Amos Prentice was a native of what is now called Griswold, born December 1816, son of Amos and Lucy (Wylie) Prentice. His father died when Amos was young, so at age seven in 1823, he came to Norwich to live with his uncle. He received a somewhat meager education but was endowed with superior native intelligence and learned independently. As a boy, he worked as a clerk in William Buckingham’s store. In 1831, he was employed in a hardware store on Water Street, owned by Joseph and John Breed.
Amos proved to be industrious and competent, and in 1840 was made a member of the firm, which changed its name to John Breed & Co. Following John Breed’s death, Prentice became the senior partner, and in 1864, the company name became A. W. Prentice & Co. His income in 1865, as reported by the Norwich Board of Trade, was $6,038 ($139,000 in today’s dollars). Mr. Prentice continued in active business until 1889, when he retired, and the firm was again renamed Eaton, Chase & Co. Amos Prentice remained active in business for fifty-seven years.
Amos Prentice was civic-minded and devoted much of his energy toward seeing Norwich grow and its citizens prosper. In 1854, he represented his district in the state senate. From 1858 to 1860, he served as mayor and on the Court of Common Council for a ten-year term. In 1877, he represented Norwich in the state legislature.
Amos was a member of the Broadway Congregational Church (now the United Congregational Church), and following his death, succeeded Gov. William A. Buckingham as a Deacon. He was a trustee for Norwich Free Academy.
In other business interests, Amos Prentice served as a director and president of the Norwich Savings Society (the second-oldest and largest in CT.), a director of the First National Bank, and a director of the Richmond Stove Co. At a public meeting, Amos was the first person in New England to suggest the name Abraham Lincoln for president of the United States. During the Civil War years, when public meetings were held to determine ways and means to help Union soldiers, Amos Prentice was chosen to preside. During the dark days of the Civil War, Amos was Gov. Buckingham’s closest advisor and friend. His efforts in aiding the cause and assisting the soldiers were widely recognized.
Amos Prentice married Hannah E. Parker, a native of Mansfield, CT., in May 1840. Mrs. Prentice passed away in December 1887 at sixty-five.
Amos Prentice was considered an ideal citizen by the Norwich community. He was known for possessing a broad mind and a kindly disposition and was charitable to all in need.
He died following a short illness in December 1894.
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