Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-05-10
DEATH OF CAKES ANES.

Inc DEAN OIL tOn. Oak0o Amoss tnOuSh
not unexpected since the first dispatches
announcing his sickness, comes upon the
public with suddenness. Aman supposed
to be in robust health, able to bear up for
many years against the common ills Of
life, it surprises to know that in few
hours after the intelligence Of his
sickness he succumbed to the uni
versal destroyer. That Ames and
Brooks should so soon have yielded up
their lives after the exposure Of the Credit
Mobilier investigation renders their de-
cease somewhat remarkable. The mental
and nervous strain, the feeling Of shame
and disgrace, occasioned by the disclos-
ures of the transactions connected with
the Credit Mobiler, doubtless fastened
the death of both. None but men of
stone could have stood unmoved against
the storm that beat upon these two. Per-
haps Ames did not realize when he was
parceling out the stock in his hands that
he was guilty of an act that would load
his name with disgrace, but the sequel
taught him that he had made mistake,
and the lesson struck home with fatal
force.
Mr.. Ames was born in Easton, Massa-
chusetts, January 10, 1904. He received
common school education and learned
the trade of shovel-maker. His energy
and business ability were great, so that
he became large manufacturer, a build
er of railroads, and acquired large for
tune. He was member ofthe Executive
Council of Mass. in 1860 and 1861, was
elected to the Thirty-eight Congress and
reelected to every Congress since. but
was not candidate last year. His gen.
crosby was large. The town in which he
resided has received the largest bounties
from him. Its schools and all its public
affairs, have been benefited by his gifts.
A writer in one of the newspapers says
"Mr. Ames here is looked upon as every
"oody's friend. Without ostentation he
has always carefully provided for the
wants Of his employees and pays them
rate of wages fully up to the average in
"all the States. During the financial cri-
isis of 1867 and 1858, say they. Mr. Ames
mot only helped himself through the diff
"culty. but aided his neighbors too, SO
THAT they cannot but feel his loss as that
''of near and dear friend. Mr. Ames'
manner lie among his townsmen has
''been very simple. Entirely destitute of
that conceit which sometimes accompan-
lies the possession of great wealth, he de-
ported himself at home as sturdy, self
reliant old farmer, contented with him
"self when others are doing well, and
without one grain of selfshness. He
was here. there, and everywhere about
1.-THE town, always good-naturcd, and
ready TO help anybody who he thought
Twas trying to help himself"
As one of the builders, and the princi-
pal one. of the Union Pacific Railroad, Mr..
Ames became most widely known, ac-
complishing what few men could have
done. He cast in his fortune and all the
personal influence he could WELD to car
ry through the enterprise. His success
was grand triumph. but unfortunately in
his efforts to achieve it he brought the
disgrace upon himself which cllngs to his
name. While we remember the repre-
henslble acts which he committed, we
must also remember his good qualities,
which made him beloved by his neighbors
and acquaintances. SO that they were will
ling to overlook his faults and speak we'll
oil him when all the world besides con-
demned. The penalty which he paid for
violating his trust as member of Cong.
ress was heavy one. even to the shorten
ing OF NE which otherwise might have
extended through many years of useful.
ness and happiness.
H.. H. III