A lifelong resident of Windsor County, Vermont, he served in town offices including constable, tax collector, and selectman.
[1] During the American Civil War, he won a contract to finish rifles for the E. G. Lamson Company, and this work lasted until the end of the conflict in 1865.
[1] After the war, Amsden started a dealership in lumber, hardware, grain, and coal, which he operated successfully until his death.
[1] He also served as the town's overseer of the poor, as village president, and as high bailiff of Windsor County.
[1] Amsden was buried at Ascutney Cemetery in Windsor; at his request, several of his longtime current and former employees served as pallbearers.