Company

Boston, Newport and New York Steams boat Company.   Organized in 1863, this company purchased the famous "Fall River Line" by acquiring The Bay State Steam Boat Company. With the Old Colony Railroads' extension from Fall River to Newport completed in 1864, The BNNSC moved its terminus from Fall River to Newport, RI In 1869 the company was sold with all its boats (The Bay State, Empire State, Metropolis, Newport, and Old Colony) to the competing firm, The Narragansett Steamship Company controlled by James Fisk Jr. In 1874, the line was acquired by The Old Colony Steamboat Company.

Certificate(s)

Stock. Issued in 1866. #540. Signed by Oliver Ames as President.

Oliver Ames. Started his career in the family's well-known shovel factory in Easton, Massachusetts which supplied Midwestern farmers and Western gold diggers. Along with his brother Oakes, invested the companies profits aggressively, gaining controlling interests in the Union Pacific Railroad.

He served as Lieutenant Colonel in the Massachusetts Militia prior to the Civil War, during which he managed the family's manufacturing operations. He was made president of several banks, railroads, and other companies. He was elected to the Senate, serving 1881 to 1883 and was Lieutenant Governor from 1883, until his election as Governor in 1887. During Ames' administration, a prohibition amendment to Massachusetts' Constitution was defeated. He also advocated banking reforms and public funding of education. After three terms as Governor, Ames declined to run for a fourth term and returned to family and business concerns.

Ames' father, Oakes Ames represented Massachusetts in Congress from 1862-1873 and was a founding member of Massachusetts' Republican Party. His brother, also named Oaks, served in congress and was censured for his role in the Crédit Mobilier scandal of 1872.

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