Ransom, Reverdy C. (Reverdy Cassius), 1861-1959

Editor, clergyman, writer, and bishop of the AME Church; earned B.D. (1886), D.D. (1898), and LL.D. (1912), Wilberforce University; ordained elder (1887) and consecrated bishop (1924) in AME Church; editor of AME Church Review (1912-1924); historiographer of AME Church (1948-1952).

Reverdy C. Ransom (1861-1959), 48th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, was born January 4, 1861, in Flushing, Ohio, to George and Harriet Ransom. He entered Wilberforce University in 1881 and graduated with a degree in theology in 1886. He was licensed to preach in October 1833 at Wilberforce, ordained deacon in 1886, and ordained elder in 1888. Ransom served as a pastor in numerous AME congregations across Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, and Illinois and was elected Bishop in 1924, serving in that role until 1952. He also served as an editor of the AME Church Review and chairman of the Board of Trustees of Wilberforce University from 1932-1952. Ransom was married to Emma S. Ransom. He died in 1959.