Oliver Ames

Oliver Ames was an American businessman, investor, politician, and philanthropist from Massachusetts. He was the son of Oakes Ames (1804–1873), a railroad tycoon behind the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad (UP) who was notably censured in the Credit Mobilier scandal for actions taken while a United States Congressman. Ames was executor of his father's estate, and took over many of his business interests. A Republican, he served as the 35th Governor of Massachusetts (1887–1890). He was a major philanthropist, especially in his hometown of Easton, which is graced by a number of architecturally significant works by H.H. Richardson as a result of his influence.