The History of Hendricks County (Chicago: Interstate Publishing, 1885)--Middle Township, page 706
Amos Hoak, farmer and stock-raiser, Middle Township, was born in Lancaster County, Pa., Dec. 3, 1831, a son of Martin and Elizabeth Hoak, natives of Pennsylvania. He is the third of a family of eight children--Daniel, Henry, Amos, Hannah, Martha, Jonathan, Joseph and Isaac. He was reared on a farm in his native State, and in 1854 immigrated to Montgomery County, Ohio, where he engaged in the nursery business six years. In 1860 he came to Hendricks County, Ind., and settled on a farm in Middle Township, where he now has 100 acres of improved land. In 1875 he formed a partnership with his brother Henry in the mercantile business at Pittsboro, the firm name being H. & A. Hoak. They continued in business till the fall of 1880, when they sold out to Oliver W. Hill. Mr. Hoak has served his township as Assessor four years. He is one of the successful and enterprising business men of the township, lending his influence to all worthy projects. He was married Dec. 24, 1861, to Margaret J. (McLeod) Hale, daughter of William McLeod. They have had four children--Ida M., Nettie, Harry and William, deceased. Mr. Hoak has been a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows' orders for several years.