USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other presentation. ============================================================= The Switzerland County Paper June 19, 1952 By Martha Hines "O Time In Your Flight, Make me a Child Again Just For Tonight."--Whittier. I am writing a short history of two among the oldest pioneers of Switzerland County, Indiana, the Ramseyer's and the Hawkin's. Jacob Ramseyer and his wife Mary had four sons, were born in Switzerland, and crossed the Atlantic Ocean and landed in 1812. Two boys having died on the ship and were buried at sea. Daniel and George arrived with them at New York. They bought a farm in Craig Township, Switzerland County, Indiana, from the government. Here is a copy of the old deed made in 1821: James Monroe, President of the United States : To all whom these presents, to all come greetings: Know ye that Jacob Ramseyer, of Switzerland County, having deposited in the General Land Office of Cincinnati, A certificate of the register land office, in whereby it appears full payment has been made for the southwest quarter of section 9, township 2, range 3, west of the meridian line drawn from the mouth of the Great Miami River, containing one hundred and fifty-seven acres, twenty hundreths of the land directed to be sold at Cincinnati, by the Act of Congress, entitled and Act providing the sale of the lands in United States in the Territory west of the Ohio and above the mouth of the Kentucky River, and the acts amendatory of the same. Where is granted by the United States unto the said Jacob Ramseyer, the quarter lot on sections of land above and described to have and to hold. The said quarter lot or section of land with appurtences, of the same Jacob Ramseyer, his heirs and assigns forever. In testimony where I have caused these letters to be made patent and the State of the General Land Office, Hereunto Affixed. Given under my hand at the city of Washington, the second day of May in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Twenty-One, and of the Independence of the United States of American the fourty-fifth President. James Monroe Recorded, Volume page 591 Josiah Meigo, Commissioner of the General Land Office. Jacob was born 1702. And married Mary Bearfoot. Jacob Ramseyer, wife and two boys settled on the farm they bought. Daniel was born 1797, April 4th and died at the age of 78 years, 4 months, and 10 days. The land was in a wilderness where the deer and wolves roamed the forest. They went to work to cut timber to build a house. The farm is located in Craig Township, Ind., on a hill; a beautiful scenery in winter and in summer; one mile from State Road 129. Daniel, the oldest son of Jacob and Mary Ramseyer was united in marriage to Martha Hawkins of Switzerland County and to them were born 11 children, Frederick, Philip, Obediah, John, Joseph, and Peter, three girls, Martha, Linda, Eliza; Vivean and Lidda dying in infancy. They built a huge log house, two stories with an attic where they kept papers for future reference. The cellar is as large as the house and walled up with stone. A huge chimney at the end has stood many a storm for over 135 years and is in good condition. Daniel Ramseyer was noted for his honesty. He was of a kind disposition, always ready to lend a helping hand to the sick and needy. He was a fine carpenter and a shoemaker. At first he made wooden shoes. They slipped on like a house slipper. In later years when they could get leather he made shoes for the whole family of 11. He was never idle. When he wasn't working he would read and his penmanship was the best. He was a surveyor for many years and Trustee of Craig Township. They raised everything to eat and stored it in the cellar for winter. They canned their blackberries in stone jugs. He farmed the land with oxen. In later years they had horses and cattle and sheep. A short distance from the homestead is the old family cemetery on the brink of the hill overlooking Pendelton Run, where the old pioneers are buried. Not far from the cemetery is an Indian Mound, one of the largest in the County overlooking Indian Creek where the had their burial and camping ground. Pendelton run is on the north. In olden times there was a peddler who made trips up and down. He was murdered supposedly by the Indians. His name was Pendleton and from that day until now it has been called Pendleton Run, a large stream of water that flows into Indian Creek. Indian Creek derived its name from the Indians having their camping grounds on each side so they could watch for the white man. There is a deer lick just above the Knox Ford where the deer would go to drink and the men would take their guns and wait for them and kill them for their meat. On the same farm, formerly known as the Scott farm up Abe's Branch is another deer lick, a stream of water that flows into Indian Creek. Abe's Branch derived it's name from an old man who lived