Bvt. Maj. Gen. Ransom
The largest and most ornate of the officer markers is that of Bvt. Maj. Gen. Thomas E.G. Ransom. Installed in 1871, the funds for the marker were raised by subscription.
Bvt. Maj. Gen. Ransom, known as the “Phantom General,” was a member of the 11th Illinois Infantry. He was reported killed-in-action on three separate occasions, before passing away in October of 1864 from dysentery.
The below articles describe decoration of the burial site and the plans for constructing the marker.
Chicago Tribune, May 31, 1869
Just below these graves lay General Ransom. At the head of his long home was a magnificent wreath made in the form of a shield, inside the shield being a tasteful wreath of white roses surrounding a neatly-formed letter R. Rosettes of red, white and blue ribbon were hung on the outside of the shield, and steamers of the same colors flowed to the ground. The grave itself was literally covered with flowers, and a beautiful wreath was placed in the middle of the mound. The star which marks the spot whence the monumental marble rises was strewn with rose leaves. If there be any virtue to the dead in flowers, the gallant General certainly reaped all the benefit.
Chicago Tribune, May 31, 1870
GENERAL RANSOM.
This hero lies buried to the left of the grand entrance, and his is the first of the soldier graves. Consequently it was the first to receive a floral offering, and fellow-officers showered this simple gift over his remains generously. As yet the grave is unmarked, and but for a little pasteboard placard, laid upon it for the occasion, no one would have dreamed that one of the greatest and truest soldiers of the war lay buried under the greensward of that little mound. While speaking of this matter it would perhaps be well to say that an enterprise is on foot looking toward the erection of an appropriate monument in honor of this noble son of Illinois. A Citizens’ Committee, composed of General Wallace, Dr. Brock Movickar, C.C. Kellogg, and General James R. Hugunin, and an Army Committee, composed of General Wm. E. Strong, and Joseph Stockton, and Colonel L.H. Whittlesy, have the matter in hand, and will wait upon our citizens for subscribed, and but $600 more are wanted. The design is a Scotch granite shaft, twenty-seven feet high. The committee hope to be enabled to dedicate the same on the next Decoration Day.
The marble marker stands approximately twenty seven feet tall and features simple biographical inscriptions. A highly symbolic marker, it contains iconography similar to that on the Col. Wyman and Brig. Gen. Kirk markers. Symbols include a broken column, an eagle, oak leaves, laurel, and the Freemason logo.
The dedication of the Bvt. Maj. Gen. Ransom marker was “the great event of the day” on Decoration Day 1871. The below article details Bvt. Maj. Gen. Ransom’s service record and provides detailed information on the marker.
Chicago Tribune, May 31, 1871
THE GREAT EVENT OF THE DAY
at Rosehill Cemetery, was the dedication of a monument erected by subscription and at the expense of $3,000 to the memory of General Thomas Edwin Greenfield Ransom. The occasion was one which it was deemed important to celebrate, and yesterday being the day set apart for the decoration of the graves, it was determined to make the dedication of the monument the principal feature of the exercises.
GENERAL RANSOM
was born at Norwich, Madison County, Vermont, November 29, 1834. He was the son of Colonel Truman B. Ransom, for some time the President of the Norwich University, in which school the military element was made prominent. General Ransom came to Chicago in the spring of 185_, and became interested in the land survey of A.J. Galloway & Co., and afterward of Bell & Ramago, in the same vein. In April, 1861, he organized a company of the Eleventh Illinois Infantry, and was soon elected Major. In June following he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. He was commissioned Colonel a few days before the battle of Shiloh, to date from February 15, 1862. In the spring of 1863 he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General, for distinguished service at Shiloh and at the siege of Corinth. The fortifications which he built at Vicksburg still bear his name. He was wounded four times, the last at Pleasant Hill being server, and necessitating rest from his labors. He came to Chicago, and in July 1864, three months later he returned to the front. In October he fell sick of dysentery, but refused the rest that his malady required. He insisted on accompanying his command to Rome, refusing to listen to the friendly counsel of able superior officers. He died October 29, 1864, near Rome, Ga., regretted by all who knew him as friend, soldier, or superior officers.
THE MONUMENT
erected in this honor is a tasteful marble shaft, with the Union flag draped upon it, bearing the following simple inscription:
“THOMAS EDWIN GREENFIELD RANSOM.
Born Norwich VE., November 29, 1834. Died near Rome, Ga., October 29, 1864.”
The pedestal was ornamented with evergreens and flowers; a cross of white immortelles was arranged on each side, while streamers of red, white and blue imparted a singularly festive appearance to it.
