BOOKS ABOUT THE RANSOM FAMILY

BOOKS ABOUT THE RANSOM FAMILY

updated 6 July 2008
minor update 6 Dec 2009

list maintained & edited by Michael J RANSOM, P O Box 1754, Albany OR 97321;
copyright 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2009.


CONTENTS


ROBERT(1) RANSOM of Plymouth MA

WCR: Historical Outline of the Ransom Family of America, and genealogical record of the Colchester, Connecticut Branch, 1903, by Wyllys Cadwell RANSOM. 408 p, 39 portraits. This huge compendium traces many branches of this part of the family, including the Michigan immigrants. Has good historical and biographical data, but many errors and must be used with caution. Updated for some lines (see below).

Availability:

Genealogical Sketch of Pelatiah Ransom and his children, 1898, by William L RANSOM. 12-page booklet. Pelatiah (1752-1807) is a 5th-generation American and Revolutionary Patriot. Lists c175 people, 4 generations. microfilm LOC; LDS#14433986; microfiche LDS#6010341.

John E RANSOM Collection at Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Buffalo NY. See description in RANSOM RESEARCHER #7, pp 169-179.

RANSOM Family in America [1969], a 20-page item listed in the DAR catalog. Charts only, with no earlier generations. This is the 1969 Census of the Progeny of the Union of William Henry Harrison RANSOM and Eliza ESTES of Ransomville NY. [WHH(7), Peleg(6), Griffin(5), Peleg(4), Joseph(3), Robert(2,1)]; see article on family in RANSOM RESEARCHER #9, p 227-228.

Asa Green RANSOM 1823-1883, compiled by Gloria Ellen SANNES in 1988, is a typescript with photos, portraits, 60p of diary [1876/77], and 21p listing parts of 12 generations, focussed mainly on the descendants of this Rock Co WI family. [Asa(6), Asa, Thomas, Joshua, Robert, Joshua, Robert(1)]. Reviewed in RANSOM RESEARCHER #9 [3/95], p 236.

RANSOM FAMILY [1973] by Grace ALLEN RANSOM, 36 page typescript covering 12 generations. Contains interesting excerpts from Plymouth Town Records about Robert(1) RANSOM, with a chapter on each succeeding generation. Extensive information on Captain Samuel RANSOM and his son, George Palmer RANSOM [CBS, qv]. see more extensive review in RANSOM RESEARCHER#10, p258

RANSOMS of Richland Co IL, by Helen S SCHOLL of Indianapolis IN, a descendant of Reuben Allerton(6) RANSOM. [Reuben A(6), David(5), Robert(4,3,2,1)] [unknown availability]

Riley RANSOM Collection, Montgomery Co Dept of History & Archives, Fonda NY, includes his bible records, other family records.

Genealogical Outline of the RANSOM Family in America (with Special Reference to the Line of Descent of John Clinton RANSOM of Washington [DC], [1924]. 23 pages. Copy with Oscar FRICKE, from John Snow(10) RANSOM of Oakland CA. [(Clarance A (9), John Clinton, Jared Deming, Caleb, Bliss, Joshua, Robert, Joshua, Robert(1)]. A copy is also with John's daughter, Susan, of Portland ME, .


Captain SAMUEL RANSOM


son of Robert(3); Robert(2); Robert(1)

CBS: A Genealogical Record of the descendants of Captain Samuel RANSOM of the Continental Army, killed at the massacre of Wyoming PA, July 3d, 1778, 1882, by Clinton Brooks SEARS, 1844-1912. This 234-page book has an excellent index of 1700+ names in 6 generations. [Captain Samuel(4) RANSOM (1738-1778), Robert(3,2,1)]. Shelf#: CS71.R212 1882. Available on 35mm microfilm [LOC; LDS#0476910] and on fiche.

The genealogy from this book is published on the internet by Judy DELBENE at The Descendants of Captain Samuel RANSOM [site name, "Descendants of Robert RANSOM" is misleading, but does suggest that Robert(1) married Abigail GARDINER(?)]. To print it out will run 72 pages; also available in GEDCOM from Judy. There is also a Family Tree Maker Report of 47 pages by Karen A KEIL.

