Ames, Fisher
orator, statesman, author, was born April 9, 1758, in Dedham, Mass. He graduated from Harvard university in 1774; studied law in Boston, and commenced practice in his native town; distinguished himself as a member of the Massachusetts convention for ratifying the constitution in 1788; and from that body passed into the state legislature. He was soon afterward elected representative in congress, where he served from 1789 to 1797, and gained great reputation for his eloquence and exalted patriotism. He was devotedly attached to Washington, and was the author of the Address from the house of representatives to the president prior to his retirement from office. He wrote much for the papers on the public affairs of America, England, and France, and both as a writer and orator attained a very prominent position, and exerted an extensive influence. In 1809 a collection of his writings, and his life, were published by Rev. Dr. Kirkham; in 1854 a more complete edition was issued, edited by his son. He died July 4, 1808. a