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PAST AND PRESENT OF THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD AND SANGAMON COUNTY ILLINOIS
By Joseph Wallace, M. A.
of the Springfield Bar
The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, IL
1904



Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor

Page 450

Amasa S. Booth, who for many years was identified with industrial interests in Springfield, but is now living a retired life, was born in Maine, June 9, 1835. His father, Albert Booth, was born in the year 1813, and was a son of Isaac Booth, also a native of the Pine Tree state. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Hannah Stephens, and her birth likewise occurred in Maine. In early life Albert Booth learned the trade of a wagon and carriage maker, and subsequently became a manufacturer in that line. In 1840 he removed with his family seven miles north of Springfield, Illinois, and in 1854 took up his residence in the city, where he established a factory for the purpose of making wagons and carriages. Soon he had built up a large business, selling to the local trade, and he continued to successfully conduct his enterprise until a short time prior to his death, which occurred in 1873. He was a Republican in his political views, and a much respected citizen, for he was ever fair and just in his business transactions, kindly in his treatment of his fellow men and faithful in his duties of citizenship. His wife also passed away in Springfield, her death occurring in 1860.

Amasa S. Booth was but five years of age at the time of the removal of the family to this county, and the following year he became a student in the subscription schools, and for a time he attended a private school. He continued his studies until he reached his sixteenth year, when he entered his father's shop to learn the trade of a wagon-maker, and when his term of service had ended, he continued in the business with his father until the latter's death, in 1873. At that time Mr. Booth, of this review, entered into partnership relations with his brother-in-law, Alex McCosker, under the firm name of Booth & McCosker, and for several years they continued to engage extensively in the manufacture of wagons and carriages, their shops and works being located at the corner of Eighth and Washington streets. During the busy season they employed from twenty to forty men, and they had a well equipped plant. As their financial resources increased they extended the scope of their business, and enlarged the output until the Booth & McCosker wagons became famous over a wide extent of territory for durability, fine finish and good workmanship. The firm continued this business until 1886, when they sold out, since which time Mr. Booth has given his attention to the supervision of his private interests, which include the ownership of a farm and city property.

On the 17th of August, 1872, was celebrated the marriage of Amasa S. Booth and Miss Harriet Richardson, and their union has been blessed with six children: John; William; Mary, the wife of W. E. Grunendike of Decatur; Alexander; Amasa S.; and Jacob. The family home is at No. 500 South Sixth street, in one of the most attractive residence portions of the city, and the members of the household occupy an enviable position in social circles. Mr. Booth belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Almost his entire life has been passed in Illinois' capital, and he has a very wide acquaintance here, where he is recognized as a leading and influential citizen. In his business career he prospered, his success being due to several causes, not the least of which was his thorough and practical understanding of the business in which he was engaged. If necessary, he could have shown any workman just how to perform the task allotted to him, and at the same time he had excellent ability as a manager, and moreover the house always sustained a reputation for reliability that was most enviable. It is thus that Mr. Booth, in the legitimate channels of trade, acquired prosperity which classes him among the substantial residents of Sangamon county.



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