A Supplement to the [Capt] Ransom Genealogy 1968 was published by H B STEELE; 101 pages. There's a copy at Allen Co Public Library.

George Palmer RANSOM died in 1850, and his grave was marked and re-dedicated on 2 Sept 2000, with summary remarks by Loraine PRUTZMAN.

Wyoming: It's History, Stirring Incidents and Romantic Adventures, by (early Methodist clergyman) George PECK, DD [New York: Harper Brothers, 1858] was published 8 years after George Palmer RANSOM's death, and contains a wealth of personal anecdotes and history about this family and the Wyoming area. The book has 432 pages, is indexed, and available on microfilm [FHL #0874060 (complete) and # 0844649 (pp 233-284 missing)]. It is also at the Toldedo OH public library, and scanned online in the "Making of America" collection; see the section on Col RANSOM at The Captivity and Escape of George P RANSOM and others.

If you are a descendant of Captain Samuel RANSOM, contact for permission to access the Ransom Notes site at MyFamily.com. There is a wealth of information, pictures, files and comments, with daily updates.

Sketch of COLONEL WILLIAM RANSOM and of the RANSOM FAMILY, compiled and edited by Clarence L COLLENS, 1956. not indexed. This book was found in Owego NY, by Albert E SMITH, of Cocoa Beach FL. It is very nicely done, over 100 pages, with many photographs and interesting stories. Click on the link above to read a review of this book.

John E RANSOM Collection at Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Buffalo NY. See description in RANSOM RESEARCHER #7, pp 169-179.

RANSOM GENEALOGY [Dallas PA: 1973]. 185 pages, with a 37-page index, and a genealogical table. Record of the descendants of Chester(6) RANSOM, a son of George Palmer RANSOM. Neatly typed and thorough record, beginning with Capt Samuel RANSOM [CBS; qv], and includes information about the ancestry of George Palmer RANSOMs wife [Elizabeth LAMOREAUX] and his mother [Esther LAWRENCE]. This book is an expansion of the work of Coray B & Olive E RANSOM, the Blue Book of Ransom Genealogy 1808-1950. Descendants have updated this book in 1983 [25 pages, indexed] and 1993 [58 pages, indexed], and in 1999 [RANSOM NOTES]. For information, contact Karen KEIL or Loraine K PRUTZMAN. See more extensive review in RANSOM RESEARCHER #18, June 1997, page 443. Update information in RANSOM RESEARCHER #23, page 550; and at RANSOM NOTES.

"I have a copy of this book [Dallas PA 1973] and will gladly do lookups for people." Judy DELBENE

RANSOM NOTES, published in 1999 and abstracted at RANSOM NOTES, is a complete re-working of the RANSOM Genealogy [1973] and the updates listed above. Karen KEIL produced this 448-page loose-leaf book, with a complete Henry system re-numbering of the descendants of Captain Samuel RANSOM. There are nine sections (one for each child of Captain Samuel RANSOM), and appendices which include the descent [from Adam] of Esther LAWRENCE, and extended lines for the GARINGER, SHONK and TUPPER families. RANSOM NOTES is not indexed, so you may need the earlier incarnations of this work [above, indexed] or one of the web-sites [above] to locate a particular name.

