Ransom B. Shelden, Sr.

Ransom Bird Shelden Sr. (July 7, 1814 – May 17, 1878) was the founder of Houghton, a city in the county of Houghton County, Michigan.

Early life Shelden was born in Essex County, New York on July 7, 1814. Shelden's father George Shelden was a farmer in Essex County for many years. In 1832, Ransom Shelden moved to Chicago, building the first hotel in what was then known as "Fort Dearborn."

In 1871 Shelden was elected as president of the town, a position he held for seven years until his death on May 17, 1878. The main street of Houghton, variously called "Sheldon Street," (inaccurately) "Shelden Avenue" and "Sheldon Avenue," was named in Shelden's honour, as was the "Sheldon Center".