Amos Merrill Elliott, a merchant, was born about ten miles south of Columbiana, March 22, 1829; attended such schools as the vicinity afforded, and was early initiated into the mysteries of merchandising. In 1855, he began selling goods on his own account at Harpersville, this county; in 1857, removed his business to Columbiana, and, in 1858, purchased another store in Elliottsville. He continued this business until 1861 when he was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court. In 1872, he was elected to the lower house of the Legislature; in 1874, again he was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court, which position he filled, in the aggregate, twenty-five years, and finally declined a re-election. After this, he reestablished his mercantile business in Columbiana, Alabama
His father, Amos M. Elliott, a Tennessean by birth, came to Alabama when quite young; his grandfather, of same name, came from Virginia to Tennessee in early times, and to Alabama about 1816. He settled first in Cahaba Valley, and afterward about ten miles south of Columbiana.
A. M. Elliott’s mother was Sarah (Hale) Elliott,from Tennessee. Chas. B. Elliott, the elder brother, was sheriff of the county soon after the war, and later County Treasurer. He also was a merchant for many years. Lindsey F. Elliott, the other brother, served the county as a deputy sheriff. Both brothers were in the army. The sister, Rachel M. became the widow of Dr. Thomas P. Lawrence who was a member of the Legislature in 1852-53. He was an eminent physician and an eloquent orator. He was elected on the Whig ticket.
Amos M. Elliott was married in 1847 to Miss Mary Bragg, a daughter of Captain Charles Bragg of South Carolina. She died in September 1860. They had six children, of whom three lived to be grown, and two, James and Charles, were both farmers.
Amos M. Elliott was married again in September 1861 to Mrs. Sophronia Holdman, daughter of James Hampton of St. Clair County, Alabama. They had two children, Emma, wife of R. L. Cater, of Columbiana, and Amos M., who worked in his father’s store.
Mr. Elliott was a Methodist, a Royal Arch Mason, and was Master of Shelby Lodge No. 140 for a number of years. He was also Past Chancellor of Knights of Pythias of Shelby Lodge No. 50.
Mr. Elliott was Justice of the Peace for many years an was County Administrator. He died May 30, 1890.
SOURCES
Northern Alabama : historical and biographical
Find A Grave Memorial# 60816685 # 39124486 # 39124461
