AMOS A. STAMM is one of the substantial residents of West Point Township. His family were among the earliest settlers of the county. He is a son of Adam and Elizabeth (Emerich) Stamm, the former of whom was a native of Centre County, Pa., where he grew to manhood and learned the tailor's trade. His marriage took place in that county, and he remained there until soon after Ohio was admitted to the Union. That State was then considered to be the far West, and its fertile soil and numerous agricultural advantages rapidly attracted settlers from the Eastern States.

Adam Stamm was one of the pioneers of Coshocton County, where he entered 320 acres of timber land. After his removal there he had the misfortune to be stricken with blindness, but he still continued to carry on his farm, directing and supervising all of the business, for others to execute. In 1853 he resolved to push still farther west, and came to Stephenson County, where he purchased forty acres of improved land on section 21, West Point Township. In 1870 he sold his farm and bought another on section 8, where he lived about five years, then sold out again and purchased a place in Waddam's Grove, where he remained until his death, which occurred in May, 1877. His wife's death took place in April, 1881. They had a family of thirteen children born to them, eight of whom grew to maturity. Adam Stamm was a pioneer in two States, both of which are now prominent for their agricultural productions. He gave three sons to the service of his country in the Civil War, two of whom lost their lives. William D. served in the 46th Illinois Infantry, and was killed at the siege of Vicksburg; Henry served in the 15th Illinois Infantry, and died in Andersonville Prison.

Amos A. Stamm came to this county with his parents, and assisted his father on the farm until he was twenty-one years of age. He then taught school during eight months of the years, and occupied the rest of the time in working at the carpenter's trade. In 1864 he enlisted in the 46th Illinois Infantry and served until the close of the war. On the 14th of January, 1864, he was married to Miss Julia A. Snider, the daughter of John and Mary Snider, and who was born in Herkimer County, N. Y. They have two children living - Adelaide I. and Alma A. Mr. Stamm is a Republican in politics. As a worthy and representative citizen of West Point Township, we are pleased to present the portrait of Mr. Stamm in connection with this brief sketch of his life.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 677