History of North Easton, (Bristol County) Massachusetts United States of America

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Biographies:

Oakes Ames, manufacturer, was born in Easton, Mass, Jan. 10, 1804; the elder son of Oliver and Susanna (Angier) Ames. He early gained a thorough knowledge of the details of the shovel business, and became overseer of the manufactory. In 1860 Mr. Ames was elected councillor from the Bristol district, and served in the cabinet of Governor Andrew. He was in 1862 elected to represent his district in the 38th Congress, and was re-elected to four succeeding congresses. Prior to 1864 Congress had attempted, by offering land grants and other inducements, to persuade men of enterprise to open a railroad through the great central plains and so connect the east and west. Government interests imperatively needed such a road. Urged by President Lincoln and others, Oakes Ames undertook this immense and hazardous work, risking his entire fortune in the enterprise, and though the difficulties to be overcome were very great, they were conquered, and on the 10th of May, 1869, the rails of the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific were joined, and the east and west united. This was seven years earlier than the terms of the contract required, and in the carriage of mails and the transportation of troops and supplies was of vast service to the government. The necessary limits of this sketch forbid adequate treatment of the Credit Mobilier affair, about which there has been much misunderstanding. It was simply a construction company similar to those by which other railroads were built at that time and afterwards. It was not until this matter was given a political turn that it became a subject of public scandal. Several representatives and senators in Congress were found to have an interest in it, and it is claimed that Mr. Ames had interested them thus, in order to influence their legislation. Congress ordered an investigation, and he was finally condemned and censured by the house of representatives for "Seeking "?so reads the resolve?" to procure congressional attention to the affairs of a corporation in which he was interested." The facts appear to be that no special legislation was expected or desired. Those congressmen who openly avowed their ownership in the stock retained public confidence, while those who, frightened by public clamor, denied their ownership, were politically ruined. Up to that time the honor and integrity of Oakes Ames had never been questioned, and those who knew him best gave no heed to the charge of corrupt intent on his part. In the spring of 1883 the legislature of Massachusetts passed resolutions of gratitude for his work, and faith in his integrity, and called for a like recognition on the part of the national Congress. Mr. Ames was simple and democratic in his tastes, caring little for the luxuries that wealth commands; he was a total abstainer from intoxicating drinks, and under a rugged exterior he carried a kind heart. He made a bequest of fifty thousand dollars for the benefit of the children of his native village, which proved of great advantage to them. He died at North Easton, Mass., May 5, 1873.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

Oliver Ames, manufacturer, was born in Bridgewater, Mass.. April 11, 1779, son of Captain John and Susannah Howard Ames. The history of the Ames family forms an interesting chapter in the industrial annals of New England. Captain John Ames laid the foundation of the family fortune by the manufacture of shovels in Bridgewater. His son Oliver learned the business, and in 1803 established it in Easton. Hitherto, shovels were very heavy, and of course more durable than lighter ones; but Mr. Ames said, "Iron is cheaper than muscle," and henceforth made lighter shovels, by which more work could be accomplished than with the old style tool. He would never allow an imperfect article to be put upon the market, and he thus established the great reputation which the Ames manufactures have since maintained. Oliver Ames served the town of Easton three years in the state legislature, and one year in the state senate. He was a man of splendid physique, great force of character and of unswerving integrity. He died at North Easton, Sept. 11, 1863, at the ripe age of eighty-four years.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

John Lewis Bates, governor of Massachusetts, was born at North Easton, Mass., Sept. 18, 1859, son of the Rev. Lewis B. and Louisa D. (Field) Bates. He was graduated at Boston university, A.B., 1882, LL.B., 1885; taught school at Jamestown, N.Y., 1882-'83, and in the evening school at Boston, Mass., 1883-'85. He was admitted to the bar in 1885 and engaged in practice in Boston. He was a member of the common council, 1891-'92; a representative in the state legislature, 1894-'96; speaker of the house, 1897-'99, and lieutenant-governor of the state, 1899-1902. He was elected governor of Massachusetts by the Republican party to succeed Winthrop Murray Crane for the terms 1903-'04.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

Oliver Ames, manufacturer, was born in Plymouth, Mass., Nov. 5, 1807, second son of Oliver and Susannah (Angier) Ames. He began the study of law in Easton, but his health becoming impaired he joined in the shovel business with his father and his brother Oakes, a co-partnership being formed in 1844. With Oakes he became interested in railways and united with him in building the Union Pacific railroad. In 1866 he was elected its president aud held that office until March, 1871. His judgment and integrity were of service in winning final success for this enterprise. Mr. Ames served in the state senate in 1852 and 1857. He was a bank president and a director in many railroads and manufacturing enterprises. He had a clear, cultivated intellect, and was public-spirited and philanthropic. He built the beautiful and costly church at North Easton, which he presented to the Unitarian society, left a fund to build and endow the fine free library, left large funds for the schools and for the roads of Easton, and gave munificent aid to many other enterprises. He died at North Easton, March 9, 1877.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor