The area today known as Ransom Place did not officially receive that name until 1991.  It was named after Freeman Briley Ransom, an outstanding African-American attorney and businessman who made his Indianapolis home in the neighborhood at 828 North California Street.  This house still stands today.  He had a wife, Nettie, and three sons--Willard, Frank, and Ned.  Ransom was a native of Grenada, Mississippi and moved to Indianapolis after receiving a law degree from the Columbia School of Law.  While working toward his degree at Columbia, Ransom met Madam C.J. Walker, an African-American businesswoman who made a fortune in the early 1900's marketing hair care and beauty products to African-American women.  After receiving his degree, Ransom was hired by Madam Walker as the attorney and general manager for her company; under his leadership the company continued to prosper.  Ransom also served as counsel for many other Indianapolis area businesses and civic organizations, including the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA and the Flanner House.  He was also a Democratic city councilman and a friend and advisor to NAACP field secretary William Pickens.  In 1946, Ransom was named Indianapolis' Outstanding African-American citizen.  He died on August 6, 1947 and is buried in West Ridge Park Cemetery in Indianapolis.