The Biographical Dictionary of America/Ames, Fisher

AMES, Fisher, statesman, was born at Dedham, Mass., April 9, 1758, son of Nathaniel and Mary (Fisher) Ames. He belonged to one of the oldest families in Massachusetts, and in the line of his foreign ancestry was the Rev. William Ames, a famous English divine, who, in search of greater religious liberty, emigrated to the Netherlands in the early part of the seventeenth century. Both the father and grandfather of Fisher were physicians, and the father supplemented his moderate practice by keeping a tavern and publishing an almanac. When Fisher was six years of age his father died, leaving him and an older brother to the care of their mother. Despite her straightened circumstances, the widow determined that Fisher, who early manifested intellectual superiority, should have a good education, and soon after the completion of his twelfth year he was admitted to Harvard college, and was graduated in 1774. For some years young Ames taught school and later read law for a time in the office of William Tudor, an eminent lawyer of Boston; was admitted to the bar in 1781, and at once commenced practice at Dedham. He soon became prominently known by writing a series of brilliant political papers, which under the noms des plumes of "Lucius Junius Brutus," and "Camillus," appeared in Boston journals, and attracted a great deal of attention. In 1781 he was sent as one of the Dedham delegates to the convention which met to devise measures for the relief of the widespread discontent which a depreciated paper currency had created. Young Ames made so able and convincing a speech that the sentiments of the assembly were changed; his words electrified the convention, and it adjourned without committing itself to the disastrous policy which had been contemplated. This speech made the reputation of the young advocate, and when it became known that he was the author of the pseudonymous articles in the Boston journals he was immediately sought out by the eminent Federalists of the day, and became prominently identified with them and the principles they represented.

In the spring of 1788 he was elected a member of the general court of Massachusetts, and by his valuable services created such universal confidence in his ability and integrity, that he was chosen a member of the Massachusetts convention for ratifying the Federal constitution. When the Federal government was established he was sent to Congress as the first representative of the Boston district, being elected over Samuel Adams, the most popular man in New England, and the one who, more than any other individual, was instrumental in bringing about the Declaration of Independence. No better evidence could be given of the high regard which the contemporaries of Fisher Ames had for his transcendent abilities. He remained in Congress during the eight years of Washington's administration, and took active and prominent part in the discussion of all the momentous questions which came before that body. His eloquence and statesmanship were unequalled, and his power of moving men was remarkable. In the debates regarding the appropriation for the Jay treaty in 1796, the Republicans who opposed the appropriation were counting on a clear majority of six. Ames was confined to his lodgings by a severe illness, but when the time approached for the vote to be taken on this question, which, in his opinion, involved the validity of the Constitution and the future welfare of the United States, he was driven to the house and, seeing the almost inevitable probability of defeat, he arose and, by the force and eloquence of his speech, so electrified and entranced the assembly, that when he had finished, the Republicans at once moved an adjournment, fearing to put the question to a decision, lest the strong feelings aroused should render the members incapable of exercising their calm judgment. The state of Fisher Ames's health obliged him to retire to private life, at the close of his fourth term in Congress. For a time he practised law, and then devoted his time to the management of his farm and fruitery. He continued to contribute essays and articles on various topics, which were then agitating the public mind, to the newspapers. The relation of French politics to those of America was one of the questions which called forth some of his most brilliant productions. When Governor Sumner was in office Mr. Ames accepted a seat in the council of the commonwealth, and delivered a eulogy on Washington, before the Massachusetts legislature. He was chosen president of Harvard college in 1804, but this honor he was obliged to decline on account of his ill health. His writing was epigrammatic and witty, his style graceful and refined; he was a brilliant conversationalist and a delightful correspondent. His writings were collected and published, with a memoir by the Rev. J. T. Kirkland, in 1809; and in 1854, his son, Seth Ames, issued a more complete edition in two volumes, and several of his congressional speeches were published by a grandson in 1891. He died in Dedham, Mass., July 4, 1808.