Amos R. Morehouse was born in Royalton, Niagara County NY, February 9, 1842. Two years later he went with his parents to Wyoming County, NY and in 1858 they moved to McLean County, IL. where he followed farming and stock raising until June, 1862, when he enlisted as a private in Co. H, 70th regiment Illinois volunteer infantry. He participated in the seige of Vicksburg, and other minor engagements, and was honorably discharged November 8, 1863, returning to his Illinois farm, and came to Big Rapids in October 1869. For a time he worked in a general store, but since 1871 has been actively engaged in lumbering, milling and farming, and most of the time for the past eight years also conducted a grocery store. The accompanying illustration shows his block, corner of Michigan Avenue and Elm Street.

He was married at Colon, MI, May 12, 1873. to Miss Lucy Foote, at time preceptress in the Big Rapids public schools and a graduate of Albion College, with the degree of A.M. Mrs. Morehouse has for 30 years been prominent in state W.C.T.U. workand n 1893 was the representative from Mecosta county on the Michigan state board at the Chicago World's Fair.

Mr. and Mrs. Morehouse have four children, the eldest son, Lymon F. being a professor in the University of Michigan; the second son, Hiram R. employed in the U.S. mail service on the Grand Trunk railway; their daughter, Grace F., a teacher of Latin and German in the Big Rapids public schools. and the younger son, James A., a practicing physician at Idao Springs, Colo. The Morehouse residence, shown herewith, is located at the corner of State and Woodward streets.

Additional info:
Amos died May 3, 1923 in Big Rapids, Mecosta County, MI, at the age of 81. His wife Lucy died January 6, 1917 in Jackson, Jackson County, MI. She was 72.