∼ A native of Grenada, Mississippi, Ransom moved to Indianapolis after completing postgraduate work at the Columbia University School of Law. During his time at Columbia, he worked as a train porter during the summer months and met Madam C.J. Walker. He became the attorney, and later the general manager, for her company. Under his leadership, the Madam C.J. Walker Company set a national benchmark of achievement for African American businesses. While continuing to serve the Walker Company, Ransom later served as legal counsel for a wide variety of other Indianapolis area businesses and civic organizations, including the Senate Avenue YMCA, Phyllis Wheatley YWCA and Flanner House.
He was a Democratic city councilman, alternate delegate to the Democratic National Convention, trustee of the Indiana School for the Bland and the Bethel AME Church. Ransom also served as a friend and adviser to NAACP field secretary William Pickens. Pickens and other prominent African Americans stayed at the Ransom home when their travels brought them to Indianapolis. The home continues to stand at 848 North California Street in the area designated as the Ransom Place Historic District. In December of 1946, Ransom was recognized as an "Outstanding Negro Citizen" in Indianapolis.
At the time of his burial, the cemetery was known as "Wood Haven Cemetery." It subsequently became "Floral Park Cemetery West" prior to its new designation, effective in the summer of 2001.
∼ A native of Grenada, Mississippi, Ransom moved to Indianapolis after completing postgraduate work at the Columbia University School of Law. During his time at Columbia, he worked as a train porter during the summer months and met Madam C.J. Walker. He became the attorney, and later the general manager, for her company. Under his leadership, the Madam C.J. Walker Company set a national benchmark of achievement for African American businesses. While continuing to serve the Walker Company, Ransom later served as legal counsel for a wide variety of other Indianapolis area businesses and civic organizations, including the Senate Avenue YMCA, Phyllis Wheatley YWCA and Flanner House.
He was a Democratic city councilman, alternate delegate to the Democratic National Convention, trustee of the Indiana School for the Bland and the Bethel AME Church. Ransom also served as a friend and adviser to NAACP field secretary William Pickens. Pickens and other prominent African Americans stayed at the Ransom home when their travels brought them to Indianapolis. The home continues to stand at 848 North California Street in the area designated as the Ransom Place Historic District. In December of 1946, Ransom was recognized as an "Outstanding Negro Citizen" in Indianapolis.
At the time of his burial, the cemetery was known as "Wood Haven Cemetery." It subsequently became "Floral Park Cemetery West" prior to its new designation, effective in the summer of 2001.
Bio by: Warrick L. Barrett
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