Bio: Joseph Eugene Randsdell, Caddo & Rapides Parish La Source: From Chronicles of Shreveport and Caddo Parish, Maude Hearn O'Pry, 1928, Submitted by: Kay Thompson Brown ********************************************************** ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** ************ JOSEPH EUGENE RANSDELL. RECOGNIZED the nation over as one of the most useful members of the United States Senate, a man whose advice is often sought in attains of the nation, the State of Louisiana has good reason to be proud of her distinguished son, United States Senator Joseph Eugene Ransdell. Mr. Ransdell was born at Alexandria, Louisiana, October 7, 1858, the son of Amanda (Terrell) Ransdell and John Hickman Ransdell. He acquired his early education in the private and public schools of Alexandria, and his collegiate training at Union College, Schenectady, New York, from which he graduated with the degree of A. B in June, 1882. Twenty-five years later he was given the degree of L. L. U. by his Alma Mater and made Honorary Chancellor. Mr. Ransdell was admitted to the bar of Louisiana in June, 1883, and began the practice of law at Lake Providence in partnership with the late Judge J. W. Montgomery. Meeting with instant success he attracted the attention of his fellow citizens and was elected in April, 1884, District Attorney of the judicial District composed of the parishes of East Carroll and Madison. He served with such marked ability in this important office for twelve years that his friends felt he was the man to fill the vacancy left by the untimely death in April, 1899, of Honorable Samuel T. Beard, Member of the United States House of representatives. Mr. Ransdell was elected to Congress in August, 1899, and held that place until he entered the Senate March 4, 1913, on which day Woodrow Wilson became President of the United States. During these more than twenty-eight years of continuous service in the house of Representatives and the United States Senate, Mr. Ransdell has been an authority on Mississippi flood control and water navigation. He was one of the most active members of the Rivers and Harbors Committee of the house, and since entering the Senate has been on the Commerce Committee of that body. In January, 1906, Mr Ransdell was one of the principal organizers of the National Rivers and Harbors Congress, and its President for thirteen years until he resigned in December, 1918. As the head of that great voluntary national organization his service in promoting the improvement and use of our interior and coastal waters as agents of transportation has been invaluable. The year following his resignation as head of the National Rivers and Harbors Congress the Senator organized the National Merchant Marine Association and became its first president, which position he still holds. The Senator's greatest achievement in Congress was the passage of the Flood Control Act of 1917, of which he was joint author with Congressman Humphreys of Mississippi, and which is known as the Ransdell-Humphreys Flood Control Bill. This measure went a long way toward having the Federal Government assume control of floods on the Mississippi, and that end so much to be desired is gradually being attained. Protection of the Mississippi Valley especially the lowlands of his beloved Louisiana--from flood waters is paramount with this veteran statesman; and every other interest is subordinated thereto. Mr. Ransdell is intensely interested just now in his Bill S.1540 introduced in the Senate January, 1927, to create a National Institute of Health--an Annapolis and West Point of health--where the best brains of the nation will he trained to ascertain the causes of disease affecting human beings and how to prevent them. He believes this measure is fraught with more good to humanity than any presented to Congress during his lifetime, and intends to work indefatigably for its passage. Mr. Ransdell has attracted much attention and admiration by his extreme loyalty to his state and section, while at the same time he has ever displayed an active, intelligent interest in the general affairs of the Nation. He has fostered the agricultural interests of the entire Country -- especially of Louisiana and the South. In June, 1906, he secured the passage of the first Federal Appropriation Bill carrying $82,500,00 to eradicate the cattle tick and prevent Texas fever, which was then costing the Southern part of the Union about $75,000,000.00 annually. This measure greatly aided the livestock and dairy industry of the Southern and Southwestern states. His speeches, "On to Dixie," delivered in the house, and the "Lure of the Southland," in the Senate, gave wonderful publicity to the South. Senator Ransdell was married November 15, 1885. to Miss Olive Irene Powell, daughter of Jane (Shelby) Powell and James Bratton Powell. She takes great interest in all her husband's endeavors and is an effective helpmate. The business and residence address of Sentor Ransdell is Lake Providence, Louisiana.