September 24, 1918, 4 pm
The Death Certificate: Ransom Hunter’s death certificate marks the end of an extraordinary life on September 24, 1918, in Mt Holly, Riverbend, Gaston County – the same community where he had built his legacy. Listed as “Very old” at the time of death, he was actually 83 years old based on his January 1835 birth date. He was buried the following day at Mt Sinai, with his beloved wife Maggie by his side after nearly 28 years of marriage.
The Official Record: The death certificate lists Ransom’s occupation as “Farmer,” though this hardly captures the full scope of his achievements as a landowner, real estate developer, and community founder.
Family Information Discrepancies: The death certificate shows his father as “Mike Hunter” and mother as “Julia Hunter,” which differs from his marriage certificate that listed “Mike Johnson” and “Judie Hunter.” With Maggie Hunter appearing as the informant, these discrepancies are puzzling since she would have known the correct family information. The errors suggest either clerical mistakes by the person completing the form, or possible confusion about names that had variations over the years.
Cause of Death: The certificate lists “Old Age” as the primary cause, with arteriosclerosis as a secondary cause. Arteriosclerosis – hardening of the arteries – restricts blood flow to vital organs and commonly contributes to death in elderly patients.
For an active farmer like Ransom who had access to fresh meat, vegetables, grains, and all foods from his own land, developing this condition at 83 likely reflected natural aging rather than lifestyle factors.
His final illness lasted from September 10-24, 1918, ending at 4 PM. The attending physician had cared for him for 10 years, and no autopsy or surgery was performed during his final care.
Historical Context: Ransom died during one of America’s most challenging periods – the final months of World War I and at the height of the 1918 influenza pandemic that killed millions worldwide. Having lived through slavery, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and into the modern era, he witnessed America’s complete transformation over his 83 years.
A Legacy Preserved: The certificate confirms Ransom remained rooted in Gaston County throughout his life, born there and dying there after eight decades of building his community. His burial at Mt Sinai reflects his continued ties to local religious and social networks, ensuring his memory would be preserved in the place he had called home for his entire remarkable life.
Ransom Hunter Foundation 