DAVID J. RANSOM, an extensive dealer in pine lands and timber and one of the most prominent citizens of the Upper Peninsula, makes his home in Sault de Ste. Marie. His career seems almost phenomenal for he started out for himself a poor young man, without capital or influential friends to aid him, and entirely through his own efforts has worked his way upward to a position of affluence. In a country untrammeled by caste or cissa, where ability is recognized and eanest labor brings reward, he has secured a fortune, and his example shows what can be accomplished by perseverance and honest toil.

Mr. Ransom was born in Canada December 19, 1844, and is a son of Henry Ransom, a native of England, who, in 1819, crossed the Atlantic to Canada. He was a stevedore for many years. At the sge of fifty-three he was married, in Perth, to Julia Milan, and to them were born the following children: David J., Dennis and Cornelius, all residing in Chippewa county: and Mrs. John Melvin, who resided in Plainview, Minnesota, and is now deceased.

The father was possessed of very limited means, and the educational privileges granted our subject were therefore exceedingly meager, but in the school of experience he has learned many useful and valuable lessons and has made himself a well-informed man. He could not write his own name until after he was grown, but the young man was destined for prominence and it was his continual effort to benefit himself and improve his surroundings. In 1857 he worked for $4 per month for Austin Russell, a resident of the town of Perth, Lenox county, Ontario. When he arrived on the Upper Peninsula his capital did not amount to $1,000. His arrival is dated July 19, 1871, and he came hither as manager for the firm of Dawson, Calvert & Company, who were engaged in getting out timber. For eleven years he managed their camps, and his long service indicates the fidelity and trustworthiness which have been important factors in his career. In 1882 Mr. Ransom arranged a partnership with the John Spry Lumber Company of Chicago, owning a half interest with them in the standing timber and lands on the peninsula, exclusive of their manufacturing plant. The company has one of the most extensive lumber businesses in Chicago, but with this Mr. Ransom is not connected. Working his way upward as he has had to do, and being employed in all branches of the business in which he is now interested, he has gained a most thorough knowledge of what has become one of the leading industries of the Northwest. He is considered authority on all matters pertaining to lumber, and perhaps no man on the Peninsula can come as near computing at sight the value of a tract of timber. His business qualifications are exceptional, and the company or firm that has the benefit of his judgment is indeed fortunate.

Mr. Ransom was married at Cape Vincent, Ontario, in 1875, to Miss Martha Roach, who died in 1876, leaving the following children: William, now twenty-one years of age, and Ida, aged twenty-three. Mr. Ransom was again married, in Port Huron, his second union being with Miss Anna M. Cross, a daughter of the late Captain Cross, and to them have been born five children,—Charles T., Ina M., Pearl D., E. S. B. and Nevada M.

In connection with his extensive interests in pine lands, Mr. Ransom owns the finest farm in Chippewa county, embracing 160 acres of valuable land, situated eight miles from Sault de Ste. Marie, and he owns 6,000 acres of farm land at other points in the county. The development of his business is the outcome of his enterprise and perseverance, good management and untiring energy. Success comes not alone to those who take advantage of opportunities offered, but also to those who create them, as Mr. Ransom has done. Deeds of battle have been the theme of story and song from remote ages, and truly glory is due the hero who risks his life for a cause or principle; but praise is as truly due him who fights the bloodless battles of commercial life, entering the lists against poverty, unfavorable surroundings, unavoidable difficulties and competitive capital, and comes off conqueror in the strife.

From the "Memorial Record of the Northern Peninsula of Michigan 1895"