there in olden times by the name of Abe. In January, 1838, Daniel bought an account book where he kept a record of his income and expenses. In 1855, he was sworn in as Director of Craig Township, going to Braytown in District no. 6. Here are a few of his records out of two or three hundred. He kept a record from 1838 until 1873. Philip Ramseyer to Daniel Ramseyer, 40 weeks of board at 75 cts. a week. 30 days work done by Obediah Ramseyer at the same time in and about the shop, 50 cts. a day. Philip bought 54 lbs. of beef at 3 1/2 cts. a lb., and a dozen hens for $2.00, I sold 14 1/2 lbs. of ginseng for $3.62 cts.: sold 2 raccoons and 17 rabbit skins for $1.12 cts. I bought 6 1/2 acres of land from Tom Layton for $5.00 an acre. Samuel Leep, one day's work laying the foundation for his house $6.29cts. a day. Mr. Rouse bought books for Mt. Sterling school no. 2 and 3, going to Mt. Sterling 1/2 day to settle up, received $1.37 cts. Had a note on Peter Vanbriggle $6.29 cts., George Tardy $47.20, Richard Lamson $5.20, Edward Ridgeway $8.12, Samuel Ridgeway for $14.25. I sold to Charles Clements, a roan horse, received $2.00 in cash and a note. Benjeman Siebenthal, one day work for masonry, 62 1/2 cts., William Brindley 3 1/2 days work, masonry $2.00. Samuel Leep for weaving 15 1/2 yards of jeans $1.87 cts. August, 1871 Charles Cramer bought a steer and one heifer for $40.00; sold John Ridgeway a hog, $5.00; George Oakley 4 shoats for $5.00; for weaving 13 1/2 yards of jeans,15 3/4 yds. of blankets, making 29 3/4 yds in all for $3.65. In 1866 I surveyed the road leading from Carrollton to Versailles and to the road from Lost Fork, Brayton to the river and I surveyed the Madison and Lawrenceburg road to the county line for $20.00. September 28, 1868 the Vevay and Moorefield Turnpike Co., surveyed 2 3/4 days for $5.00. When Trustee for Craig Township he had the care of the poor farm. One visit to the poor farm was 25 cts. He made all the caskets for those who died there and if he assisted in helping dig the graves, was $1.50. So you see the difference in those days and now. Daniel Ramseyer's brother, George who built a house just a short distance from him decided to go west and never came back here to live. Martha Hawkins was born March 19, 1803. She was born in a log cabin on Indian Creek in the cabin which was just above the house that is there now on the farm formerly known as the William Scott farm. She was united in marriage to Daniel Ramseyer, December 29, 1825, died in 1924 at the age of 90 years, 10months, and 5 days. She was the daughter of John and Massa Truax Hawkins. To them were born four girls and three boys. Obediah, John, Anthony, Martha, Massa, Nellie, and Eliza. To the four sisters were born 45 children. Martha and Daniel lived in the old homestead their entire life of 90 years and more. Grandmother climbed up over the house, went up on one side and down over the other. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother; always had to work hard to raise their family. They raised sheep to get the wool which was dyed and spun into yarn which made all their clothing. She had her spinning wheel upstairs and wove everything, carpet and clothing and bedspreads. I have a beautiful bedspread that the Ramseyer girls wove when they were at home, Martha, Linda, and Eliza. It is woven of red, white, and blue and has a fringe around it. They wove 12 and this is the only one that is left and is in perfect condition, over 90years old. I am very proud of it. When Grandmother wasn't weaving she would be piecing quilt blocks and gave them to the grandchildren. I have the basket she kept her quilt blocks in. When Jacob Ramseyer and family came from Switzerland they brought silk worms with them and kept them in the cellar. I have forgotten what they fed them to produce the silk which was woven into cloth and made into garments which they said could hardly wear out. They were on the order of a spider, like it weaves its web. They were a great care and my mother said she was glad when grandmother disposed of them for they were always crawling around. Grandmother Ramseyer was very fond of her children. In her declining years when my Aunt and Uncle would have to go away the grandchildren would go and stay with her. My Aunt would fix dinner on the table with everything good to eat and spread a cloth over it and hide the matches so grandmother couldn't start a fire. She said we played hard and ought to have a warm dinner. We would all sit down and she would laugh and joke with us and we though we had the happiest time of our life. But alas! There are not many to sit at the table now. Nettie Hawkins married Joseph Brown. They lived on the farm now owned by Mr. Harmon. They lived in a log house and reared a large family of children, all of whom are deceased. Julia Brown McKay who had a milliner shop in Vevay was the descendant. The old folks are buried by the