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The Ramsay Clan

Scotland-Ireland-Australia

1779-2005

Dalhousie Castle

The Ramsay's of Dalhousie have reason to be proud of their heritage and their long links with Scottish History. They held possession of Dalhousie longer than any other family has retained possession of a Castle in Scotland. The castle is eight miles from Edinburgh on the Esk River and dates from the 13th Century. Over the succeeding years many parts have been added and altered but the basic structure still exists.

Originally, as with all such Castles, it was surrounded by a moat with an entrance via a drawbridge. It is only in recent times that that this was dismantled but the drawbridge structure is still preserved in the building.

This building suffered many sieges and from time to time it also housed many noblemen including Kings of England and Scotland as well as Oliver Cromwell.

In latter times it has been utilized for a myriad of purposes including a Private Boarding School. In 1972 it was converted to a very up-market hotel and renovated to the highest standards in keeping with its former glory and its highly respected history.

Important information about the contents of this publication:

Order of Contents:

This book attempts to follow the chronological order of persons' births. Thus Robert the eldest member of William and Janet's family comes first and this is followed by the next eldest member of the family and so forth.

Brackets:

When a name is enclosed in brackets, this is the name by which that person was normally known.

Family Trees.

To understand the family trees. An i against a name refers to that person's family further down the chart. E.g. iv check down to the next iv and the descendents of that person will be shown.

Place Names in Ireland

Barry Beg commonly called ‘The Berries’ is area North of Athlone, in the County of Roscommon, where William & Janet Ramsay lived, Kiltoom is a mile or so north again, where the Church baptisms and marriages were recorded.

Privacy

Due to the restrictions of privacy laws, it is impossible to include recent dates of births and marriages. Many of these are available and can be obtained by the person concerned by contacting the authors of this book. However, before providing such material, strict guidelines will be observed to ensure that the information provided is only to those who are so entitled.

Author and Contacts

Alistair Ramsay alram@tpg.com.au

Irene Ramsay iramsay@bigpond.net.au

Don Ramsay ramtec2000@yahoo.com.au

Al Ramsay alram@tpg.com.au

Dedication

This book is dedicated to those courageous immigrants from the United Kingdom, who one and a half centuries ago, left their homes, their villages and their families and took the extremely grave risks of travelling many thousands of miles in basic sailing ships, half way around the world, to a little known and remote country called Australia. A country whose very existence was unknown some 70 years previously until discovered by an intrepid British sailor Captain James Cook.

Here in this strange, isolated and forbidding land, plagued by droughts, fires and floods, they encountered animals, reptiles, insects and pests completely unknown to them. With basic tools, and rudimentary shacks for houses they, with great perseverance and by the sweat of their brow, tamed this harsh land. They cleared the scrub, cut down massive trees, cultivated fields, bred animals and made a home for themselves and their families in what had been, until then, a complete wilderness.

Far from their homeland and with only their basic family for support they, in time, created a substantial colony which over many years, as a result of their persistence and dedication, developed and became a great nation.

Their fortitude, their endurance and their tenacity finally resulted in the growth of a country which is to-day envied world-wide and which is one of the leaders in all aspects of every day life.

To all of them, we owe a great debt of gratitude and look back in wonder at not only what their sterling qualities have given us to-day but all the great privileges we now enjoy from their labours.

We are very proud to be their descendants and we humbly give them our highest honours.

Contribution Dedication

This book is also dedicated to the memory of the late Athol Ramsay and also to his loving wife Irene who, over very many years, at their own expense researched the history of the Ramsay’s not only in Australia but also in Ireland, Scotland and England. Without their complete dedication, and the detailed results they recorded over very many years of research, this book would not have been possible. Also, the Editor acknowledges that, without the ready and constant help of Irene, her regular reading and correcting of drafts, this book would never have been completed.

Full tribute is also paid to the many other members of the Clan who helped in innumerable ways and their contribution to this history is deeply appreciated. One deserving very special mention is Don Ramsay from Brisbane who has undertaken detailed research of the family history over many years. He is also the initiator of this project and has helped in innumerable ways to bring it to fruition. Deserving of special mention also is Malcolm Ramsay of Ipswich Queensland, Frances Longworth

(Nee Ramsay) from Ireland and Mervyn Reger from the Western Australian Clan. Honourable mention must be made of Herbert Ramsay, the son of John Ramsay born 1876. Herbert at a time when no one was interested in family histories wrote many pages about life in the colonies and also in 1933 about the Ramsay families both here in Australia and also in Ireland.

