Edward Ranson

RANSON, SPRIBROCK, GREENE

Posted By: Barbara Gehlsen Nugent (email)
Date: 7/26/2011 at 23:28:02

Wolfe's History of Clinton county, Iowa, written by P. B. Wolfe, Volume. Excerpt from biographical sketches. Page 637-638

EDWARD RANSON.

One of the owners of extensive farming interests in Clinton county is the gentleman whose name initiates this sketch, who resides in Orange township. His valuable property has been acquired through his own efforts, his persistency of purpose and his determination, and the prosperity which is the legitimate reward of all earnest effort is today his.

Edward Ranson, like many of our thrifty farmers, is a Belgian, but he has spent most of his life in this country. His birth occurred in Belgium in 1863, and he is the son of Peter and Thresa (Spribrock) Ranson. the father a native of France and the mother born in Belgium. Peter Ranson was taken to Belgium in infancy and there he grew to maturity, was educated and he became a farmer; he died in that country, as did also his wife. They were both twice married and in all twelve children were numbered in their families. They were members of the Catholic church and good honest people.

Edward Ranson was educated in the schools of Belgium, having attended St. John's Academy at Bentille and graduated from the high school there in 1879. The following year, 1880, he came to America, direct to Clinton, Iowa, soon seeking employment in the farming districts in the county. He saved his money and by economy and hard work was enabled, in 1892, to purchase a good farm of one hundred and twenty acres. This he has added to as he has prospered until he now has a very valuable place of one hundred and sixty acres, which he has brought up to a high state of modern improvement and which yields abundant harvests under his skillful management. His is one of the choice farms of Orange township. He carries on general farming and raises some excellent live stock, making a specialty of Poland China hogs and Hereford cattle.

Mr. Ranson was married February 4, 1891, to Rosa Greene, a native of Clinton county, where she was reared and educated, being the daughter of Bernhard and Susie Greene, a very early family in this county. Her people having long been well and favorably known here. To Mr. and Mrs. Ranson three children have been born, Susie T., Edna E. and Wilfred J.

Mr. Ranson is a member of the Catholic church and politically he is a Democrat. He is known to be a hard working, honest man and is liked by his neighbors and acquaintances. Mr. Ranson attributes much of his early success to his wife's parents, who encouraged and assisted him, and for which he expresses the greatest gratitude.