Adelbert Ames

Adelbert Ames (October 31, 1835 – April 13, 1933) was an American sailor, soldier, and politician. He served with distinction as a Union Army general during the American Civil War. As a Radical Republican, he was military governor, Senator and civilian governor in Reconstruction-era Mississippi. In 1898 he served as a United States Army general during the Spanish–American War. He was the last Republican to serve as the state governor of Mississippi in the 19th century; a Republican would not become governor of Mississippi again until 1992.

Ames was the last substantive general officer of the Civil War to die, dying at age 97 in 1933.

Early life and career

Adelbert (/əˈdɛlbərt/ ə-DEL-bərt) Ames was born in 1835 in the town of Rockland (then known as East Thomaston), located in Knox County, Maine. He was the son of a sea captain named Jesse Ames. Adelbert Ames also grew up to be a sailor, becoming a mate on a clipper ship, and also served briefly as a merchant seaman on his own father's ship.