RANSDELL, ERNEST C. , farmer and stockman, of Morgan County, residing on Section 28, Township 14, Range 9, was born where he now lives March 28, 1877, the son of William L. and Sarah J. (Davis) Ransdell, the father born near Lexington, Ky., and the mother in Illinois. Mrs. Ransdell is a daughter of Daniel Davis, a farmer of Morgan County. The father, William L. Ransdell, moved to Illinois from Kentucky with his father, Presley. The latter entered land in Section 32 of the above named township, and reared a family of nine children, seven sons and two daughters. He became a successful farmer, and at his death left a large estate to be divided among his children. William L. Ransdell, who was the fifth child in order of birth in his father's family, became a very successful and extensive landowner, and dealt largely in cattle. His estate consisted of 1,014 acres. He was the father of seven children, four of whom survive: Mamie A., William L., Charles D. and E. C. The father, William L., Sr., was a member of the Christian Church, and a Republican in political belief. He died in March, 1897.

Ernest C. Ransdell was brought up on the farm and in his boyhood attended the local school. Later he was a pupil at Reed's Seminary, and completed his schooling in the High School at Jacksonville, where he remained for three years. Mr. Ransdell owns 200 acres of land, and conducts his farming operations in partnership with his brother Charles, who owns 232 acres adjoining. The former lives on the old homestead, while Charles, who is unmarried, resides with him. Mr. Ransdell was married December 19, 1900, to Lucy Henry, the accomplished daughter of Charles E. Henry, one of the largest cattle-breeders of Morgan County, and they have one son, Charles Donald. The family attend the Christian Church.