Four Ohio RANSOM lines from Robert RANSOM (c1636-1697), by Mervin & Alberta RANSOM [Decorah IA: Anunsen Publ, 1990]. This 150-page book indexes 422 RANSOM names, and 840 in all. The 4 lines emphasized are: Matthew RANSOM [1711-1761] and his brother Joseph RANSOM [1719-1797] [sons of Joseph(2), Matthew(1)], and Amasa RANSOM [1741-1818] and his brother Asahel RANSOM [1746-1835], sons of James(4), Robert, Joshua, Robert(1). Much of the information came from WCR (qv). There are 51 pages of narrative, covering 13 generations. There are 7 appendices, including Notes from Colchester CT, Judah Welles RANSOM; John Coult RANSOM autobiography & trip; Justin RANSOMs letter to son Albert RANSOM; Orlando RANSOM; Related Family Lines; and Mervin(10) RANSOMs prisoner-of-war diary and comments. Also, a section of documents and index. The book is out-of-print, but pages can be copied by the authors [612 Tanager Rd, Venice FL 34293] or at these libraries: Norwalk OH; Toledo OH; Ohio Historical Society, Columbus OH; CT Historical Society, Hartford CT; Library of Congress.

The Colonial Ancestry and Royal Descent of William Asa RANSOM, by Dorothy Burns RANSOM, 1956. This 24-page typescript is in the Clayton Library, Houston TX, and on LDS microfilm #1317401, item 4. It charts 41 generations of royal descent from Charlemange through Esther LAWRENCE, wife of Captain Samuel RANSOM (CBS; qv). Includes the will of Robert(3) RANSOM [1745], and biographical notes on his mother, Anna WATERMAN, and his second wife, Sarah CHILD. Also has 1 page each on George Palmer RANSOM [1762/3-1850]; Thomas RANSOM [1806-1879]; Firman RANSOM [1853-1936]; Asa L RANSOM [1880-] and William Asa RANSOM.

Ely HARRIS & Lucretia RANSOM of Connecticut, New York and Ontario, by Margaret HARRIS STOVER [Decorah IA: Anundsen Publ, 1990]. Sources are well-documented, with good bibliography and surname index [lots of RANSOM, BROWN, HAGLE]. Lucretia is a daughter of Peleg RANSOM. available at LOC, Sutro [CS71 H315 1990], and FHL [book area 929.273 H24s] with a copy of book on 4 microfiche on inside cover. 209 pages with gen tables, maps, pictures.


MATTHEW RANSOM of Saybrook CT

HBR: Ransom Genealogy (Lyme, Conn. Branch), 1956, by Harry Blaine RANSOM, 1884-1972. This 300-page typescript records the descendants of Matthew(1) RANSOM (c1657-c1685) of Saybrook CT. The first 200 pages is organized in 9 sections based on the children of Matthew(3) 1711-1760. the last hundred pages comprises index and supplements to 1960. This work was microfilmed in 1958 and later, and is available in Detroit, Newberry, LOC, DAR, NEHGS, Hartford CT State Library & Historical Society, Columbus OH Historical Society, Toledo OH, Kansas City MO, Los Angeles CA, Woodstock VT.

John E RANSOM Collection at Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Buffalo NY. See description in RANSOM RESEARCHER #7, pp 169-179.

Memoirs of Daniel RANSOM [1813-1894]. 67 pages, untitled, dated 28 June 1894 at Longmont CO. Daniel was assisted by Daniel Van Ness RANSOM [DVNR; q.v.] of Pomfret VT. Tells of his life and activities from the time he took over the store in Woodstock VT in 1836 (when his father died) until 1894. Original holograph, transcribed in 1932 by his grandson, Charles L RANSOM [1872-1941]. Copy in the Norman Williams Library, Woodstock VT.

RANSOM FAMILY, by Ethel RANSOM LOHBERGER (1895-1959), a manuscript at the Toledo OH Public Library. referred to in Four Ohio Lines [qv]. Covers some descendants in the Matthew RANSOM line.

Four Ohio RANSOM lines from Robert RANSOM (c1636-1697), by Mervin & Alberta RANSOM see earlier listing

DVNR: A Short Sketch of the RANSOM Family, by Daniel Van Ness RANSOM [Woodstock VT: c1859]. This 14-page manuscript describes the family of Richard RANSOM [1740-1811] (Richard(4), Matthew, Joseph, Matthew(1)). It is likely that this was written by DVNRs father, Cephas RANSOM, c1848. The first 11 pages are reprinted in RANSOM RESEARCHER #1 (pp 19-22). The original is microfilmed as part of WZR's manuscript (qv) on LDS microfilm #0982434, item 37. Oscar FRICKE also made a typescript of this document.

