Ranney, Henry Sears, son of George and Achsah (Sears) Ranney, was born in Ashfield, Franklin county, March 5, 1817.
His early education was obtained in the common schools of his native town and in Sanderson Academy.
He began life as a clerk in mercantile business in Ashfield, 1833, in which business he remained eight years.
Between the years 1841 and '58 he was in the same business on his own account for fourteen years, and in same business four years in Boston, in partnership with his brother-in-law, the late George C. Goodwin.
He has spent the greater part of the last twenty-five years in Ashfield, his present residence. His tastes lead him into agricultural pursuits, in which he passes the time not given to the public service as a justice of the peace, town clerk and general factotum for the village. Possessing the confidence of his townsmen, he has held various municipal offices, has been town clerk forty-one years, and justice for thirty-eight years. He served the Commonwealth as representative from his district during the years 1852 and '68.
Mr. Ranney was married in Ashfield, June 20, 1844, to Maria Jane, daughter of Anson Goodwin of Ashfield. Mrs. Ranney died January 14, 1855, leaving two children: Ralph H. and Ella L. (Mrs. Albert Packard) Ranney. Both are now deceased. Mr. Ranney 's second marriage was at Ashfield, June 26, 1856, to Julia A., daughter of Francis Bassett.