James Tyler Ames

Background

Ames, James Tyler was born on May 13, 1810 in Lowell, Massachusetts, United States. Son of Nathan Peabody and Phoebe (Tyler) Ames.

Education

Master of Arts (honorary), Amherst College, 1863.

Career

Mechanic in his father’s factory, Lowell, before 1829. Moved (with entire family) to Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, 1829. Formed (with brother Nathan P. Ames, Junior) Ames Manufacturing Company, specializing in cutlery and tools, 1834, expanded into manufacturing of brass cannon, then became 1st sword company in the United States.

Became head of company after death of brother, 1847-1874, expanded company’s operations, began manufacture of cotton-machinery, lathes, planes, turbine water wheels, 1849. Manufactured Eldredge Sewing Machine and 1st Victor and Eagle bicycles. Expanded operations to include bronze castings, before Civil War.

Casted Crawford Doors on East wing United States Capitol Building, statue of Washington in Boston Public Gardens, Minute Man at Concord, Massachusetts, Lincoln Monument at Springfield, Illinois. Manufactured munitions (1 of North’s largest factories) during Civil War. Manufactured sabers for Turkey during Russo-Turkish War, for France during Franco-Prussian War.

Invented (with General James of Providence, Rhode Island) cannon-ball which necessitated rifled cannon, also invented machinery for manufacture of rifled cannon.

Connections

Married Ellen Huse, 1838, 3 children.

Father:

Nathan Peabody Ames

Mother:

Phoebe (Tyler) Ames

Spouse:

Ellen Huse