Inspired by the years of genealogical research their mother spent researching their great-great-grandfather Ransom Hunter, two sisters, Tracey Holloway and Nikki Terpilowski conceived of a non-profit that would consolidate all of the research Wanda Holloway discovered about her great-grandfather, share his inspirational and motivating story of success and empower others to set and achieve their own goals.
The Ransom Hunter Foundation is a North Carolina-based, private, family-run non-profit established as an extension of the genealogical research begun by Wanda Holloway in 2008.
Wanda is the great-great-granddaughter of Ransom Hunter and began her research after a life of hearing her mother tell stories about her own successful and wealthy grandfather, who also happened to be a former slave. His accomplishments were so awe-inspiring that Wanda wanted to learn more about him for herself and her family.
At first, Wanda who is based in Raleigh, NC simply shared the information she discovered with her immediate family. But as she continued her research through historical newspaper databases and city, county, and state archives she found information that she just had to share with her extended family located in Mt. Holly, Gastonia, and Charlotte.
This desire coincided with a family reunion in 2014 that extended Hunter family members were planning. Sharing this information created interest and buzz among the family who supported Wanda’s genealogical research with gratitude and encouraging words. Eventually, Theresa Green of the Gaston County Historical Society became a staunch advocate for furthering Ransom Hunter research in the county, as did other family members who helped spearhead efforts to bring media attention to Ransom’s achievements.
The Ransom Hunter Foundation, led by amateur historian Wanda Holloway and assisted by experts in the field, will continue to research Ransom’s history and find ways to honor and memorialize his legacy for family members and others who can find inspiration in his life, leadership, work ethic, and bootstrap mentality.
Additionally, going forward, the Ransom Hunter Foundation will be the official source for all information related to Ransom Hunter, including the announcements of new historical findings, any organized attempts via non-profits, educational organizations, municipalities, et al, and media outreach to publicize and or memorialize his legacy,
The Ransom Hunter story is copyrighted by the Ransom Hunter Foundation.
Ransom Hunter and The Ransom Hunter Foundation logo trademarks are owned by the Ransom Hunter Foundation.
Ransom Hunter Foundation 