WZR: RANSOM Family History and Genealogy, by William Ziba RANSOM, c1899. This manuscript record of the descendants of Matthew RANSOM [1711-1760] is fully indexed, and includes several other items in 100+ pages: [1] the 83-page family record kept by Daniel RANSOM [1813-1894], handed down to Dr Franklin R FITCH; [2] 31-page booklet, Discourses at Norwich VT during the Obsequies of Truman Bishop RANSOM, Colonel of the New England Regiment, February 22, 1848, [1905]; [3] Short Sketch of the RANSOM Family [DVNR, qv]; [4] letters, newspaper clippings and photographs dealing with the RANSOM family. Available on LDS microfilm #0982434 item 37.

RANSOM GENEALOGY [1985], by Ronald Romaine DUNCAN. I found this at the Oakland Family History Center; it's 12 pages, typed, mostly photocopied from HBR. It deals with Elisha RANSOM, born 1772 Lyme CT, who moved to Milan IN, died 1867.

The Genealogical Family of Mary Evelyn RANSOM (Mrs Frank STRONG), compiled by Sarah Classen SEVERINGHAUS [Shreveport LA: 1976], on LDS microfilm #1036519. This 61-page typescript begins with Robert RANSOM of Plymouth, and appears to rely heavily on Short Sketch [DVNR; qv] and the work of William Ziba RANSOM [WZR; qv]. No sources listed for early generations. One- and two-page biographies of W Z RANSOM [1821-1903]; Senator Frank T RANSOM; Warren RANSOM [1790-1828] and Ziba RANSOM [1792/3-1832].

AR: RANSOM FAMILIES, by Albert RANSOM [Drexel Hill PA: 1955]. This typescript covers some descendants of Stephen(3) RANSOM [1724-1796], son of Joseph(2), Matthew(1). Indexed [4 sections: Albany NY, NYC, Southern, & Philadelphia branches, with addresses], with charts. Available at Buffalo & Erie Co PL, NY State Library Albany, CT Historical Society Hartford, and family members. I have a copy, will do lookups;

GUC: Genealogical Record, prepared by Glen U CLEETON [1894-] [Allison Park PA: 1976]. Includes the family bible of Theophilus RANSOM [1751-1823] and the memoirs of Daniel Truman RANSOM [1844-1924].


SOUTHERN RANSOMS

The Ransom Family of Western Kentucky: a history and genealogy by Robert G RANSOM MD (1927-), 1977 Murfreesboro TN. This 386-page book includes a full index, many high-quality photos, and an extensive bibliography. Follows the descendants of Richard RANSOM, 1770 VA- >Caswell Co NC >TN. Dr RANSOM also has extensive information [not in book] about Capt Richard Payne RANSOM. [$20pp from author; also available FHL, LOC, ACPL]. see RANSOM RESEARCHER #4 & 5, pp 80 & 116.

John E RANSOM Collection at Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Buffalo NY. See description in RANSOM RESEARCHER #7, pp 169-179.

Pedigree Chart of the Peter, James & (Capt) Richard Payne RANSOM family, 1620-1981. This hand-written chart was apparently done in pencil, and loaned to the LDS Church for microfilming. It's on roll #1035668, but appears unreadable [over-exposed].

Genealogy of the Ransone Family - Peter Ransone, by a Ms. RICHARDSON of Mathews Co VA - Peter RANSONE, b c1620, settled in Elizabeth City Co VA. He was a representative in the House of Burgesses in 1652. His sons settled in Gloucester and Middlesex Counties VA. Richard LUHT abstracted the data to a web-page, where about 200 descendants are listed, using the Henry system. This page has numerous errors in Mrs RICHARDSON's compilation; use with caution, and check your sources! The RANSONE Family Outline This page is no longer posted; click on the link, then highlight and copy the link from your browser box, then go to the Wayback machine and paste the link. You can find archived copies of many "404 not found" pages this way.

