M. W. Brother Frank M. Ransbottom was born near Roseville, Muskingum County, Ohio, June 19, 1873, the son of Alfred and Ruth Ransbottom.
Completing his education at the age of fourteen in the public schools of Perry and Muskingum Counties, he became skilled in the art of pottery under the direction of his father. When nineteen years of age, he accepted a position as salesman for the Crooksville Pottery Company. In 1901, Frank M., with his brothers Edward M., Charles W., and Mort C., organized the Ransbottom Brothers Pottery Company, Roseville, Ohio, of which he served as Secretary and Treasurer. He later organized and became President of the American Clay Products Company, of Zanesville; was a Director of the First National Bank and of the First Trust and Savings Company, both of Zanesville, serving as President of the latter until his appointment as Director of the Federal Home Loan Bank, Cincinnati, when he was made Chairman of the Board of Directors.
His ability as a leader was fully attested by the unusual success that attended his ventures, whether in business, political, social, or fraternal life. He had always been active in club and civic life. He was a member of Grace Methodist Episcopal Church.
M. W. Brother Ransbottom was married to Miss Lizzie Mae Kackley, July 25, 1894, to this union three daughters were born.
M. W. Brother Frank M. Ransbottom was initiated an Entered Apprentice in Doric Lodge No. 172, Deavertown, Ohio, February 22, 1896, passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft March 21, 1896, and was raised to the sublime Degree of Master Mason April 18, 1896. He dimitted to Roseville Lodge No. 566 March 29, 1907, serving as its Worshipful Master in the years 1910 to 1912.
In the Grand Lodge F. & A. M., of Ohio, he served four years as District Lecturer, Senior Grand Deacon in 1916 and 1917, and as Grand Orator in 1918. He was elected Junior Grand Warden in 1918, Senior Grand Warden in 1919, and Deputy Grand Master in 1920. On October 20, 1921, he was elected Most Worshipful Grand Master and installed into office by M. W. Brother Ike M. Robinson, P. G. M., at Cleveland, Ohio. In 1926 he was appointed a Trustee of the Ohio Masonic Home, serving continuously to the time of his death.
He received the Mark, Past, and Most Excellent Master Degrees January 21, 1897, and was made a Royal Arch Mason, February 4, 1897, in New Lexington Chapter No. 10, R. A. M. The Cryptic Degrees were conferred on him in Zanesville Council No. 12, R. & S. M., July 25, 1901.
He was created a Knight Templar on January 29, 1901, in Cyrene Commandery No. 10, Zanesville, Ohio. He was elected Eminent Commander in 1918, and served for one year. He was elected Grand Warder of the Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Ohio in 1924 and advanced from year to year until his election as R, E. Grand Commander in 1932.
In the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, he received the Degrees in Enoch Lodge of Perfection April 17, 1907, Franklin Council, Princes of Jerusalem, April 18, 1907; Columbus Chapter Rose Croix, April 18, 1907, and Scioto Consistory, Columbus, Ohio, April 19, 1907. He was crowned a Sovereign Grand Inspector General 330, and Honorary Member of the Supreme Council, A. and A. S. R., at Boston, Massachusetts, September 15, 1915.
M. W Brother Ransbottom was a worthy citizen, and an active, influential Mason. He was beloved by all with whom he came in contact. His counsel and kindly presence will be missed by all of us.
On February 25, 1937 Brother Ransbottom was stricken with pneumonia and was removed to Good Samaritan Hospital, where he remained in a critical condition until death ensued at 9.30 A. M., Sunday, February 28, 1937.
Funeral services were held at the home on Brighton Boulevard, Zanesville, Ohio, Wednesday, March 3, 1937. The host that attended was a tribute to his worth as an able citizen, his ability as a businessman, his value as a friend, and to his generous heart. Interment was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Zanesville, Ohio.