Ransford Dodsworth Bucknam

Ransford Dodsworth Bucknam (June 7, 1869 – May 27, 1915) was a Nova Scotian who became a Pasha, an admiral in the Turkish navy and vice-admiral to the Turkish empire. Bucknarn was decorated with the Star of the Order of Osmanieh, the distinguished Service Medal and other medals.[1]

Ransford Dodsworth Bucknam
Bucknam circa 1910
Born	June 7, 1869 Halls Harbour, Nova Scotia
Died	May 27, 1915 (aged 45) Istanbul
Other names	Pasha Bucknam

Biography

Bucknam was born in Halls Harbour, Nova Scotia on June 7, 1869 to Isabella Roscoe and Ezra Taylor Bucknam.[1]

He lived there until his parents both died when he was eight. He then moved with his paternal grandparents to Eatonville, Nova Scotia. He moved to the United States and married Rose Thayer on January 2, 1904 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

He joined the Turkish Navy in 1905. He retired from Turkish service when he was asked to renounce his United States citizenship in 1911.[1]

He then became involved in the oil business.[1]

He died in Istanbul on May 27, 1915 after several weeks of severe illness by a heart failure.

Memberships

He was a member of the following organizations:[1]

• Pen & Pencil Club
• Lotus Club
• International Club at Panama
• Boston Marine Society
• Constantinople Club in Constantinople

Legacy

He is the namesake of Bucknam Park, Halls Harbour, Nova Scotia

References

1. "Bucknam Pasha, Ex-Admiral, Dead. American Who Served Former Sultan And Reorganized Turkish Navy. Began Life As Cabin Boy. Served Seven Years As Adviser To Abdul Hamid, And Then Became An Oil Magnate". New York Times. May 30, 1915.

Further reading

• "Ransford Dodsworth Bucknam". Nova Scotians At Home And Abroad: Biographical Sketches Of Over Six Hundred Native Born Nova Scotians.(Note: This reference has incorrect years of his birth and death)