side of the road that goes up Indian Creek, on the left as you go up off State Road 129. Two cedar trees mark the burial place. Massa Hawkins married Daniel Konkle and to them were born a large family of children all of whom are deceased. They lived on a farm that joined the Ramseyer farm and died there and were buried at Zion Chapel. Those left in the fourth generation are Andrew Konkle, Mrs. John Roberts and sister Julia of North Webster, In and Mrs. Lillie Dow of Abe's Branch. Eliza Hawkins married Peter Vanbriggle and they reared a large family of children, all deceased. They lived on a farm now owned by the Schenk heirs. There are no buildings of any kind; nothing to remind you of the Vanbriggle farm but the old cemetery is in fair condition and some of the monuments still stand. Anthony Hawkins married Pruda Adams of Long Run. To them were born six children, three girls and three boys, Anna, Mamie, Pruda, Edward, Walter, and Amy. Anna married Samuel Lock, of Vevay, to them were born two sons, Anthony and Walter. Anthony passed away one year ago in Florida. Walter and his family reside in Connersville, In; the only descendants left of the Hawkins family. Anthony last lived on the farm now owned by Mrs. Lillie Dow of Abe's Branch. In the Vanbriggle family are Bert Weales, of Columbus, In, Frank Weales of Connersville, in, and Harry and Clara Weales who reside in Vevay, In, all of the descendants of the Vanbriggle family. There was a schoolhouse on the Vanbriggle place where the Ramseyer's and Hawkin's and Vanbriggle's went to school together. They all went to Sunday School and Church at Zion Chapel in a stone school house that burned down last spring, before the church was built. I must tell you what a brave woman my grandmother Hawkins was. She lived in a log cabin on Indian Creek where Martha Ramseyer was born. She went to the creek down at Knox's Ford to wash; no cisterns or wells. She built up a fire to heat the water and they washed on a rock, no washboards yet. She heard her little dogs bark; she looked to see it was a wolf. She screamed and seeing the fire scared him away. She had two little children with her. Another time they had moved on a farm near up near the Ramseyer place now owned by Curtis Brock, in a log cabin with one room and a big fireplace to cook by and had a clapboard loft and a quilt hung up for a door. One night Grandfather had to be away. About dark she heard the wolves howling around nearby. There wasn't anything to do but get the boards down from the loft, get them on fire and throw them outside and they would run back. All night long she had to do that to protect herself and the children. When it got daylight she did not see any of them around. A short distance from the house they had killed a yearling heifer and eaten it. What a brave old lady. Later they moved to a farm on Pendleton Run up on the hillside near Vanbriggle went and took care of them Brindley. They lived to be very old and Grandmother became an invalid and my mother and Martha Vanbriggle went and took care of them until they died and as far as any one now knows they are buried in the Vanbriggle cemetery nearby. This was taken from the History of Tipton and Howard Counties, Published in 1883: Frederick Ramseyer the present surveyor of Tipton County, was born in Switzerland County, November 5, 1826. His parents were Daniel and Martha Hawkins Ramseyer. His father, Daniel, came to this country in 1813 and died in Switzerland County, In ant the age of 78. He was a native of the Republic of Switzerland in Europe, and was a nephew of the celebrated Marshall Murat of France. His, Fred's mother, is still living at the age of 81 years. Fred is the oldest of a family of 11 children, eight of whom are still living. He was reared of a farm and when he had reached his 20th year he enlisted in the Third Regiment, Indiana Volunteers, for the Mexican War. He served one year, and during that time participated in The Battle Of Beuna Vista and served minor engagements and returned home in July l, 1847. After this, he spent his time in teaching and traveling until the year 1856 when he was united in marriage to Miss Adelia Heaton, daughter of Joseph W. Heaton, of Howard County, Ind. Fred removed to the Township of Prairie in Tipton County in the year 1859 and located on the farm he now owns, one-half miles west of Groomsville, Ind., which ten was a comparative wilderness. by persistent effort and close economy he has succeeded in accumulating this home. As a citizen, he is universally esteemed and possesses a large circle of friends. He has always been a democrat and was elected in 1882 to the office of surveyor, the duties of which he is now discharging. 