The New International Encyclopædia/Ames, Fisher

AMES, Fisher (1758-1808). An American orator and Congressman. He was born at Dedham, Mass., April 9, 1758. He graduated at Harvard in 1774, began the practice of law in 1781, and soon became favorably known through his trenchant newspaper articles in condemnation of Shays's Rebellion (q.v.) and in favor of a strong government. This local reputation was increased by his efforts in favor of the Federal constitution in the Massachusetts Convention of 1788, the immediate result of which was his election to Congress, where he served for eight years, becoming known especially as an accomplished public speaker. In his later years he served in the Massachusetts Council, delivered a eulogy on Washington before the Legislature, and produced a number of essays: but he took no part in active politics. In 1804 he declined the presidency of Harvard. He died July 4. 1808. A single volume of his Works was published in Boston (1809), and later his son, Seth Ames, edited his writings and speeches in more extended form, with a memoir by J. T. Kirkland (Boston. 1854).