The Biographical Dictionary of America/Ames, Samuel

AMES, Samuel, jurist, was born in Providence, R. I., Sept. 6, 1806. He was educated at Phillips Andover academy, and was graduated from Brown university in 1823. Three years later he was admitted to the Rhode Island bar, and became prominent in public affairs. He was a member of the state legislature for several terms, presiding as speaker in 1844-'45. During what is known as the Dorr rebellion of 1842 he acted as quartermaster of the state troops, and in 1853 was elected by the legislature to represent Rhode Island in the adjustment of the boundary between that State and Massachusetts. He held many public offices, and in 1856 was made chief justice of the state supreme court, holding that office until a few weeks before his death. He was a delegate to the peace convention of 1861. He published "Rhode Island Reports" (vols. 4—7); and "Angell and Ames on Corporations." He died Dec. 20, 1865.