Ames, Charles W. (Charles Wilberforce), 1855-1921.

Charles Wilberforce Ames was born in Minneapolis, June 30, 1855, the son of Charles Gordon Ames and Sarah Daniels Ames. He was educated at Albany Academy (Albany, New York) and public schools in California. He graduated from Cornell University in 1878. After working in San Jose, California as an apprentice printer, he returned to Minnesota where he worked as a railroad surveyor. He later assisted his father in editing and publishing the Christian Register in Boston. In 1880 he became associated with the George H. Ellis Publishing Company in Boston. In 1882 he returned to St. Paul and purchased an interest in the West Publishing Company, a publisher of law books. This association continued until his death in 1921. Under his guidance the company grew to be one of the largest publishers of law books in the U.S.

Ames became very active in the educational, civic, religious, and cultural life of St. Paul and Minnesota. Among his many projects were the founding of the St. Paul Institute, Loomis School, St. Paul Academy, and the Informal Club.

Ames married Mary Lesley in 1883. She was the daughter of Peter (J. Peter) and Susan Lyman Lesley. Mary Lesley Ames became active in many social welfare projects concerning women and children. In May 1915 the St. Paul Branch of the Fatherless Children of France was started and its headquarters were in the Ames house. Later, the American Fund for French Wounded was likewise headquartered there. Charles W., his daughters Elizabeth, Alice, and Margaret, and his son Theodore all worked in France with the organization.

During World War II, Elizabeth Ames Jackson and Margaret Ames Wright carried on the tradition of extending help with money and clothes to the people of France and England through the American Friends of France and the British War Relief Society, Incorporated These organizations were again headquartered in the Ames home. Over 72,000 garments were made or refurbished and sent to England.

Charles and Mary Ames had six children: Charles Lesley, Margaret, Catharine, Alice, Elizabeth, and Theodore Gordon.

From the guide to the Charles W. and Mary Lesley Ames family papers., 1803-1986 (Bulk 1880-1945)., (Minnesota Historical Society)