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Below is a family biography included in The History of Carroll County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1889.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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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 War, of Green Forest; Keziah, Mrs. J. P. Harbert, of California; William M., 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.

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This family biography is one of 82 biographies included in The History of Carroll County, Arkansas published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Carroll County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

To view additional Carroll County, Arkansas family biographies, click here

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