in Henry county, this state. Dr. Jehu is a leading physician in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Mrs. Sarah Tease lives in this county; Jonathan is deceased; Mary and Eliza are in Richmond, the latter being the wife of G. E. Hill, who is known throughout this state as a progressive florist; Mrs. Delfina Wood resides in Knightstown, Henry county; Sydney is a resident of Anderson, Indiana; David is deceased; Adam and Elbridge are in California; and Francis is in New Mexico. The devoted mother of these children was summoned to her eternal rest June 13, 1871. In 1875, Mr. Stuart married Melissa E. Miles, a daughter of Samuel and Anna (Kelly) Miles, both of whom were natives of South Carolina. They were early settlers of Miami, Ohio, and in 1861 located on a farm near Chester, Wayne county, this state, where Mr. Miles died March 29, 1873. He was a Friend, and was loved and highly esteemed by all who knew him. The mother passed away in 1831.
Source:
Biographical and Genealogical History of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin Counties, Indiana, Volume 1, The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1899