Fisher Ames

Date of Birth: April 9, 1758

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: July 4, 1808

Biography

Fisher Ames was an influential American statesman, lawyer, and orator who played a significant role in the early political landscape of the United States. Born on April 9, 1758, in Dedham, Massachusetts, Ames was a prominent Federalist known for his eloquence and staunch advocacy for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. He graduated from Harvard College in 1774 and subsequently embarked on a career in law, being admitted to the bar in 1781. Ames served in the Massachusetts General Court before being elected to the First United States Congress, where he represented Massachusetts from 1789 to 1797. During his tenure, he was known for his eloquent speeches and his support of the fiscal policies of Alexander Hamilton. One of his most notable contributions was his speech in favor of the Jay Treaty, which helped secure its ratification despite significant opposition. After retiring from Congress, Ames continued to influence political thought through his writings and essays. He returned to Dedham, where he managed his estate and continued to be a vocal advocate for Federalist principles. Fisher Ames passed away on July 4, 1808, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to the nascent American republic.

5 Interesting Facts about Fisher Ames

1. Fisher Ames was a staunch Federalist and a close ally of Alexander Hamilton.

2. Ames graduated from Harvard College at the age of 16.

3. He was a key advocate for the ratification of the Jay Treaty in 1794.

4. Ames is remembered for his powerful oratory skills and eloquent speeches in Congress.

5. After retiring from politics, he continued to influence American political thought through his essays and writings.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Fisher Ames

1. “Liberty has never lasted long in a democracy, nor has it ever ended in anything better than despotism.”

2. “A democracy is a volcano which conceals the fiery materials of its own destruction.”

3. “The known propensity of a democracy is to licentiousness which the ambitious call, and the ignorant believe to be, liberty.”

4. “The happiness of society is the end of government.”

5. “A monarchy is a merchantman, which sails well, but will sometimes strike on a rock and go to the bottom; whilst a republic is a raft, which would never sink, but then your feet are always in water.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Fisher Ames’s net worth is not well-documented, particularly given the period in which he lived. However, as a prominent lawyer, statesman, and landowner, he was considered well-off for his time.

Children

Fisher Ames had several children with his wife, Frances Worthington Ames. Their family life was centered in Dedham, Massachusetts, where they raised their offspring away from the political limelight.