John Worthington Ames

John Worthington Ames (November 23, 1833 – April 6, 1878) was an American Brevet Brigadier General and engineer who participated in the American Civil War. He commanded the 6th United States Colored Infantry Regiment throughout the war, previously being within the 11th Infantry Regiment.

Early life John was born on November 23, 1833, at Lowell, Massachusetts. He was the son of Seth Ames (1805–1881) and Margaret Stevenson Bradford (a daughter of Gamaliel Bradford of the Continental Army).

He spent his early career attending schools at Cambridge, Massachusetts, beginning with the Hopkins School before entering the Scientific School of Harvard University and graduating in September 1854. Ames was brevetted to Major for "gallantry in action" during the Battle of Gaines' Mill. On September 28, 1863, Ames accepted a commission to be given command of the 6th United States Colored Infantry Regiment as a colonel of the regiment.

Later career After marrying, Ames becoming employed at the Burlington & Missouri Railroad in Iowa as Ames moved to Burlington, Iowa, before moving to San Francisco to become a Surveyor-general.

Ames died on April 6, 1878, at San Rafael, California and was buried at Mount Tamalpais Cemetery.