Amos was a Nephite record keeper who lived approximately between A.D. 110 and A.D. 194. He was the son of Nephi, who in turn was the son of another Nephi, notable for being one of the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus Christ during His ministry among the Nephites. As such, Amos inherited a legacy of significant spiritual and historical responsibility, a stewardship that had been underscored by the example and counsel of his grandfather, a man whose life was closely intertwined with the Savior’s teachings in the Promised Land.
Upon the death of his father around A.D. 110, Amos assumed the role of keeper of the Nephite records, a role he faithfully executed for eighty-four years (4 Nephi 1:19–20). His tenure as a record keeper was marked by a generally peaceful era among the Nephite people, although it was not without its challenges. He noted in the records a regrettable development during his time, where a small segment of the population dissented from the church and adopted the name of Lamanites, signifying a division among the people that harked back to older times of enmity and separation among the Nephite and Lamanite peoples (4 Nephi 1:20).
Amos’ meticulous care in maintaining the records was indicative of his dedication and recognized importance of preserving the history and prophecies of his people. Before his death in approximately A.D. 194, he passed the important duty of record-keeping to his own son, also named Amos. This act ensured the continuation of their historical narrative and religious teachings for future generations (4 Nephi 1:21).