William Ames,son of Dickerman C. Ames and Rebecca Perdue, was born on his father's farm in Harris Twp, Ottawa Co, Ohio, November 13, 1843.
William Ames spent his boyhood days on the old homestead, attended the district schools of the neighborhood, and at the early age of nine years began working with a team,plowing, harrowing and doing other work on the farm. When the call for 75,000 men was issued by President Lincoln he eagerly and quickly responded, anxious to aid in the defense of the Union, but on account of his youth his father would not let him enlist. A second time he offered his services, and a second time his father prevented him from becoming one of the boys in blue,but finally, in 1863, he became a member of Company G, One Hundredth Regiment, Ohio Sharpshooters, with whom he served until the end of the war. He took part in the battles of the Wilderness, which continued for seven days, Cold Harbor, Welden Railroad, and assisted in the destruction of Petersburg, where four thousand were killed in half an houor,aiding in making the three-mile tunnel under the city. He served in the army of the Potomac under Gen. Grant, and witnessed the grand review of the victorious troops in the Capitol City.He was also in Ford's Theatre at the time of President Lincoln's assassination, and saw Booth jump upon the stage after firing the fatal shot which ended the life of one of the most honored and distinguished men this country has produced.
Upon the close of the war Mr. Ames returned home, and on August 14, 1865, he was married in Elmore to Miss Emma J. Essig, of Stark County, Ohio, who was born March 10, 1838, in that county, where she lived until her marriage. She obtained her education in the public schools, and then engaged in teaching in Portage County, and for one term in Ottawa County. Her father, John Essig, a mason by trade, was born June 3, 1784, and died September 30, 1854. His wife,who bore the maiden name of Esther Spangle, was born May 4, 1792 and died September 23, 1877. Twelve children bless their marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Ames have always resided in Elmore,where they have a pleasant home and many friends. Their only child,Birdie, was educated in the public schools here, and for two years was a successful teacher of Ottawa County. In 1888, she became the wife of John Schling, and they now reside in Oak Harbor. William Ames is engaged in the raising of horses, and is well-known in Ottawa County, where he has spent his entire life, as a straightforward business man. He has the warm regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact. (Taken from Commerative Biographical Record of Sandusky and Ottawa County,' Ohio, pub. 1896, pg 790)
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Most recent revision April 1, 1998