89 years ago Frederick Ramseyer was Post Master at Groomsville. He and Adelia were the parents of eight children as follows: Oscar V., born 1857, died 1937. He was married to Emily Peters and they were parents of three sons, Pearl W., Carl and Raleigh, all were in service in World War 2. All three are deceased. His first wife died and later he married Cora Hoover who survives. He has one great-grandchild , two grandchildren, Catherine and Emily, daughters of Carl. Flora died in 1942. She was married to Richard Rayl, no children. Edgar, born 1861, died 1941. He was married to Lula Stoops, died in 1944, native of Switzerland County. They were the parents of two children, Maude, who married Ozy R. Quakenbush and Ray married Chloe Coombs, Maude and Ozy, parents of Olas Quakenbush, Maxine Nash and Madonna Alderson, Ray and Chloe, parents of one child , Ned Ramseyer of Wisconsin: Ray deceased. Philip Ramseyer, farmer and blacksmith of Prairie Township of Tipton County was born in Switzerland County, Ind., December 19, 1827 and is the second in a family of 11 children born to Daniel and Martha (Hawkins) Ramseyer. In the year of 1848 Philip came to Tipton County, then known as the Indian Reserve, on a prospecting tour, but made not purchases. In 1853 he returned and settled in Howard County, Ind. He remained here about 14 years, working at his trade, that of a blacksmith, and manufactured the first breaking plow ever made in the county. In order to learn his trade he, at the age of 17, hired to Wm. Malcombson. With him he worked four years before setting up for himself. After residing for the time mentioned in Howard County, He sold his interest there, removing to Prairie Township, Tipton County and purchased 40 acres of land situated in the woods which he has cleared and put in a fine state of cultivation. He still works at his trade at he makes about $600.00 per year, while his sons manage the farm. He was married Dec. 31, 1855 to Miss Eunice A. Robey, a native of Indiana. They are the parents of five children, Etta, Guy, Gail, Archie and Frances. James married Lou Miller, two children, Paul and Doyle Ramseyer. Cebern married Stella Blackamore, three children, Joe, Sam and Eunice Higgins, Casper married Ida Woods, two children, Bryan and Omer. Laura married Clinton Connor, no children. Arthur and Eurelean both died while young. Phillip died June, 1903: his wife died 1894. Both are buried at Alto Cemetery in Howard County. All of Phillips children are deceased. John Ramseyer was born 1829, died in 1886. Married Eliza Samples, had no children. All deceased, buried in Liberty Cemetery, Tipton County, Ind. Obediah, farmer and blacksmith, of Prairie Township, Tipton County, Ind., is a native of Switzerland County, Ind., where he was born June 29, 1832. He is a son of Daniel and Martha Ramseyer. Obediah was born on a farm and resided with his parents until he attained his majority. At that time he was married to Miss Susanna Poston of Jefferson Township, Ind. They have a family of nine children, eight of whom are living at this time (1883). Emma married to Stephen Rogers, their family consists of two daughters, Susie Rogers Maggart, Nina Opal Rogers Stewart. Martha married to David Coleman. Their family consists of three children Elmer Coleman married Bertha Durham, Anna Coleman Orr (deceased) Emma Coleman Swing, Nancy married Oliver Allison; they had Ebert, of Tipton, Ind., William of West Middleton, Ind.; Homer, of Kokomo, Ind., John, of near Indianapolis, Eddie and an infant. Elizabeth married John Glenn. They had the following children, Ruth Glenn Eikenberry, of Forest, Ind., Shirley Glenn, of Culver, Ind., Malcolm, Albert, and Nancy. of Kokomo and Mary of Frankfort, Ind., and several grandchildren. William and Anna Lloyd Ramseyer were parents of one son, Obie, who died when about 1 year old. They adopted a daughter, who is Mrs. Nellie Land of Kokomo. William died in 1938, born 1859. Anna, born 1872, died 1932. Preston married Marcia Jenkins, who with an infant daughter, passed away in 1892. Preston died in 1945. He was a twin of William. George and Addie Hughes are the parents of one daughter, Mrs. Nellie Kemper, of near Windfall, Ind. Addie passed away in 1846. He was married later to Miss Emma Miles who is deceased. George, born 1864. Daniel V., born 1865, died in 1945. He was married to Lillie Wheatley. They had no children. Abigail, born 1863 and still resides at the old homestead. Simon P., born 1873 and still resides at the old homestead. John, born 1870, died 1941. He was married to Lillie Carter and they were parents of Mabel Gritton (deceased), Myrl Dishon and Richard Ramseyer. Ada Belle died at the age of eight, daughter of Fred and Adelia. Fred Ramseyer died September 3, 1904, Adelia, his wife March 21, 1916. Fred and Adelia have eight children 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Both are buried in Liberty Cemetery near Groomsville. Maude Ramseyer, the only daughter of Edgar and Lula Stoops Ramseyer, was united in marriage to Oat Quakenbush, February 14, 1907. they are parents of three children, Olas, who married Anna Mae Adams and they have