BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

THE LEADING CITIZENS OF MADISON COUNTY

CONTENTS
Preface
Names Index
Portrait Index

   REV. AMOS CROCKER, of Hamilton, N. Y., is a fine representative of two useful and honorable professions, that of the law and that of the ministry. He was born in 1815, and is a son of Amos Crocker, who is believed to have been born in Albany County, and who married Polly Owen of that county. Amos Crocker and his wife soon after their marriage removed to Lebanon, Madison County, in which town they settled down on a fine two-hundred-acre farm. Mr. Crocker was much more than ordinarily successful, and was certainly one of the best, if not the best, farmer in the county, receiving more premiums for the excellent products of his farm and his superior animals than any other man in the county. His family at the present time have in their possession a prize he received, in the shape of a solid silver cup, for being the best farmer in the county, which cup was awarded by the County Agricultural Society. When about forty years of age, on account of failing health, he retired from the farm, and engaged in general merchandising in the village of Hamilton, where he carried on a very large business, being, in fact, the leading merchant of the place. Besides being a complete success both as a farmer and a merchant, which is very rare, he was one of the kindest and most humane of men, one whose honor and integrity were beyond question, and whose judgment was frequently sought and freely given. He died at Hamilton, when seventy-seven years old, leaving a handsome property and a splendid reputation. His wife had passed away some years previously. They were the parents of six children, two sons and four daughters, one of the daughters marrying Joseph Addison Mott, whose biographical sketch appears elsewhere in this work.
   Rev. Amos Crocker prepared for college at Hamilton, N. Y., went to Yale College in 1832, when seventeen years old, and was graduated in 1834. Immediately afterward he entered the law office of Stoner & Gridley, and read law with them three years, was examined with a large class at Utica, passed a creditable examination before a committee, one of whom was Joshua Spencer, was admitted to the bar, and practised some years. Being converted to Christianity under the teaching of Joshua Spencer's brother, he united with the Congregational church, and was engaged in the ministry until 1885, having but three pastorates during his entire ministry, which fact is a most eloquent and convincing argument in favor of his zeal ability, and success.
   Rev. Amos Crocker was married in 1838 to Sarah Pierce, daughter of Jonathan 0. Pierce and they have one daughter, who is the wife S. T. Martin. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have one son, Osgood C. Martin, of Chicago, and two daughters, Sarah and Rosamond, both young ladies, at home. Mr. Crocker has always been an unswerving Republican. He has ever been true to every obligation in life, as lawyer, minister of the gospel, husband, father, and citizen. He is now living a retired life, with a conscience void of offence, surrounded by an affectionate family, and by many respecting and admiring neighbors and friends.