DATM (1999) includes the following information on Ames Shovels:

John Ames of W. Bridgewater, MA (d. 1805) made shovels from 1777 - 1805.
Oliver Ames was John Ames youngest son and inherited his forge and land.
Oliver was born in W. Bridgewater, April 13, 1779.  He moved to Easton, MA in 1803.  He ran two businesses after his father died.
By 1807 he was in a hoe making partnership with Asa Waters (Ames, Waters & Co.).
In 1807 he moved to Plymouth, MA and managed the shovel making plant of Plymouth Iron Works.
In 1814 he moved back to Easton and expanded his operation there to South Braintree, MA.
In 1844 he turned the management of the business over to his sons Oakes and Oliver and the name changed to Oliver Ames & Sons.
Oliver Ames & Sons operated in Easton from 1844 - 1901.
In 1901 they were reorganized as Ames Shovel and Tool Co. and merged with H. M. Myers Shovel Co., T. Rowland's Sons, Wright Shovel Co. and Elwood Steel Plant.
In 1952 the name was changed to O. Ames Co.
Brands used before 1900 include T.M. Porter  and James Adams.
The Oliver Ames Plow Co. was some sort of affiliate after 1860.

John Ames of W. Bridgewater, MA (d. 1805) made shovels from 1777 - 1805.
Oliver Ames was John Ames youngest son and inherited his forge and land. Oliver was born in W. Bridgewater, April 13, 1779.  He moved to Easton, MA in 1803.  He ran two businesses after his father died. By 1807 he was in a hoe making partnership with Asa Waters (Ames, Waters & Co.). In 1807 he moved to Plymouth, MA and managed the shovel making plant of Plymouth Iron Works. In 1814 he moved back to Easton and expanded his operation there to South Braintree, MA. In 1844 he turned the management of the business over to his sons Oakes and Oliver and the name changed to Oliver Ames & Sons. Oliver Ames & Sons operated in Easton from 1844 - 1901. In 1901 they were reorganized as Ames Shovel and Tool Co. and merged with H. M. Myers Shovel Co., T. Rowland’s Sons, Wright Shovel Co. and Elwood Steel Plant. In 1952 the name was changed to O. Ames Co.
Brands used before 1900 include T.M. Porter and James Adams. The Oliver Ames Plow Co. was an affiliated company after 1860.