Chester Times
May 5, 1895
Obituary of Amos Gartside
Amos Gartside died at his home, No. 420 West Second street, about one o’clock yesterday morning. He had been in declining health for several years, but grew worse about a year ago. He had not kept his bed however, and had so far recovered as to be able to drive out until Friday last when his condition became critical.
The funeral will take place on Wednesday afternoon from his late home, interment to be made at Chester Rural Cemetery Rev. S. S. Woodward, pastor of the First Baptist Church will conduct the funeral services. Delegations of St. John’s Commandery, No.4, F. and A.M., of Philadelphia, also of the Tribe of Red Men and Lodge of Odd Fellows, of which the deceased was a member, will attend the obsequies.
Deceased was the son of Benjamin and Elizabeth Kershaw Gartside, and was born at Rockdale, Lancashire, England, on October 23d, 1829, thus being in his 66th year. He came to the United States with his parents in 1831, at the age of 2. His primary education was chiefly obtained at the common schools, but was supplemented by a course at the Germantown Academy.
A WOOLEN WEAVER
Amos learned the trade of woolen weaving at his father’s mills at Cardington, this county, and after his parents came to Chester, he together with his brother James, was admitted to partnership, in 1857.
He was married in 1857 to Miss Emma Pierce, daughter of James Pierce, of this city, and their children are: Elizabeth (Mrs. H. G. Pennell) and Bertie, who survive; and John, George, Kate and Mary Ann, deceased. His wife died about three years ago.
Mr. Gartside was formerly a Whig in politics, but later became a Republican, and always actively and ably advocated the principles of his party. For sixteen years he was a member of City Council and was some time President. In 1880 he represented the Sixth Pennsylvania District as delegate to the National Convention held at Chicago.
For several years he was a member of the Board of Port Wardens. For a number of years he was president of the South as the New Chester Water Company in July, 1887. He was also identified with the Chester Mutual Insurance Company, the Chester Improvement Company, The McCaffry Direct Steel Casting Company, the Delaware River railroad and other concerns. For several years past, and until the time of his death, he has been the president and treasurer of the Eureka Cast Steel Company, treasurer of the Johnston Frog and Switch Works, and a director of the First National Bank, of Chester being one of its first directors.