three children, Catherine, age 19, Jean 16, John 15. Maxine married WM. Nash. They have two children Richard Guy, age 11 and Jimmie Lee Nash, aged5. Madonna married Edward Alderson. They have no children. Oat passed away September 10, 1944. Ray's boy Ned, has three children, Theresa, Nedra. John Adams married Eliza Ramsyer, born 1835, died 1874. They had seven children. Anna married Dan Campbell, deceased, Solomon, deceased, married Mary King, had one child. John deceased , married Dor Beddiing; have three children; Frank deceased, married Mary Bess, ten children. Florence married Harter, have two children. Phillip never married, still living. Jack married Myurtle Rubush and had eight children. George Ramseyer has five grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren. All of Obediah's children are deceased but George lives with his daughter. George was born in 1864. Martha Ramseyer, the oldest daughter of Daniel and Martha Ramseyer, was born January 8. 1834 in the old Ramseyer Homestead. She united in marriage to David Leap. To them were born five children, one girl and four boys, namely, Frederick, George, Albert, Daniel and Josie. Frederick married Mary Garner of Parks Ridge and moved to California and had five children. They resided there until their death many years ago. George, the second son of Martha and David, married Mary McClanahan, a sister of the late George McClanahan of Parks Ride. They went west and he died out there and was brought back home and was buried in Long Run Cemetery. She passed away many years ago. They had no children. The third son of Martha and David, Albert, went out west and lived on a ranch and lived a cowboy's life, which was his desire. He lived to be quite old and was married but had no children. He was buried out west. Daniel, the fourth son married Dora LeClere of Indian Creek. They moved to Sharpsville, In. To them were born three children, Martha, a registered nurse in a hospital in Indianapolis; Frederick was a school teacher and Charles, deceased, and undertaker at Sharpsville. Frederick had some children, Josie, the only daughter and the youngest of the family, was born October 25, 1867 in Craig Township. Her early school days were at Halls Branch and then to Vevay High School. Her first school she taught was on Pendleton Run. She was united in marriage to Harry Shaw. To them were born two daughters, Charlotte and Edith. Charlotte married Herbert Brown and to them were born one son Dale Shaw Brown, who died at the age of eight years. Charlotte resided in Cincinnati and is a nurse at Christ Hospital. Edith, a teacher in the Vevay High School for many years, resides at home with her mother. Oscar Leep, oldest son of Linda Ramsyer Leep, was born December 10. 1867. Linda Ramseyer was united in marriage to Dudley Leep, March 29, 1857. To them were born six children, Oscar, Ajay, Indiana, Howard, Peter, and Martha. Oscar was reared on a farm in Craig Township, received his schooling at Hall's Branch, he liked music and played the violin. He liked to hunt and fish which has been handed down from one generation to another in the Ramseyer family. He was united in marriage to Carrie Roberts and to them were born three girls, Bessie, who married a Housefield, Mary who married a Gerigrich and Luella married Authur Wallace of Madison. Bessie proceeded the mother and father in death and Mary resides in Indianapolis. Amy Leep, the second son of Linda Ramseyer Leep was born March 13th in Craig Township on Halls Branch. He was reared on a farm and received his schooling a Halls Branch. He was fond of hunting and fishing. All four brothers played the violin and often times played in public. He was fond of fine horses. He was united in marriage to Edith Wintizer of Vevay, but had no children. He passed away February 10, 1941 and was buried in the Vevay Cemetery. Howard Leep, the third son of Linda Ramseyer Leep was born in Craig Township, Switzerland County, In on October 13, 1871. He was reared on a farm. His school days were spent in Halls Branch School. He went to Shelbyville, In about 40years ago. He was united in marriage to Margaret Clark. To them were born three boys, Edison ,William, and John. Edison married Leona Miller of Shelbyville and to them were born four children, Margaret Ann, Jimmie, Johnnie, and Mary Nell. John and William have preceded their mother in death, and Don, son of Edison and Leona. Edison is an employee at the Allison Plant in Indianapolis and his wife is Township Trustee of Shelby County. William, the second son of Howard and Margaret Leep was received his schooling in Shelbyville. He married Thelma Kuhn and to them were born two children, Maurice Wade and Marilyn Jean. John, the youngest son of Howard and Martha Leep was reared on a farm and received his schooling at Shelbyville. John was also a noted baseball player. He married Jaunita Warner of Rushville. To them was born one