BOOTH, AMASA S. - In naming the representative citizens of any community, the biographer comes across many cases where the subject has risen from humble surroundings in his youth and achieved success in some chosen line, but he also finds that there are just as many cases where the father has followed a certain business interest with success and the son has taken up the same line and brought himself to the front rank of business men. Amasa S. Booth, a retired capitalist of Springfield, Ill., is an example of the latter class of successful men. Born June 9, 1835, in Exeter, Me., he is a son of Albert and Hannah (Stevens) Booth, who were also natives of the Pine Tree State. Albert Booth was a wagon maker by occupation and to enlarge the scope of his operations removed with his family to Illinois in 1840, settling on a farm north of Springfield in Sangamon County. Mr. Booth soon found success in his new field, and was there engaged in business until his retirement, which occurred a short time before his death, the latter event happening in Springfield in his sixtieth year. His wife also died in the Capital City, having reached the age of fifty-six years.

Amasa S. Booth was the fourth of his parents' eight children. He was but a lad of five years when he accompanied the family on their journey to Illinois, and his youth was spent on the farm in Sangamon County, while he secured his education in the common schools. Early in life he began learning the trade of wagon maker from his father, and the traits of industry, enterprise and sobriety from his mother, and all stood him in good stead in the battle of life. He established a wagon manufacturing plant of his own and this business he continued to carry on until his retirement in 1896. Mr. Booth's business operations were very successful and he proved himself a shrewd, capable business man by making wise investments in valuable city property, of which he owns considerable, and in purchasing farming land, he and his wife being owners at the present time of 2,300 acres of some of the best agricultural land in Sangamon County. He is known as a public spirited citizen, one who is always foremost in joining any movements that have for their object the welfare of the city or county, and as a consequence he fills a high place in the esteem of his fellow citizens.

In 1862 Amasa S. Booth was united in marriage in Springfield to Miss Harriet Richardson, a native of England, and to this union there were born six children, namely: Mary E., John R., William D., Alexander, Amasa Jr., and Jacob. The family is well known in Springfield social circles.