Wilhelm A RENZIENAUSEN
Obituary

William A. Ransehousen

William A. Ransehousen, one of Pittsfield's oldest citizens, died at 8 o'clock Wednesday evening, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Charles E. Reihardt, at the advanced age of 81 years. He had been in feeble health for several months, and his death was not unexpected. Mr. Ransehousen came to his country in 1840 and found his first employment in west Springfield, helping build the culverts and bridges on the Boston and Albany railroad. Afterwards he located in Canaan and had charge of the little tunnel on the road. Then he went to Copake and aided in building the first furnace at the Copake Iron works.

Then he moved to Pittsfield in 1856 and helped lay the foundation of the Taconic woolen mill. For many years thereafter he was employed at his trade as a mason and he was much relied upon by Contractors Foote, Dodge and others in some of their biggest jobs.

He married in 1837, Louise Bohlman at Hanover, Ger. She died in October, 1876. Mr. Ransehousen leaves eight children, Augustus of Williamstown, William and Ferderick holding responsible positions at the Pontoosuc mills, Hannah, wife of Charles F. Reihardt, overseer at the Taconic mill, all of Pittsfield, Louise, wife of A. E. Denison of Newark, N.J., Henry of Cornwall, John C. of this city, general agent of the State Mutual Life Assurance company of Worcester, and Esther, widow of L. Pike of North Adams.

Mr. Ransehousen was one of the promi and substantial backers of the local German Lutheran church in its infancy and its subsequent prosperity was in a great measure due to his earnestness of purpose and hearty interest. For several years he was secretary of the society and he discharged his duties with fidelity. In his home life Mr. Ransehousen was a good and thoughtful husband and a kind and considerate father. He was a stanch democrat and had taken a keen interest in the welfare of his party since the early 50's.

The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon from the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Reinhardt and the Rev. Mr. Genzemer will officiate. The sons of the deceased will officiate as bearers.

The Berkshire Eagle
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Thurs., July 26, 1894

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