Biography of Francis W. Ames of Mayville, North Dakota
Francis W. Ames was a prominent citizen of Mayville, North Dakota, significantly contributing to his county and state since his arrival in October 1880. Born on December 16, 1851, in Wiscasset, Maine, he was the son of carriage maker Charles H. Ames. After graduating from Trinity College in 1876, he studied law in Hartford, Connecticut, and was admitted to the bar in 1879. Ames moved to North Dakota in 1880, settling in Caledonia before relocating to Mayville in 1885. He served as clerk of the district court, state’s attorney of Traill County, and state senator. He was also appointed reporter of the supreme court in 1893. Ames was involved in banking, serving as vice-president of several banks. Married to Lucia A. Phelps in 1883, they had four children: Cora, Lillian, Chauncey, and Harold.