The Biographical Dictionary of America/Ames, Oliver (manufacturer, 1807–1877)

AMES, Oliver, 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 and 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.