girl, Betty Arlene Leep, who resides with her grandparents, John having passed away 17 years ago. Howard, the father resides in Shelbyville. Peter Leep, the youngest son of Linda Ramseyer Leep was born November 3, 1867 in Craig Township, Switzerland Co, In on Halls Branch. The old school house is still standing. He was a lover of pretty horses. He moved to Shelbyville 40years ago. He was married to May Brindley, daughter of John Brindley. To them was born one son, Ray, who is an employee at the Allison Plant in Indianapolis. Peter lives 1/2 mile from Shelbyville on a farm and has been night watchman at a factory in Shelbyville for 11 years. Ray resides at home with his parents. Indiana LeClerc, the oldest daughter of Linda Ramseyer Leep was born November 3, 1861 at Halls Branch in Craig Township, Switzerland County. Her school days were spent in the school there, graduated from the Common Schools and The Commencement was held in the Old Academy at Moorefield, Ind. She was united in marriage to Edward Leclerc, of Indian Creek. To them were born four children. Everett, Mattie, Jesse and Frank. Everett, the oldest son married Frances Mcfarland, To them was born one son, Leon. Leon was in World War II and served as a paratrooper and was killed. He married Ruth Martin, of Aurora, Ind., and had one son Douglas. He was brought back home and buried at Aurora where his wife and son reside. Everett resides in Mt. Sterling with his mother. Mattie, the only daughter of Indiana LeClerc was born on Indian Creek. Her school days were spent at Zion Chapel School House. She was married to Leonard Macfarland. To them was born one son, A.W. the father having passed away recently she resides with her son in Mountain View, Calif. Jesse LeClerc, second son of Indiana, was born on Indiana Creek and went to school there in the old stone school house that burned down last summer. He is a fine carpenter. He was united in marriage to Nell Garret of Waldron, In. To them was born one son, Bobby who married Eleanor Buchanan. They have one son, Bobby Wayne and they reside in Vevay, In. Frank, the youngest son was born on Indian Creek and moved to Cross Plains. He died there and was brought back and buried in Vevay Cemetery. The father passed away several years ago. Martha, the youngest daughter of Linda Ramseyer Leep was born October 25, 1873 in a stone house on Halls Branch, which is still standing. My school days were spent in that school. I graduated in the common schools and the commencement was held in the old academy at Moorefield, In. over 60 years ago. There were nine graduates from our school. Only four are living. Jennie Thiebaud, of near Vevay, Mrs. Mary Haskell of near Moorefield, In, LeClerc of Mt. Sterling and Martha Hines, of near Vevay, In. I was united in marriage to John Hines, April 5, 1893. John was born in Craig Township, January 1, 1867. He was reared on a farm and was a hard worker and enjoyed raising tobacco, his favorite crop. But one year ago the 6th of September,1950: The ties in our home was broken, The voice we loved is stilled. A place is vacant in our home, Which can never be filled. To us were born twin boys, one dying in infancy, the other Loren. Although I am left alone I think I have a wonderful son I can depend upon. Loren was born the 18th of September, 1894 in Jefferson Township. He was reared on a farm. His early school days were on Indian Creek and from there he entered high school in Vevay, In. and graduated in 1913. He united with the Methodist Church in Vevay. He attended college one year at Moores Hill, In in 1914. Afterwards he was united in marriage to Hazel Jean Richards, daughter of Emma and Isaac Richards, of Mt. Sterling, in. She taught in the Vevay schools and Mt. Sterling for many years. They have no children. Loren was an agent for the Standard Oil Company for 17 years and decided to quit. He bought a farm and now raises Hereford cattle in which he has much interest. I must say to relatives and friends who have sons in Korea that we all sympathize with them in this war torn world of ours. In this day of grief and sorrow there is a verse in one of Longfellow's Poems that I think is a comfort to us all. Be still, sad heart, and cease repining, Behind the clouds, is the sun still shining. Thy fate is the common fate of all, Into each life some rain must fall, Some days must be dark and dreary. ---Longfellow Joseph Ramseyer, the fifth son of Daniel and Martha Ramseyer, was born February 28, 1842 and died at the age of 86 years. He was the Trustee of Jefferson Township for two terms. He was in In Co. E. 146th Ind., Infantry, G.A.R. Post, Vevay. He was united in marriage to Katherine Howard, daughter of John Howard. To them were born six children, Frederick, Clara, John, Martha, Thomas, and Edward. Frederick, the oldest son was a soldier in the Spanish American War. He came back home and died of a fever contracted in the war. Frederick