General Robert RANSOM,by Frank GOODWAY, 22 Beechwood Dr, Clifton Park NY 12065, includes information gathered from the Generals papers, The RANSOM Brothers by R C LAWRENCE, the RANSOM Genealogy papers, and the William & Mary Quarterly.

Matt W Ransom, Confederate General from North Carolina, by Clayton Charles Marlow [1996], is available from Amazon Books.

RANSOM CHRONOLOGY, as compiled by George W RANSOM of Murfreesboro TN about 1910, supplemented by William Alexander RANSOM of St Louis MO, Feb 1929. This is a 12-page typescript of the descendants of James RANSOM and Amy DAVIS, including the Richard [Payne] RANSOM and Kezia PORTICE line. Caroline Burnett COOK has a copy; I got mine from her.

L COLEY has pages with a partial listing of some of the descendants of James RANSOM and Amy DAVIS, based on the family bible records, the 1910 RANSOM Chronology by George W RANSOM, and the Revolutionary War pension application of Richard RANSOM (m Kiziah PORTIS).

The RANSON(E) / RANSOM(E) FAMILY OF COLONIAL VIRGINIA 1640-1780, by William Spencer PRICE Jr, Box 710, Stanardsville VA 22973, was published October 2000 for the annual meeting of the RANSONE Family Association. This 83-page book presents the latest research on the ancestry and family of Peter RANSON (c1615-c1662) and his son, (Capt) James RANSONE (c1640-aft 1705).
This book discusses the many myths, misconceptions and confusing reports about these early settlers, their land, their relationships, and their lives. The Descendant Chart shows the first five generations. Footnotes and sources are plentifully supplied. There is a large section on the DUDLEY connection, on which another book was produced in 2001. For information about this book or the RANSONE Family Association, contact Jesse WARD at jewardrva at juno.com


MISCELLANEOUS RANSOMS

RANSOM ANCESTRY 1852 to 1993, by Harold Eugene RANSOM [Richland WA: 1993]. 156 pages, NOT indexed. This well-done book has photos, narrative, documents and family group sheets for c200 descendants of Martin WENZEL who emigrated in 1852 from Baden to America and took the RANSOM name c1854. A son, Frank RANSOM, married in 1886 in Minnesota, then moved west to Oregon, leaving c153 descendants. [LOC; ACPL; Spokane PL]

Reverdy C. Ransom: Black Advocate of the Social Gospel, by Calvin S MORRIS, is available from Amazon Books.

His 1949 autobiography, Pilgrimage of Harriet Ransom's Son , by Reverdy C RANSOM, is also available in a 1995 reprint.

Also available, and perhaps better, is his own writings, in Making the Gospel Plain : The Writings of Bishop Reverdy C. Ransom (African American Religious Thought and Life).

A new, expensive book about him is The Sage of Tawawa: Reverdy Cassius Ransom, 1861-1959 by Annetta L. Gomez-Jefferson.
John Ransom's Andersonville Diary/Life Inside the Civil War's Most Infamous Prison, by John L RANSOM, is available in many printings, including a paperback from Amazon Books.

National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections, 1959-1984 [Alexandria VA: Chadwyk-Healy, 1987]. Shows collections of RANSOM papers, or papers mentioning RANSOMS. See listing and index in RANSOM RESEARCHER #9, pp238-240. NUC available at most college libraries; now also available in on-line index.

National Union Catalog of Pre-1956 Imprints, by American Library Assn [annual, various printers, 1976-1988] Cumulative RANSOM author listings, as submitted by libraries across America. See summary & abstract in RANSOM RESEARCHER #11, pp 271-276. Available at most college libraries. No web-posting known.

Unplaced RANSOM files in John E RANSOM Collection at Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Buffalo NY. see description in RANSOM RESEARCHER #7, pp 173-179


END OF LIST

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created 31 Oct 1996; updated 23 November 2003, 6 July 2008, 6 Dec 2009