G. R. Ames (biography)

[genealogynut]

Taken from History of the State of Kansas, by William G. Cutler

G. R. AMES, stock-raiser, P.O. Moline, was born in Wayne County, Penn., February 28, 1823.  Was raised there until 1845, when he settled in New Jersey, when he engaged in farming.  In 1855, migrated to Winnebago County, Ill., and engaged in farming, thence to Coles County, remaining there until 1869, when he engaged in buying and shipping stock in Bureau County, doing an extensive business.  At the end of two years, sold out and came to Kansas, and located in Howard County, now Elk, was among the pioneers of the county, and when he took his claim in Wild Cat Township was forty miles from market, drawing his lumber sixty miles to build with, has 320 acres in Section 35, Town 31, Range 10; has 120 acres under the plow, forty acres of pasture, the whole place fenced; has planted a fine orchard of 250 apple, 1,500 peach trees, besides cherries, plums, grapes and small fruits, is extensively engaged in stock-raising, and has done a good deal of shipping since 1875; served as Treasurer of his township one term; was married, 1845, to Miss C. J. McLain, of Wayne County, Penn., they were blessed with four children, viz., Henry V. Joseph S., John E., and George R. Jr.; was married again in 1852 in Coles County, Ill., to Miss Ellen C. Hoots, they have one son Edwin E.  Served four years and four months in the Tenth Illinois Cavalry and was taken prisoner at the battle of Clark's Mills.  Is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and for many years was a member of the I.O.O. F.