Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper/Volume 18/Number 450/Brig.-Gen. T. E. Ransom
BRIG.-GEN. T. E. RANSOM.
Gen. Ransom, recently wounded in the battles in the Bed river country, was born at Norwich, Vt., Nov 29, 1834, being a son of the gallant Col. T. B. Ransom, 8th U.S. infantry, who fell at Chapultepoe, and then who had, in his military school, trained many to the career of arms.
After completing his education, young Ransom removed to Pern, Ill., in 1851, and began life as an engineer, but gradually became an operator in res-estate. When the war broke out he raised a company in Fayette county, where he resided, and on its incorporation into the 11th Illinois was elected Major. The regiment during its three months' service was stationed near Cairo and at Bird's point. When it was reorganized for three years Ransom was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and as the Colonel, the late Gen. W. H. L. Wallace, was generally acting as Brigadier, the command of the regiment devolved on Ransom. On the 23d of August he defeated a rebel force under Major Hunter, at Charleston, Mo., receiving a severe wound in the shoulder. At Fort Donelson he again led his regiment into action and was again wounded. His services had prostrated him, and for a long time he could accompany his men only in an Ambulance, but he would not leave them.
He was then made Colonel, and at Pittsburg landing was again in command, and though wounded in the head early in the day, would not retire, and by his gallantry received the highest recommendation. Gen. Grant and Gen. Mc.Clernand recommended his appointment as Brigadier-General, and he was raised to that rank Nov 29, 1862. He was Chief of Staff to Gen. McClernand and Inspector-General of the Army of the Tennessee, and next in command of the district of Cairo.
In the siege of Vicksburg he commanded a brigade and led it at Champion's hill and the other preliminary battles, and in the attack made on the rebel warks, in May, 1863. After the surrender he was sent to Natobcz, in July, where he broke up the supply system of the rebel army.
He has since been engaged in the Bed river expedition, and, as we have seen, has for the fourth time come wounded from the field, having been struck down by a Minié ball in the knee while directing the fire of the Chicago battery, on the second day's fight.