Ransom W. Dunham
Ransom Williams Dunham | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Savoy, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | August 19, 1896 (aged 58) Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, politician |
| Years active | 1855–1889 |
| Known for | President of the Chicago Board of Trade; U.S. Congressman from Illinois (1883–1889) |
Ransom Williams Dunham (March 21, 1838 – August 19, 1896) was a prominent American entrepreneur and political figure based in Chicago. Affiliated with the Republican Party, he represented Illinois as a U.S. Congressman from 1883 until 1889. Dunham also held significant leadership positions within the Chicago Board of Trade, including serving as its president.
Early life, education, and career
Dunham was born on March 21, 1838, in Savoy, Massachusetts. He completed his education at local schools followed by high school in Springfield. Between 1855 and 1857, he gained experience working as a clerk for the MassMutual life insurance firm.
Chicago mercantile career and Chicago Board of Trade
In 1857, Dunham moved to Chicago where he established himself as a merchant specializing in grain and provisions. His involvement with the Chicago Board of Trade grew over time; he held the position of second vice-president in 1880, progressed to first vice-president in 1881, and ultimately became president in 1882. Under his leadership, the foundation stone was set for a new board building that was finished in 1885.
U.S. House of Representatives
Dunham secured election to the United States House of Representatives in 1882 as a Republican, representing Illinois's 1st congressional district. He successfully won reelection in both 1884 and 1886, serving through the 48th, 49th, and 50th sessions from March 4, 1883, to March 3, 1889.
Later life and death
Following his departure from Congress, Dunham withdrew from both political and commercial pursuits. He passed away on August 19, 1896, in Springfield, Massachusetts, while en route to commemorate Savoy’s centennial anniversary. His final resting place is at Mount Hope Cemetery located in Chicago.