John L. Ranney
John L. Ranney, deceased, was born in Blandford, Mass., November 14, 1815. His parents, Rufus and Dolly Ranney, moved to Freedom Township, this county, in 1824, where they resided until their death. Of their family but two are now living: Judge R. P., of Cleveland, Ohio, and Mrs. Mary Marcy, of Geauga County, Ohio. Our subject was a close student and in boyhood was often engaged until late at nights studying by the light of a hickory-wood fire. He attended school one year in Ravenna, and studied the profession of law in the offices of Judge Ranney and Ben Wade, of Ashtabula, Ohio. He married, February 26, 1836, Miss Eliza E. Remington. She was a native of Tolland, Mass., and in 1835 came to Freedom Township, this county, at sixteen years of age, with her parents, Josiah and Sallie Remington. To this union were born six children: Mrs. Mary Ann Hotchkiss (deceased), Joseph N. (deceased), Lewis R. (deceased—he was a soldier of the One Hundred and Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry at the close of the war), Mrs. Sarah C. McDonald (in Cleveland, Ohio), Flora Adelaide and Rufus H. (deceased). Mr. Ranney was admitted to the bar in 1839, and in 1840 located in Ravenna in the practice of his chosen profession. Mr. Ranney died February 22, 1866. He was a lawyer of rare ability, and a citizen of wide influence. He was for many years President of the First National Bank of Ravenna. His memory will long be revered by his surviving associates and the citizens of Portage County. Mrs. Ranney afterward married, November 25, 1874, D. C. Day, and they now reside at the family homestead.
From History of Portage County, Ohio, Warner, Beers & Co., Chicago, 1885