Oakes Ames

Oakes Ames
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Massachusetts's 2nd district
In office
March 4, 1863  March 3, 1873
Preceded byJames Buffington
Succeeded byBenjamin W. Harris
Personal details
Born(1804-01-10)January 10, 1804
Easton, Massachusetts, United States
DiedMay 8, 1873(1873-05-08) (aged 69)
Easton, Massachusetts, United States
Political partyRepublican
Spouse(s)Evelina Orville Ames, née Gilmore
Children
Parents
Relatives
Signature

Oakes Ames (January 10, 1804 – May 8, 1873) was an American businessman, investor, and politician. He was a member of the United States House of Representatives from Massachusetts. As a congressman, he is credited by many historians as being the single most important influence in the building of the Union Pacific portion of the transcontinental railroad. He is also noted for the subsequent scandal that alleged the improper sale of stock of the railroad's construction company.