and Clara preceded the mother and father in death. Martha was united in marriage to William Morrison and resides on a farm near Mt. Sterling, In. To them were born two daughters, Eva and Mary Katherine. Eva married Oliver Gurley. Mary Katherine married Melvell Wiley and they have two sons. They live on a farm near Mt. Sterling. John, the second son was married and had one daughter. The mother passed away many years ago. John resided on a farm on Plum Creek. Thomas Ramseyer married Bertha Morrison and they live on a farm on Parks Ridge. To them were born seven children, namely Lewis, Robert, Gerald, Evelyn, Merriam, Katherine, and J B. Lewis married Ida Florence and have three children. Merriam married Frank Romans and they have three children, Jean, John, and Robert. Katherine married John Jones and have one daughter, Kay. J B married Norma Hatton; they have three children, two daughters and one son, Linda, Jackie, and Thomas. Edward Ramseyer, the fourth son of Joseph Ramseyer was united in marriage to Hallie Morrison and lives on a farm on Tapps Ridge. To them were born seven daughters, namely, Jaunita, Helen, Katherine, Jeanette dying in infancy. Jaunita, who married Everett O' Day lives on a farm near Vevay. To them were born two children, a son by a former marriage, Nelson Graham, still single at home and is an employee at the Jefferson Proving Grounds, and on daughter who married Alfred Adkins and resides at Versailles, In. They have two boys, Tommie and Jimmie, a son Mickel died at the age of 2 1/2 years. Helen Ramseyer married Augustus Bumen and they have one daughter, Mary Alice who married Raymond Gaudin. They have two children, Bernard and Joseph, and reside in Vevay. Katherine, who married Welby Jester, died at the age of 27, leaving three children. Welby, Jr., married Leo Browning and they have two children, Nancy and Edward. William now missing in Korea, married Betty Leep and has one child, Linda. Hilda Ann married john Lock; Donna and Patricia Jewel. Vivian, the youngest daughter of Edward Ramseyer married Howard Darbro and has two children, Barbara Jean and Sandra Kay. Peter Ramseyer, the youngest son of Daniel and Martha Ramseyer was born February 19, 1845 and died in the old Ramseyer homestead. He lived his entire life and died there. He was the only one left after his father died to take care of his mother. He gave her all the care and comfort a mother could have. In later years he was united in marriage to Julia Banta, of Spring Branch in Craig Township, In. To them were born five children, three girls and two boys, namely Omer, Jessie, Josie, Edgar, and Lizzie. Omer, the oldest of the children was the favorite of his grandmother. In her declining years he would sit by her at the table and wait on her; a wonderful grandson. Jessie married Rolland Roberts of near Moorefield. They live on a farm and to them were born two daughters. Aldean at home and Hazel married Karl Brown and resides in Milan, In. Hazel teaches school and Karl is a garage man. A son was born to them which died at birth. Edgar, the second son of Peter and Julia Ramseyer was married to Hazel Anderson of Braytown. They moved to Connersville, In and had no children. Edgar was in World War II for several months. He passed away a few months ago. Omar also a few months ago followed the mother and father in death. Josie and Elizabeth still resided at the old homestead until recently when they moved to Vevay. I must say that in all the years gone by the Ramseyer homestead there were only eight deaths in the home and one cousin who made his home with them for 30 years or more, John Wakefield. The eight deaths were: My Great-Grandfather, Our Grandmother Ramseyer, Daniel, my Grandfather, Grandmother and two girls who died in early girlhood. The funerals were all held at the home and burial in the old Ramseyer Cemetery a short distance from the house except my Aunt and Uncle and the cousin, John Wakefield, who were buried in the Vevay Cemetery. When I think for a moment of the two girls Josie and Elizabeth who were born and reared in the old home for over 65 years and cared for all the family, they shared all their sorrows and joys through sickness and death; they will someday be rewarded. And when they could not manage the farm but had to give up and sell it which was a heartache for us all, it had been in the Ramseyer family for more than 135 years. Everett O'Day and wife, Jaunita (Ramseyer) and daughter, Jean Adkins, of Versailles In and myself drove out to the old Ramseyer homestead October 15, 1951, a beautiful Sunday afternoon. We got out of the car. No one at the gate, I opened the gate, I paused for a moment. Is it true, can it be true no one at the gate. I went around the yard, a beautiful lawn. The grass was green and well kept. The flowers the girls had left were faded. Everything was in perfect condition but not a face to see; not a voice to say, "I and glad to