John W. Ames (colonel) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Worthington Ames
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| Born | November 23, 1833 Lowell, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | April 6, 1878 (aged 44) San Rafael, California, U.S. |
| Buried |
Mount Tamalpais Cemetery, San Rafael, California
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| Allegiance | United States (Union) |
| Branch | United States Army (Union Army) |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank | Colonel Bvt. Brigadier General |
| Unit | 11th Infantry Regiment |
| Commands held | 6th United States Colored Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Alma mater | Harvard University |
| Spouse(s) |
Margaret Corlis Plumly
(m. 1865–1878) |
John Worthington Ames was an American engineer and a military leader. He became a Brevet Brigadier General during the American Civil War. A "Brevet" rank is a special honorary promotion given for brave service, but it doesn't always come with higher pay or command.
During the war, he led the 6th United States Colored Infantry Regiment. Before that, he was part of the 11th Infantry Regiment.
Early Life and Career
John Ames was born on November 23, 1833, in Lowell, Massachusetts. He went to school in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He studied at the Hopkins School before attending the Scientific School of Harvard University. He graduated from Harvard in September 1854.
After college, John traveled to Shanghai, China, in December 1854. Later, he became a civil engineer in Allen's Grove, Wisconsin, in May 1857. In 1859, he worked as a land surveyor in Bloomington, Illinois. He also spent eight months in Texas as an engineer for a railroad company.
Service in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, John Ames joined the army. On May 14, 1861, he became a captain in the 11th Infantry Regiment.
He showed great bravery during the Battle of Gaines' Mill. Because of his courage, he was given the honorary rank of Major.
On September 28, 1863, Ames was given an important new role. He became a colonel and took command of the 6th United States Colored Infantry Regiment. This was a unit made up of African American soldiers.
During the Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Ames was wounded. He was leading a group of soldiers from the XVIII Corps at the time. On January 15, 1865, he was given the honorary rank of Brigadier General. This was to recognize his excellent service throughout the entire war.
After the war ended, Ames officially left the army on September 20, 1865. This happened in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Life After the War
John Ames married Margaret Corlis Plumly on May 17, 1865. After his military service, he worked for the Burlington & Missouri Railroad in Iowa. He moved to Burlington, Iowa, and later to San Francisco. In San Francisco, he became a Surveyor-general.
Ames also enjoyed writing. He wrote articles for different magazines and newspapers. Many of his writings were about his experiences during the American Civil War.
John Worthington Ames passed away on April 6, 1878. He died in San Rafael, California, and was buried at Mount Tamalpais Cemetery.
