CHARLES AMES OSBORN WARD Charles AMES, Kaneville, Illinois, who , after a long and busy life, is now living in retirement, has been a resident of Kane Co. since 1855. He was born in West Rutland, Vt., May 11, 1819, and comes of good old Revolutionary stock, his grandfather, Elijah AMES, a native of Connecticut, being a soldier in the war for independence. He removed to Massachusetts, where Avery AMES, the father of our subject, was born. From Mass. the family moved to Vermont, when Avery was a child of eight years. He there grew to manhood, and succeeded to the old homestead, which comprised over four hundred acres of land. In due time, he married Annie AMES, a daughter of Elijah AMES, who was also a pioneer of Vermont. Of their family of four sons and 2 daughters, who grew to mature years, Charles and his brother Avery are the only survivors. On the old farm he reared his family, and there remained until his death at the age of 88 years. His wife survived him about 10 years and passed away about her 90th year. Charles Avery was 5th in order of birth, and grew to manhood on his fathers farm, receiving a good common school education. He remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority, when he began life for himself. He was married in Castleton, Rutland Co., Vt. March 8, 1843 to Adelia WARD, a native of Fairhaven, Rutland Co., Vt., and a daughter of Rev. Chauncey WARD, a misnister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and also a pioneer of the Green Mountain State. Mrs AMES was educated at Castleton Seminary, and was a teacher there before her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. AMES commenced their domestic life on the homestead of his father, and there remained for 10 yrs. In 1855 they came to Kane Co, Ill., where some of their Vermont friends had preceded them. Soon after coming, he purchased a farm of 80 acres, 2 miles north of the village of Kaneville, on which there was a small house and about 40 acres of land having been broken. to the improvement of the place he bent his entire energies, and after a short time purchased forty acres adjoining. The old house in due time was remodeled by additions, and became a modern building, and good barns and other outbuildings were erected. On the place he continued to reside for 26 years, and was reputed one of the most enterprising and successful farmers of the township. In 1882, he rented the farm and moved into the village, where he purchased residence property, and has since continued to reside. Mr. and Mrs. AMES have five children, Annette is the wife of Dr. H.B. OSBORN of Kalamazoo Mich. Daniel C. was married and resides in Homer, Nebraska where he is engaged in farming. Edward is a practicing physician and surgeon and resides in Kalamazoo. Charles S. is a successful business man, residing in Iowa. Avery M. resides in DeKalb Co., Ill, where he is engaged in farming. The mother of these children passed away July 12, 1896. She was a noble Christian woman, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died in the full assurance of faith. The family were patriotic during the war for the union. The son, Daniel C., served as a soldier in the 52nd Regiment, Ill. Volunteer Infantry; Dr. OSBORNE was a surgeon in the army, and served as post surgeon at Vicksburg for one year after the close of the war; Avery AMES, a brother of our subject, served in a New York Regiment. Politically, Mr. AMES was originally a Whig, casting his first presidential ballot in 1840 for William Henry Harrison and continuing to act with that party until its final dissolution, after the campaign of 1852. He then united with the Republican party, voting for Fremont in 1856, and for every presidental nominee of the party up to and including William McKinley. The only offices ever held by him were those of highway commisioner and a member of the school board. He was formerly a member of the Congregational Church, and later a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he was an active worker for many years, serving as truste and steward, and was also active in Sunday school work. Fraternally he is a Master Mason, and was connected with the lodge at Kaneville until its surrender of its charter, after the destruction of the lodge room by fire, when he united with Blackberry lodge, at Elburn. A resident of Kane co. for over 43 years, Mr. AMES is well and favorably known throughout its length and breadth. In the many changes that have been made he has given material assistance, and has lived to see the day when Kane co. is ranked among the best in the entire state. He is respected by all who know him, and is one of the best citizens of his township and county. The Biographical Record of Kane Co., Ill. 1898, Chicago S.J.Clarke publishing page 671 Transcribed by Cynthia Nelson who has no further information on the above parties. Use your "BACK" button on your browser to return to Kane County ILGenWeb pages.