History of Bucks County, Pa Volume 3 by William H. Davis
Names and Page # Index

EDWARD RAMSEY

EDWARD RAMSEY, a farmer, carpenter and contractor of Warminster township, is of Irish descent, the family having been established in America during the colonial epoch in the history of Pennsylvania, since which time the Ramseys have borne a helpful part in the material development and substantial progress of their respective communities.

William Ramsey, the great-grandfather, devoted his attention to farming, and was a broad-minded, intelligent business man and financier. He became the owner of large tracts of land, and was one of the most prominent agriculturists of his community. The land upon which Edward Ramsey now resides was purchased by William Ramsey from William Penn, and was given to John Ramsey, Jr., when he was a little child, to become his when he should attain his majority. William Ramsey gave to each of his children a farm. His son Robert owned and operated the farm adjoining that upon which Edward Ramsey now resides, and was a very prominent and influential citizen, not only successfully controlling his business affairs, but also exerting a strong influence over public thought and action. He was twice called to represent his district in congress, and he left the impress of his individuality for good upon the public life of his county and state. He died upon the old homestead, in the midst of friends who had long known and honored him, and whom he had honored by his capable and efficient public service. His wife, Mrs. Mary Ramsey, was also a native of Bucks county.

John Ramsey, Sr., the grandfather of Edward Ramsey, was born and reared upon the old family homestead, and spent his entire life there, winning success through the capable management of his business affairs for many years. During the last seventeen years of his life he was an invalid. In his political views he was a Democrat, but never aspired to office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business interests. He was a Presbyterian in religious faith and like the others of the family was connected with the old Neshaminy church. Of social nature, he enjoyed the companionship of his many friends. He was of kindly spirit and charitable disposition, and the poor and needy had reason to count him as a benefactor.

John Ramsey, Jr., only son of John and Mary Ramsey, was born and reared at the ancestral home which had been in possession of the family since the land had been purchased from William Penn. He gave his attention to farm pursuits, placed his land under a high state of cultivation, and regularly attended the city markets, where he sold his produce to good advantage. He also engaged in raising stock, and found that a profitable source of income. He kept well informed on general topics of interest, as well as political questions, reading broadly and thinking deeply. He voted with the Democracy, and while he strongly endorsed the principles of the party he was never an office seeker. He was highly respected, his integrity and honor being above reproach. He wedded Mary Stagner, also a native of Bucks county. Her father lived the quiet life of the farmer and gave his political allegiance to the Democracy. In his family were eight children: William, a farmer; Christopher and Barkley, who were killed in the battle of Bull Run, while serving their country in the civil war, Christopher leaving a family of small children; Sarah; Margaret; Elizabeth; Julia; and Mary. The last named became the wife of John Ramsey, Jr., and died in 1863, while Mr. Ramsey, who was born April 9, 1810, died September 28, 1886, at the age of seventy-six years. They were the parents of five children: Frank, who was a farmer; Edward; Mary, who became the wife of E. Morgan; Robert H., a farmer and hotel keeper; and Julia, who died in her eighteenth year. All have passed away with the exception of the second named.

Edward Ramsey, born at the ancestral home of the family where he yet resides, August 28, 1853, was reared to farm pursuits and is indebted to the public school system of the county for the educational privileges he enjoyed. He remained at home until sixteen years of age, when he entered upon a three years apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade, after which he spent three years as a journeyman, and then began contracting and building on his own account, being closely identified with the building industry in this part of the state. After several years he purchased the interest of the other heirs in the old homestead, becoming the owner of the property November 4, 1886. He then began conducting the farm, in connection with his building operations, and so continued until 1903, when he turned his contracting business over to this son to a large extent. He still does light carpenter work to some extent, but gives more of his attention to the farm work, living, however, partially retired. He has by careful and conservative management acquired a competency for old age. Since age gave to him the right of franchise, Mr. Ramsey has voted the Democratic ticket, and his position on any public questions is not a matter of doubt, for he is fearless in support of his convictions. He is a worthy member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and the Brotherhood Accident Association of Boston, Massachusetts.

In September, 1877, Mr. Ramsey was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Ritchie, who was born in Bucks county, in 1855, her parents being Robert and Arabella (Aaron) Ritchie, the latter a sister of ex-sheriff Aaron, of Bucks county. Her grandfather, Thomas Ritchie, was a native of Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and belonged to a family whose identification with the state dates back to colonial days. Robert Ritchie was a carpenter of considerable mechanical ingenuity, and he still resides in Montgomery county, at the age of seventy-seven years, although he has been an invalid for some time. His wife died in 1896. Their children were: Ellen, now Mrs. Ramsey; Horatio, a mechanic; Aaron, a farmer; William, a mechanic, now deceased; Rhoads, a butcher; Amelia, the wife of F. Treble; Emily, the wife of A. Rush; and John, a farmer.

Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey are the parents of six children: John, a carpenter and contractor; Laura, wife of C. Dudbridge; George, a carpenter; Robert R., who is farming the old homestead; Amelia, and Adella