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 LIVER H. AMES, a gentleman of cultivated tastes and good education, owns and occupies a homestead on section 23, in North Okaw Township, his property including 160 acres of good land. His early advantages in life were somewhat limited, but he made the most of his opportunities, and by the perusal of good books, and associating with well-bred and educated people, he has attained to a high position in his community, and is numbered among .the intelligent and progressive men of Coles County. His land is mainly devoted to general agriculture, although he raises thoroughbred stock. Mr. Ames is a native of Wayne County, Pa., his birth taking place there Nov. 16, 1840. He is the eldest child of Nelson W. and Nancy (Hoadley) Ames, natives of the same county as their son. The father was born Feb. 9, 1817. His paternal grandparents were Joseph and Gertrude (Schenck) Ames, who were among the earliest settlers of the Keystone State, and upon first locating in Wayne County were obliged to go forty miles to mill. Both the parents and grandparents spent their lives in Pennsylvania, and their remains were laid to rest beneath its soil. Our subject when a lad of nine years, was deprived by death of the affectionate care of his mother. His father afterward married Miss Susan A. Cramer, and Oliver H. remained at home until reaching his majority. Upon leaving the parental roof he was engaged by the month on a farm, and continued thus occupied for three years. He was married, May 4. 1864, to Miss Susanna S., daughter of James and Elizabeth (Morton) Whitney, the wedding taking place at Charleston, this county. Mrs. Ames was the second in a family of seven children born to her parents, and remained with them until her marriage. Her maternal grandfather, Charles Morton, was the original founder of the city of Charleston, and the court-house now stands on land which he deeded to the city for that purpose. Mrs. Ames received a good education, and for several years taught school in this county, being thus employed until a few months after her marriage. The second year the young people repaired to the farm of Mrs. Whitney, in Mattoon Township, and the third year our subject purchased eighty acres of land on section 36, in North Okaw Township. He occupied this but a short time, however, when he rented a quarter section adjacent, and operated upon that until prepared to purchase. In 1879 he bought 120 acres on section 23, to which he removed his family and where he has since resided. His first great affliction occurred on the 12th of August, 1886, when, the affectionate wife and mother was called hence, leaving four children. As a lady she possessed many amiable and lovable qualities, and was deeply mourned by her family and numerous friends. Mrs. Ames was born in Charleston, Ill., Feb. 4, 1842, and was consequently a little over forty-four years of age. One child had passed away before the death of the mother. Those remaining are, Willie H., Foster C., Harry D., Nellie and Gertrude. The deceased child was a little daughter named Mary O. Mrs. Ames was never very strong, and finding herself afflicted with heart decease, went to Kansas to remain for a time with her sister, and there closed her eyes upon the scenes of earth. She had been educated by her stepfather, Rufus Pierce, and was a more than ordinary lady. She had been a great sufferer, but bore her afflictions uncomplainingly, and presented a beautiful example of patience and resignation. While a professed Christian, she had not formally identified herself with any religious denomination, although an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Ames is determined to keep his little family together, and give them all the advantages possible. Our subject usually votes the Republican ticket, but has very little to do with politics, his farming and business interests absorbing the most of his time and attention. Whatever leisure he has is devoted to reading and study. He has added to his first purchase of laud, and is now the owner of 300 acres, all under cultivation and yielding some of the finest products of the Prairie State. It is with pleasure that the publishers present the portrait of Mr. Ames in this volume, as that of one of the representative men of Coles County. |
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