Ransom Montgomery facts for kids

Ransom Montgomery was an important American man who lived from 1806 to 1884. He was the only enslaved person ever owned by the state of Georgia. He also became the second Black person to own land in Atlanta.

Early Life in Atlanta

Ransom Montgomery moved to Atlanta when he was about 12 years old. This was a time when Atlanta was still a very new and growing city.

A Brave Act and Its Reward

In July 1849, Ransom Montgomery became well-known for his bravery. He was working on a ferry boat near a wooden bridge over the Chattahoochee River. He saw that the bridge was on fire! A train was coming, and it was in danger of catching fire too. Ransom acted quickly and put out the fire.

Because of his heroic action, the Western and Atlantic Railroad, which was owned by the government, bought him from his owner for $1250. Even though the state of Georgia now legally owned him, he was treated almost like a free person.

Rewards from the State

The state government of Georgia decided to reward Ransom even more. They gave him $562.50 and promised him a monthly payment for the rest of his life. They also gave him a piece of land next to the Macon train repair yard. On this land, he was allowed to sell food and drinks. In September 1884, he was given another important job: he became the caretaker of the first Atlanta City Hall, earning $15 each month.

Family and Community Leadership

Ransom's brother, Andrew Montgomery, was a respected Methodist minister in Atlanta's Black community. A man named Lemuel Grant gave the Montgomery brothers land to build a church.

During the 1864 Battle of Atlanta, which was part of Sherman's March to the Sea during the American Civil War, Ransom's home and the church were burned down. After the war, he rebuilt his house. The Montgomery brothers then bought more land on Sweet Auburn (which is now Auburn Avenue). There, they founded the Big Bethel AME Church, which is the oldest African-American church in Atlanta at that location. Both Ransom and Andrew Montgomery became highly respected leaders in their community during the 1800s.

Later Life and Passing

In 1881, Ransom Montgomery had an accident. He fell while climbing stairs in an area of Atlanta known today as Vine City. He sued the city of Atlanta, saying they had not kept the stairway safe. After he won the lawsuit, the city made him leave his house. After this, his health never fully recovered.

Ransom Montgomery passed away on December 6, 1884, in Thomasville Heights. He was buried in Atlanta's Oakland Cemetery. Henry Dickerson McDaniel, who was the governor of Georgia at the time, paid for Ransom Montgomery's funeral costs.

Ransom Montgomery's Legacy

Today, a road in Atlanta called Montgomery Ferry Road, located in the Morningside/Lenox Park neighborhood, is named after Ransom Montgomery.