Pioneer Families of Grand Traverse County, Michigan

Colonel Ransom was born 21 July 1886 in Almira township, Benzie County, the son of Elijah Leland and Edna Helen Fillmore Ransom. He was named after a Colonel that his father had admired while serving as a Civil War soldier. As a child, Colonel attended school at Almira. He was a favorite grandson of Harriet Bessey Fillmore, who would take him down to Long Lake to bathe.

Colonel was married first on 3 October 1905 in Traverse City to Mabel C Buell. Clergyman Thomas Cox performed the ceremony, which was witnessed by Thomas and Myrtle Clawson Harris. Mabel was born on 23 July 1884 in Garfield township, Grand Traverse County, the daughter of Judd and Mary Christie Buell. Mabel died of tuberculosis on 26 February 1908 in Garfield township, Grand Traverse County. Colonel married second on 21 July 1909 in Garfield township, Grand Traverse County to Maybelle Fredericka Clawson. Justice of the Peace Amel F. Nerlinger performed the ceremony, which was witnessed by Colonel's parents. Maybelle was born on 31 August 1886 in Ravenna, Muskegon County Michigan, the daughter of Isaac and Anna Marie Dortea Rollenhagen Clawson.

Colonel worked at a variety of jobs during his life, mostly as a farmer, however he also built barns and did odd jobs. Maybelle worked as a cook at the local 4H camp. Her weak heart prevented her from doing strenuous labor.

Colonel Ransom and his father Elijah Ransom after a day of fishing at Long Lake.

Maybelle died 19 March 1951 in Traverse City, Grand Traverse County from heart disease and influenza. Colonel died 21 January 1974 in Traverse City, Grand Traverse County. His obituary appeared in the Traverse City Record Eagle:

"RANSOM- Colonel Ransom, 87, of R. 1, Empire, passed away Jan. 21 in Traverse City after a brief illness. A retired farmer in the Lake Ann region and an area resident all his life, Mr. Ransom was born July 21, 1886 in Elmira Township, son of Elijah and Edna Ransom. He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Maybelle Clawson in 1951 and by two sons, Ray in 1972 and Louis in 1952. Surviving are three sons, Robert J. of Port Huron, George P. of Birmingham and James E. of Traverse City; one daughter, Mrs. Anna Feiger of Traverse City; 16 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services at the Martinson Funeral Home in Traverse City will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. with the Rev. R.J. Laughtner officiating. Interment will be in Greenbriar Cemetery, Benzie County. Friends may call at the funeral home and memorials may be directed to the Lake Ann Methodist Church."

Colonel and Maybelle are buried at Green Briar Cemetery, Lake Ann, Michigan.

Left to right: Louis, Robert, Anna, and Alvorado Ransom, circa 1914/1915.

Children of Colonel Ransom and his wives Mabel Buell Ransom and Maybelle Clawson Ransom

i. Robert Judson Ransom was born on 21 July 1906 in Garfield township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan.

ii. Anna Mabel Ransom was born on 5 September 1910 in Garfield township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan.

iii. Alvorado (Ray) Burton Ransom was born on 29 October 1911 in Garfield township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan. He was named after his great uncle Alvorado.

iv. Louis Colonel Ransom was born 16 November 1912 in Garfield township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan.

v. George Phillip Ransom was born on 20 July 1917 in Traverse City, Grand Traverse County, Michigan.