John Oliver Amos, grandson of Gen. James Oliver Amos, was born on August 28, 1909 in Sidney, Ohio. At the young age of 12, he began working for his family’s business, the Sidney Printing and Publishing Company. He graduated from Sidney High School in 1927, Miami University in 1931, and obtained his Masters from the North Western University School of Journalism in 1932. He married Margaret “Peg” Barr on September 26, 1936.
As the third generation of the Amos family to work in the publishing company, J. Oliver expanded the company’s interests in the 1960s to include the publications of Coin World, Lynn’s Stamp News, Cars and Parts, and Gun Week. He was also editor of The Sidney Daily News from 1936-1955, and its publisher from 1962-1976. It was during this time period the company changed names to “Amos Press Inc.” Employees remembered J. Oliver Amos for his firmness, fairness, vision, and generosity.
Not only was he known for his generosity within his businesses, but for that which he gave back to the community as well. Amos was enthusiastic about improving the quality of life for local residents and it was obviously a mission he held close to his heart. He was one of the first organizers of the Community Chest organization, now known as Shelby County’s United Way, and active in the construction and expansion of the current YMCA building. He also helped with the planning and development of Tawawa Park, for whom the Amos Lake section is named.
J. Oliver was also quite active in local civic affairs. He helped in the campaign which resulted in the current City Manager form of government as well as the campaigns that established four new elementary schools and new high school in Sidney. J. Oliver Amos was also quite involved in the creation of the Sidney Civic Association, which later became known as the Sidney-Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. Another of his most well-known contributions to the community was establishing the Amos Memorial Library. He passed away on May 19, 1997.