Ernest L. Ranft
Feb. 28, 1834- Jan. 23, 1911
Honored citizen was E.L. Ranft
Began life in little log cabin Long career ended today.
Self made man-Life acquirements obtained by hard work.
Ernest L. Ranft died at 11:10 o’clock this morning of paralysis, after an illness of three weeks.
LIFE SKETCH
Mr. Ranft was a native of Germany and landed in New York city with only a shilling in his pocket, and began life in Berrien County in a little log cabin. He later became one of the substantial farmers of Niles township, living on section 22, where he owned a valuable and well improved farm. He was a self made man, for all he possessed had been acquired through has own efforts and his life history illustrated the fact that in this country, where effort is unhampered by caste or class, labor finds its sure and just reward.
Ernest L. Ranft first opened his eyes to the light of day in Saxony, Germany, February 28, 1834, and was reared in his native country to the age of 19 years. For eight years he was a pupil in the schools of that country, after which he was variously employed until he came to America. The favorable reports which he heard concerning business conditions and opportunities in the new world led him to seek a home in America and he came alone to the United States in 1854, stopping first in New York, where he remained for two years. He came to this county in 1856 and took up his abode in Niles, and with the passing of years he made a creditable position for himself in business circles as a representative of the agricultural interests of the county.
Before leaving New York, Mr. Ranft was united in marriage to Miss Anna Margaret Miller, also a native of Saxony, Germany. She came to America on the same ship on which her future husband crossed the Atlantic. The years after their arrival in Michigan Mr. Ranft worked by the day or job and the following year he bought the land where upon he resided until his demise. There were no improvements on the log cabin, 14x24 feet. He then began clearing the place and as the timber was cut down he plowed the fields which ultimately brought forth rich harvest. He erected all the buildings upon the place, including a substantial residence, good barns and sheds, had built fences set out an orchard and added all mode of farm equipments. Everything about the place is indicated of a progressive as well a s practical management and for 50 years Mr. Ranft had here made his one, the farm being proof of a life of thrift and enterprise.As the years went by Mr. and Mrs. Ranft were blessed by six children, each born on the farm, one mile and half northwest of Niles, and all are living either in Niles or vicinity, as follows. George and Harry Ranft; Mrs. Chas. Geishert, Mrs. Chas. Linsenmier, Mrs. Chris Reum, and Mrs. Oscar Wyant.
Mr. Ranft was a life long agriculturalist and a successful one, and he owned 150 acres of rich land, 40 of which lies within the corporation limits of the city of Niles. He certainly deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, as his success was due entirely to his own labors and the assistance of his estimable wife, who has indeed a worthy helpmate to her. She died July 16, 1910. Almost penniless when he arrived in the new world, he steadily progressed along the road of useful and persistent endeavors and his labors were years ago crowned with a most satisfactory reward.
In politics, a Democrat, since he became a naturalized American citizen, he figured in local political circles as a leader and worker and for eight years, he served as a constable of his township, while for two years he was drain commissioner and for twenty-four years, justice of the peace. He filled the office of highway commissioner for three years and for many years had been continuously in office. Discharging his duties with a promptness and fidelity which leaves no room for question concerting his public spirit and loyal citizenship. He was a peach tree inspector for the city of Niles.
He took a most active and helpful interest in public affairs and the county has profited by his labors on behalf of the general public. He belonged to the United Workmen lodge and to the German Church. He was instrumental in securing the services of the first minister for this church and his son was the first to be baptized into this church. He rejoiced in civic development and was ever accounted one of the honored and prominent residence of the county.
The funeral cortege will leave the house Wednesday afternoon at 1 o’clock and services will be held at St. John’s United Evangelical church at 2 o’clock, Rev F. Rahn officiating. The body will rest in Silverbrook Cemetery.
Niles Daily Star, Monday, January 23, 1911, page 1, col. 2-3, microfilm Niles District Library.