see you," as was here before. I went to the cellar and log kitchen where the old Ramseyer girls and mother did the cooking. The old hole cut through; there were no flues in those days. The old shelf in the porch way is still there where they kept their soap and things handy. The old pecan tree in the garden is still there. My Aunt Eliza Ramseyer set it out there when she was a girl over 100 years ago or more. The place where grandfather had his shop is grassed over. The old well sown by the garden wall looked familiar. The pawpaws were hanging on the trees and the walnuts on the ground reminded me of childhood days when we were there to gather them. We started home; no one at the gate; no one to say good-bye, come again, I'll be glad to see you. But time does fly so fast, It doesn't seem to want to wait, But, Oh dear cousins, I missed you, I missed you at the gate. This is the record of Daniel and Martha Ramseyer, of their births and deaths of 11 children. Having expressed a wish through Obidiah and Susan of knowing the ages of our children, I accordingly send them to you, to wit: Frederick Ramseyer, born November 5, 1826 Phillip Ramseyer, born December 19, 1827 John Daniel Ramseyer, born November 3, 1829 Lydia V. Ramseyer, born February 12, 1831 died July 23, 1833 Obidiah Ramseyer, born June 29, 1832 Martha Ramseyer, born January 8, 1834 died October 18, 1887 Eliza Ramseyer, born July 28, 1835 Linda Ramseyer, born February 19, 1837 died in 1927 Vivean Ann Ramseyer, born December 27, 1839 died October 29, 1840 Joseph B. Ramseyer, born February 28, 1842 died in 1928 Peter V. Ramseyer, born February 19, 1845 died in 1924 Here are the names of the boys who served in the wars. Frederick Ramseyer, deceased, son of Joseph B. Ramseyer, served in the Spanish American War; was a Corporal. Gerald Ramseyer, Robert Ramseyer, J B Ramseyer, all sons of Thomas Ramseyer were in service in World War II. Robert LeClerc was in training 8 months. Edgar Ramseyer, deceased, son of Peter Ramseyer, served in World War I. Nelson Graham served in the three years war. William Jester, con of Katherine Ramseyer Jester is now in Korea. Joseph Jewell, son of Josephine Ramseyer Jewell, now missing in action. Harry Weales, was in the service overseas eight months. Here are the names of those left in the fourth generation of the Ramseyer and Hawkins generation: Abbygale Ramseyer, George Ramseyer, and Simon Ramseyer all of Tipton County, In. Howard and Peter Leep of Shelbyville Indiana. Josie Shaw, Vevay, In Thomas Ramseyer, Parks Ridge, Switzerland Co., In. Edward Ramseyer, Tapps Ridge, Switzerland Co., In John Ramseyer, Plum Creek, Switzerland Co., In. Martha Morrison, Mt. Sterling, In Jessie Roberts, Moorefield, In Elizabeth and Josie Ramseyer, Vevay, In Indiana LeClerc, Mt. Sterling, In Martha Hines, Vevay, In In the fifth generation are namely: Edison Leep Ray Leep Everett LeClerc Jess LeClerc Mattie McFarland Edith Shaw Charlotte brown Loren Hines Jaunita O'Day Helen Bumen Vivian Darbro Josephine Jewell Nellie Dow Katherine Jones Evelyn Calahan Merriam Romans Gerald Ramseyer J B Ramseyer Robert Ramseyer Lewis Ramseyer There were 40 in the sixth generation and ten in the seventh. And now I will bring my history to a close but let us stop and pause for a moment and think of so many relatives who have passed away in all these generations. Many a tear has been shed, many a heart has been broken. but let not your heart be troubled, for yet there is not a cloud but what has silver lining, and may God's blessings rest upon each and everyone of the survivors; that you may all live as long and honest and industrious lives as our ancestors have. And in the coming years as we walk hand in hand down the shady lane until we reach our destination, and when we come to the end of the road, may we all meet and be reunited is the wish of this writer. Home Sweet Home There is an old home in Indiana To see it would give you a thrill. Where the birds are singing in the tree tops, It is the old Ramseyer homestead on the hill. When the golden sun is setting, And everything is calm and still, I can hear the Whip-poor-wills a singing, Around the old Ramseyer homestead on the hill. The house was built of logs. That never were in a mill, A broadax was used to hew the logs that built, The old Ramseyer homestead on the hill. When in the summer of 1952, Early in the morn, we will climb the hill, And we will have a picnic in the yard, At the old Ramseyer homestead on the hill. We will pay a tribute to the cemetery, Where the old pioneers are laid. While the Bob White are whistling in the meadow, We all linger in the shade. When the day is over and time to say good-bye, And our hearts with joy are filled, Then the mocking birds will be singing in the twilight, Around the old Ramseyer homestead on the hill. Our Lord One Thousand Eight The Switzerland County Paper June 19, 1952 By Martha Hines Jo Ann Ramseyer