| RANNEY,
GEORGE, son of Sullivan and Phebe (Huggins) Ranney, was born in Kirby,
Vermont, December 21st, 1845. Sullivan Ranney was an energetic and prosperous
farmer, residing during his later years on the fine meadow farm near West
Concord, now owned by his daughters. George was the youngest of four sons,
and at six years of age was bereaved by his mother's death. By a second
marriage three sons and four daughters were born to Sullivan Ranney, all
of whom are active and useful people. George Ranney remained on the paternal
acres during his minority, attended St. Johnsbury academy, and taught several
terms of winter school. He then spent twelve years as a traveling salesman
on the road for the Hanover, the Montpelier, and the St. Johnsbury cracker
manufactories.
He
settled in Barnet in 1881 as a general country merchant, where he remained
three years. Nearly twenty years ago he established himself in the grocery
and provision business on Main street, St. Johnsbury, during a portion
of that time with F. E. Potts as junior partner. W. A. Little has been
his confidential clerk and foreman for sixteen years.
Mr.
Ranney carries probably the most extensive stock of choice family groceries
and provisions in town and conducts a heavy barter trade with farmers,
especially in the lines of butter and eggs. He is, in fact, an expert wholesaler
and retailer of butter and his trade with the hotels and merchants extends
over northern New England. Mr. Ranney is an Odd Fellow and a member of
the Knights of Pythias, Uniform Rank.
His
excellent judgment, integrity, and rare executive ability have been recognized
by his repeated election as village trustee and chairman of the board of
selectmen.
George
Ranney married Miss Eva O. Holt of Pittsfield, Vermont. Their three children
are Elsie (Mrs. E. O. Thrasher of Detroit, Michigan), Laura M. (who is
bookkeeper in the store), and Carleton A. Ranney. Mr. Ranney has been for
many years a member and one of the stewards of the Methodist church of
St. Johnsbury.
Source:
Successful Vermonters, William H. Jeffrey, E. Burke, Vermont, The Historical
Publishing Company, 1904, page 109.
Prepared
by Tom Dunn, April 2005
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