Thomas E. G. Ransom facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Edwin Greenfield Ransom
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | November 29, 1834 Norwich, Vermont |
| Died | October 29, 1864 (aged 29) Rome, Georgia |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1864 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 11th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Thomas Edwin Greenfield Ransom (born November 29, 1834 – died October 29, 1864) was an important figure during the American Civil War. He worked as a surveyor and civil engineer before becoming a brave general in the Union Army.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Thomas Ransom was born in Norwich, Vermont. His father, Colonel Truman B. Ransom, was a military hero. Sadly, his father was killed in battle during the Mexican–American War when Thomas was only 14 years old.
Thomas followed in his father's footsteps by attending Norwich University in 1848. He studied there for three years. After graduating in 1851, he moved to Illinois.
Career Before the War
In Illinois, Thomas Ransom worked as a civil engineer. He also bought and sold land, which is called real estate speculation. He was known as the "boy surveyor" in LaSalle County.
During this time, he lived with his uncle, George Gilson, who was the mayor of Peru. Ransom also became good friends with Grenville M. Dodge. Dodge later became a famous general in the Civil War and a chief engineer for the Union Pacific Railroad.
Joining the Union Army
When the Civil War began in 1861, President Abraham Lincoln asked for soldiers. Thomas Ransom quickly gathered a group of men to fight for the Union. This group became Company E of the 11th Illinois Infantry.
Ransom was elected as their captain in April 1861. He quickly moved up the ranks:
A Brave General in Battle
On November 9, 1862, Thomas Ransom was promoted to Brigadier General. In January 1863, he took command of a brigade, which is a large group of soldiers.
General Ransom was known for his bravery and was wounded four times in battle:
- Near Charleston, Missouri, in August 1861.
- At the Battle of Fort Donelson in February 1862.
- Severely in the head at the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862.
- At the Battle of Sabine Cross Roads in Louisiana in April 1864.
His wounds at Sabine Cross Roads were so serious that he had to be sent to Chicago for treatment.
Final Campaigns and Legacy
General Ransom commanded different army groups, including parts of the XIII, XVI, and XVII Corps. He led the XVII Corps in chasing a Confederate force through North Georgia into Alabama.
In October 1864, while returning to Georgia, he became very ill. He had a severe illness called dysentery. Even though he was very weak, he stayed with his troops. When he was told he had only a few hours to live, he bravely said, "I am not afraid to die, I have met death too often to be afraid of it now."
He received an honorary promotion to major general on September 1, 1864. General Thomas Ransom died in service a few weeks later, on October 29, 1864.
Burial and Remembrance
General Ransom is buried at Rosehill Cemetery in Chicago.
Many important Union generals, like Grant and Sherman, greatly admired General Ransom. Historians note that General Grant even cried when he heard about Ransom's death. Grant often spoke fondly of Ransom years later. General Sherman kept a photograph of Ransom in his office for 20 years after the war.
The town of Ransom, Illinois, was named in his honor after his death.
Images for kids
-
Bust of Ransom by George E. Ganiere at Vicksburg National Military Park
-
Grave monument of Thomas E. G. Ransom, Rosehill Cemetery, Chicago.
