Henry Edward Ransom esq. of
New York was the fourth son of William Ransom esq. of Stowmarket, and would become the general manager of the Bank of
British Columbia -- established in
1862. Ransom was well versed in finance as he had worked for 12 years as an agent at the
Bank of British North America in
New York. In the mid
1860s, Ransom succeeded James Napier as manager of the Bank of
BC on account of his ill health.
In his position Ransom was responsible for all aspects of the financial state of the
colony, particularly in dealing with the loans being provided by the bank to the whole
of the colony under the Loan Act of
1864. Throughout his time with the bank, Ransom rose through the ranks by gaining the position
of General manager in
1867 which he held until
1875; he was then subsequently promoted to Director in
1876 which he held until his death in
1891. Overall, Ransom worked for the Bank of
British Columbia for 24 years. During his time with the bank Ransom was very well liked and respected
by all the shareholders, the
Daily Colonist described him as having
untiring zeal and energy in every aspect of the job[.]