The New International Encyclopædia/Ames, Oliver

AMES, Oliver (1831-95). The thirty-first governor of Massachusetts, a son of Oakes Ames (q.v.). He was trained in his father's manufactory, and upon his death undertook the discharge of the numerous financial obligations incurred by the building of the Union Pacific Railroad and other enterprises, paying within a few years debts aggregating millions of dollars. In 1882 he was chosen Lieutenant-Governor of Massachusetts, serving for four successive terms, and in 1886 was elected Governor, to which office he was reelected in 1887 and 1888.