My Genealogy Hound

Benjamin F. Ramey, a prominent farmer and citizen of White River Township, Washington Co., Ark., was born near where he now lives, December 16, 1839, and is a son of Owen and Elizabeth (Strickler) Ramey, and grandson of Owen Ramey, who was born in Virginia, and there married and reared a family of three children, his son, Owen, being born in that State in 1814. He was reared to maturity in Kentucky, however, and in 1836 came to Arkansas, after a short residence in Illinois. He located in Washington County, where he took up land, began improving a farm, and resided there until his death in 1878. He was an active worker and elder in the Christian Church, and was a Republican in politics. His wife was born in Hawkins County, Tenn., in 1818, and when about ten years old was brought to Arkansas, where she afterward met and married Mr. Ramey. She died three months after her husband in 1878, having borne the following family of children: James M.; Benjamin F., Mary J., wife of R. G. Daniel; Barbara E., who is the deceased wife of W. J. York; Ephraim; William; Sarah, wife of Henry Mills; Albert; Nancy A.; Margaret, wife of Jacob Wright; Henry G.; Mary J. and Sarah. Benjamin F. Ramey was reared under the home roof in Washington County, where he continued until the opening of the War of the Rebellion, and in June, 1862, enlisted in Company B, First Arkansas Cavalry, and served until the cessation of hostilities. After his release from army life he returned home, and, after farming on the home place for four years, was married, and rented land near his old home, and began farming on his own responsibility. About five years later he moved to a farm about seven miles from where he now lives, but in 1884, came to his present location, where he has a valley farm of 230 acres, partly under cultivation. He has always taken an active interest in all public enterprises, and is especially interested in the cause of education. Mr. Ramey is a true type of the self-made men of Arkansas, and is indebted to self-effort for his success in life. He has acted with the Republican party since attaining his majority, but has never aspired to any political office. He was married to Miss Louvinia Lewis, a daughter of G. W. Lewis, and a native of Washington County, and by her is the father of five children: Matilda C., Lettie E., Lydia E., Daley M. B. and Hattie G. Mrs. Ramey is a worthy and consistent member of the Christian Church.