Adelbert Ames

Republican Senator of Mississippi

Congresses Served

Senate Terms

January 1, 1835 (98 years old)

Birthday

January 1, 1933

Death

Served as a Union Army general during the American Civil War
Received the Medal of Honor for his actions at the First Battle of Bull Run
Served as military governor, U.S. Senator, and civilian governor in Reconstruction-era Mississippi
Last Republican governor of Mississippi until 1992
Supported political equality for African Americans, leading to controversy during and after his tenure
Served as a U.S. Army general during the Spanish–American War
Was the last surviving full-rank Civil War general at the time of his death
Born in Maine and initially pursued a career as a sailor before attending West Point
Played a significant role in several key battles during the Civil War, including Gettysburg
His administration in Mississippi was marked by efforts to advance the rights of formerly enslaved people
Married Blanche Butler, daughter of his former commander, and had six children
After leaving political office, engaged in business in Minnesota, New York, and Massachusetts
Involved in real estate and entertainment projects in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Florida
Notable descendants include a suffragist and inventor daughter, a scientist son, and a businessman/politician son
Portrayed in the film “Gods and Generals” by actor Matt Letscher