Valdres Samband

A little known tale tells of how a Valdres lad, Arne Ranum, captured the president of the Confederate States of America.

The story, was published in the "Grand Forks (North Dakota) Heritage Book," It relates how Arne Ranum discovered and made Jefferson Davis a prisoner. The Union army had discovered that Davis, knowing the cause of the South was lost, was fleeing toward the coast to board a steamer for Europe. The Wisconsin Cavalry and the 4th Michigan Cavalry were delegated the task of bringing in the rebel leader, dead or alive. Now a rivalry developed between the two units. While the Wisconsin cavalry took a brief and needed rest, the Michigan troops rode on. But they were again overtaken by the refreshed Wisconsin group.

The two companies now approached an encampment in a forest. A negro, carrying a flag, approached to surrender. At the same time Arne Ranum noticed a tall buxom wash woman, at a creek, with a water harness across her back. Ranum was struck by her awkward walk and took his saber to raise the hem of her long skirt. In so doing he uncovered a man's legs and feet clad in combat boots. They belonged to Jefferson Davis, who now attempted to get at a pistol in an inner pocket. Ranum, however, kept him covered with his musket and made the capture on May 10, 1865, near Irvinville, Georgia.

Davis was taken to Fort Monroe, Virginia, where he was put in a small cell with one barred window facing a moat. Heavy shackles were put on his ankles and a lamp kept burning all night by his bedside.

The prison rigors and the ceaseless tramping of two guards outside his cell impaired Davis' health. He was later given better quarters and joined by his wife. After two years he was released on bail bond. It was not until 1978 that the United States, through action by President Carter, restored Jefferson Davis' citizenship rights.

Ranum was given Jefferson Davis' sword, which is said to still be in the possession of his descendants.

Arne Ranum came from South Aurdal, in 1864, a member of the Nils and Guri Sunde Ranum family. Arne volunteered for service in the Union army. He saw much active service and took part in Sherman's march and in the siege of Richmond.