Oliver Ames (politician)

Oliver Ames

Oliver Ames (born February 4, 1831 in Easton , Bristol County , Massachusetts , † October 22, 1895 ibid) was an American politician and governor of the state of Massachusetts from 1887 to 1890 .

Early years and political advancement

Oliver Ames was the son of Congressman Oakes Ames , who had been removed from office because of a scandal. Oliver initially enjoyed a private education and then studied at Brown University , but without a degree. He then worked in the family business, which made shovels and other tools for agriculture. With the profits he made, he entered the banking and railroad industries. In the Massachusetts militia, he made it to lieutenant colonel. He left the troops before the outbreak of the civil war .

Ames became a member of the Republican Party . He was a member of the Massachusetts Senate from 1881 to 1882 ; from 1883 to 1887 he was Vice Governor Deputy Governors Benjamin Franklin Butler and George D. Robinson . On November 2, 1886, he was elected governor of his state, where he prevailed with 50:46 percent of the vote against the Democrat John F. Andrew .

Massachusetts Governor

Oliver Ames took up his new office on January 6, 1887 and was able to exercise it until January 1, 1890 after several re-elections. During his tenure, the education system in Massachusetts was improved and the banking system reformed. The state's infrastructure, especially the rail network and waterways, was expanded. A bill to introduce a prohibition law was rejected in a referendum.

After the end of his governorship, Ames withdrew from politics. He died in October 1895. He had six children with his wife, Anna Coffin Ray.

Web links

• Oliver Ames in the National Governors Association (English)
• Oliver Ames in the database of Find a Grave (English)