Residence of Ransom Gillis
Built in 1876
63 Alfred St.

Every American is proud of the fact that this land offers unlimited opportunities to her citizens and there is no record which is held in higher esteem than that of the self-made man. The one who by sheer force at character, ability, determination and laudablo ambition works his way upward. Such was the career of Ransom Gillis, who became one of the prominent wholesale dry goods merchants of Detroit. His plans were definitely formed and he was untiring In their execution. Year after year he directed his labors along lines that produced results and none ever questioned the integrity and honor of his methods.

Mr. Gillis was born in Washington county, New York, December 20, 1838, and was one of a family of eight children, whose parents were Alexander and Jane (Wilson) Gillis, who were also natives at Washington county, where they spent their lives, the father always following the occupation of farming. In his youthful days Ransom Gillis attended the public schools and afterward had the advantage of study in Argyle Academy. He started out to provide for his own support when fourteen years of age by obtaining employment in a merchandise establishment. He was a young man of twenty-six years when he arrived in Detroit, after having had two years experience in a dry goods house in Argyle, New York. He afterward entered the employ of John Stevenson of North Argyle, with whom he remained until December, 1864. With his arrival in Detroit he became an employee of the Allen-Shelden Dry Goods Company and was thus engaged until 1872, when he became one of the organizers of the firm of Edson, Moore & Company and assumed the general management of the business. He concentrated his efforts and energies upon the upbuilding of the trade, studied the market and the wishes of the people and so directed his activities that most substantial results accrued. His administrative direction and executive ability were important factors in the successful conduct of the enterprise throughout his remaining days and Detroit's business circles suffered a great loss when he passed away on the 31st of December, 1901. Aside from his connection with the wholesale dry goods trade he was a director of the Citizens Savings Bank and was interested in other local enterprises. He achieved success by reason of persistent purpose, keen sagacity and thorough reliability—qualities that may be cultivated by any and his course should well serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others.

On the 20th of July, 1870, Mr. Gillis was united in marriage to Miss Helen A. Gaylord, a daughter of Josiah C. Gaylord, a representative of one at the old and well known families of the state of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Gillis became the parents of three children: Ransom, who died in 1900; Gaylord W. and Grace M. who became the wife of David S. Carter and died In 1901. Gaylord W. Gillis succeeded to his father's interests in the business of Edson, Moore & Company, of which he is secretary and treasurer.

In his political views Mr. Gillis was always a stalwart republican and kept thoroughly informed concerning the questions and issues of the day, but never sought nor desired political preferment. He was one of the organizers of the Old Michigan Club and was long a factor in promoting republican interests in Michigan. He held membership in the First Presbyterian church from 1865 and in 1873 became one of its elders, continuing in the office to the time of his death. He was a member of the board of trustees of Grace Hospital from its organization until his death, and for a considerable period served as secretary of the board. He was a man of broad humanitarian spirit, constantly extending a helping hand where aid was needed. He found recreation through his membership In the Lake St. Clair Fishing and Shooting Club. He was but sixty-four years of ago at the time of his death and it seems that he should have been spared for many more years of usefulness and activity, for he was accomplishing a most excellent work in the world. Not only was be contributing to Detroit's commercial greatness and development, but he stood at all times for those interests which are a matter of civic virtue and of civic pride. His life was an expression of high American ideals and he was a splendid example of American manhood and citizenship.

Source: The city of Detroit, Michigan, 1701-1922, Volume 4 edited by Clarence Monroe Burton, William Stocking, Gordon K. Miller 1922

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