Part of the American History & Genealogy Project

Minerva Ross Ames 1853 ~ 1929

Mrs. John C. Ames, Minerva Ross Ames, state regent for Illinois, 1909-1910, is a native Illinoisan. Her father, John Ross, of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, whose antecedents were the same as George Ross, the "signer," and her mother, Elizabeth Hunter Ross, of Indiana County, Pennsylvania, came to Illinois about 1850.

Mrs. Ames comes of patriotic stock, tracing her ancestry back to Revolutionary soldiers both through her father's and mother's line. Her great-grandfather. Lieutenant Hunter (on her mother's side), was a Revolutionary hero. She is also eligible to the Daughters of 1812. Her only brother gave his life for his country in the Civil War. She has perpetuated the patriotic and military spirit by giving a son for service in the Spanish-American War.

Mrs. Ames became a member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution many years ago, and has always taken an active part in promoting the welfare of the organization and the patriotic principles for which it stands. During her temporary residence in Chicago she served the Chicago Chapter as its recording secretary and first vice-regent.

Mrs. Ames is possessed of a love and loyalty for the order, a fervent patriotic spirit, a pleasing personality and great executive ability and extended acquaintance throughout the state. She was a member of a "State Park Commission" appointed by Governor Deneen to investigate and report to the legislature several sites suitable for state parks, which resulted in an appropriation by the legislature of funds for buying the historic spot "Starved Rock," and several hundred acres surrounding it as a state parte. She was one of the founders of the oldest and most active literary clubs in her city and has served as its president. She has since her childhood been a member of the Baptist Church.

In 1875 she was married to John C. Ames, and coming to Streator a bride she has ever since been a resident of that city. She is a member of the Amor Patrise Chapter of Streator, Illinois.

Women of America

Source: The Part Taken by Women in American History, By Mrs. John A. Logan, Published by The Perry-Nalle Publishing Company, Wilmington, Delaware, 1912.