Carroll Co., AR - Biographies - Thompson Ramsey

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Thompson Ramsey, one of the most prominent farmers and stock raisers 
of Carroll County, Ark., was born in Independence County, Ark., 
October 11, 1824. His father, John Ramsey, was born in Pennsylvania, 
and when about sixteen years of age went to Kentucky. After remaining 
in the latter State a few years he came to Arkansas, which was about 
1818. Here he married Rachel Sneed, a daughter of William Sneed, who 
is said to have been the first white man to settle in the Osage 
district of Carroll County. After his marriage John Ramsey located in 
Independence County, Ark., and in 1836 came to Carroll County. He 
purchased a claim, which he entered after the land was thrown upon the 
market. Here he improved a farm, and resided until his death in 1856. 
He was a hero of the War of 1812, and for his services in that war he 
received a land warrant, and after his death his widow received a 
pension. Thompson Ramsey grew to manhood on his father's farm in 
Carroll County, and was married on January 22, 1843, to Naomi Hulsey, 
a native of Kentucky, who was chiefly reared in Carroll County, Ark. 
She is a daughter of Hiram Hulsey, one of the pioneer settlers of the 
county. After his marriage Mr. Ramsey was engaged in farming in Osage 
Township for about ten years, when he removed to the farm on which he 
now resides. At first he purchased sixty acres of land, on which he 
built his house and otherwise improved it. As he was able he added to 
this little farm, until his farm now contains 543 acres, of which 200 
are under cultivation and 300 under fence. On his farm are a nice 
residence, barn and other buildings. In July, 1864, Mr. Ramsey 
enlisted in the Confederate army, and was assigned to Harrell's 
battalion, with which he served until the war was over. The war left 
him almost destitute, and his fine farm and other possessions have 
been accumulated since by much hard work and good management. For four 
years he held the office of justice of the peace of his township. He 
and wife have thirteen children living and one dead. Those living are: 
Sophia, Mrs. George Breeding, of Eureka Springs; Harriet, Mrs. Allen 
Ward, of Green Forest; Keziah, Mrs. J. P. Harbert, of California; 
William M., [p.1071] who is married and resides on the home farm; 
Alfred Y., of Carroll County; Mary, Mrs. Henry J. Griffith, of Carroll 
County; John H., of Green Forest; Margaret, Mrs. John Norton, of 
Collin County, Tex.; Araminta, Mrs. James Walker, of Carroll County; 
R. L., C. A., Martha Alice and Thompson, Jr. The one dead is Benjamin 
F. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey are active members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Ramsey is a member of the Masonic lodge 
at Green Forest, and is a Master Mason.