Louis Liscolm Ransom - Inventor, Artist

 

 Louis Liscolm Ransom – Inventor, Artist

Louis Liscolm Ransom was creative  in both art and invention. Born on January 23, 1831, in Salisbury, New York, to Merriman Munsen Ransom and Olive Ann Spencer Ransom, Louis spent his formative years in this small town. It was in Salisbury that Louis discovered his passion for painting, a talent that quickly garnered recognition. His exceptional skill earned him admission to the prestigious National Academy in New York City, where he became the protégé of H.P. Gray, one of the leading artists of the era. Under Gray's mentorship, Louis's artistic abilities flourished, and he began to explore his inventive side, leading to several patented innovations.

His journey of creativity and innovation intertwined with his personal life when he married Julia Hyatt on October 20, 1856, in Stratford, New York. Julia’s family lived in Stratford.   This marriage marked the beginning of his association with Stratford.    He is listed in the Stratford Assessment records as a property owner in Stratford from 1877 to 1883.  Stratford is also listed on a patent of one of his inventions.    

 

Born in Salisbury, New York on January 23, 1831, to Merriman Munsen Ransom and Olive Ann Spencer Ransom.   Louis spent his early years in Salisbury.  It was there that he started to paint.   His talent was recognized, and he was admitted to the National Academy in New York City.  And was taken under the wing of H.P. Gray, one of the leading artists of the city.   It was from this point that his creativity in painting and inventions began to unfold.

 

Louis Ransom died in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio and is buried at  the Stratford Cemetery in Herkimer County, New York. 

 

A few of his inventions

1867 The invention of an improved travelling trunk.   This cylindrical piece of luggage was the precursor to today’s luggage with wheels.  This invention is on view at the Hagley Museum in Wilmington, Delaware. 

1872 -1874.   A revolving cheese sink.  A newspaper article indicates that this sink was on trial at the Stratford and Salisbury Cheese factory. 

1876.  Patented February 13, 1877.  Invention of a Steam Streetcar.  The patent which is pictured shows it was submitted while he lived in Stratford.

 

A sampling of his Artwork

1855 Jennie and Lizzie Ives

1859 Louis Ransom’s most famous painting “John Brown on his way to Execution”.  A controversial painting at the time, it almost caused a riot by a mob when first exhibited in 1860 at the Barnum Museum in New York City.  This painting was made into a lithograph by the firm Currier and Ives in 1863.  The Lithograph is available at the Library of Congress in Washington DC.

 

 

If you are interested in learning more about Louis Ransom’s works here are a few links to follow:

Cylindrical trunk at the Hagley Museum in Wilmington Delaware

https://www.hagley.org/librarynews/unpacking-baggage-behind-americas-slow-acceptance-wheeled-suitcase

 

Steam Car from the Lansingburgh Historical Society

https://www.lansingburghhistoricalsociety.org/in-the-news/ransom-steam-street-car-1877

 

Library of Congress lithograph of John Brown on his way to execution:

https://www.albanyinstitute.org/collection/details/jennie-and-lizzie-ives

 

Painting of Jennie and Lizzie Ives by Louis Ransom at the Albany Institute, Albany, New York

https://www.albanyinstitute.org/collection/details/jennie-and-lizzie-ives