Our sincere thanks to you all. It is hoped that this brief history of the Ramsay Clan meets your expectations.

Alistair Ramsay Editor

Contents

The Ramsay Origins

William and Janet Ramsay-The Beginning

Robert Ramsay 1807-1887 (The W.A. Clan)

William Ramsay 1838-1927

James Ramsay 1809 -1875 (Frances and Irene)

James Ramsay 1845-1910 Emmaville

William Ramsay 1847-1917

John Ramsay 1850-1919 Malcolm)

Catherine Ramsay 1855-1905 (Mrs Wm Byrnes)

David Ramsay 1861-1935

John Ramsay 1811-1878

Janet Ramsay Cross 1844-1908

Catherine McLeod (Nee Ramsay) 1849-1932

John Ramsay 1852-1926

Herbert William Ramsay 1876-1945

Cecil Ramsay 1899-1962

Herbert Chalmers Ramsay 1902-1975

Lachlan Ramsay 1906-1968

Cameron Ramsay 1908-1986

Ivan Ramsay 1913-1063

Stewart Ramsay 1917-2002

Margaret Isabel Ramsay 1922-

John David Ramsay 11879-1933

Allan Ramsay 1881-1955

Colin Ramsay 1888-1954

Malcolm Campbell Ramsay 1890-1973

Ethel Elizabeth (Mrs John Beaton) 1887-1973

Hannah I (Annabel) Ramsay (Mrs J Nelson) 1894-1966

Elizabeth Ramsay (1813-1885) Wm Kellion Families

George Ramsay 1816-?

William George Ramsay 1841-1919

Catherine Ramsay (Mrs J. O'Neill) 1818-?

Thomas Ramsay 1820 -1886

Conclusion

The Ramsay Origins

The Ramsay Clan has spread by migration to all parts of the English speaking world and probably much further afield.

It is extremely difficult to determine how the name "Ramsay" came into being as it has no obvious connotations, as do many other surnames. Research has failed to find a fully satisfactory answer.

One expert claims that it relates to the Kings of Egypt, the Rameses, and has suggested that descendants of this Egyptian tribe could have come to Britain with the invasion by the Roman in the very early centuries. Another historian suggests that the original Ramsay was an obscure German Pirate who followed William the Conqueror to England in 1066. It is reported that the Black Eagle depicted was the battle standard of this Ramsay. It is claimed that he, or probably his son, joined David 1 of Scotland and lived by robbing the natives. However, as all this is pure conjecture we have to live with the knowledge that no proven origin of the name has been satisfactorily explained.

The most original research reveals that the Ramsay’s, when we hear of them first, were of Anglo-Norman origin. Simon de Ramesie came to Scotland with David 1 who granted him lands in Lothian. From Simon descended the Ramsay’s of Dalhousie. In 1296, William signed the Ragman Roll, swearing fealty to Edward I of England in 1296 but later became a strong supporter of Robert the Bruce. He was also one of the Scots Lords who in 1320 signed the famous letter to the Pope (The Declaration of Arbroath) asserting the independence of Scotland. The name over the years, due to common usage, became changed to Ramsay, the name we know to-day.

The Earldom of Dalhousie was conferred upon the Ramsay’s by Charles 1. The Ramsay’s were at the forefront of many wars against the English. In 1355 Sir William Ramsay defeated the English at Nisbet Moor. In 1400 Dalhousie Castle withstood a six-month siege by King Henry 1V.

During three centuries the Ramsay’s because of their proximity to England were prominently engaged in Border Wars which resulted in long and savage raids into England. In 1618 George Ramsay of Dalhousie was created Lord Ramsay of Melrose and a short time later this title was altered to Lord Ramsay of Dalhousie. This still exists as the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland.

Over the years the Ramsay’s produced very many well-known soldiers and public servants that continued down to the present day. They all served in all the great campaigns of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries on the Continent in such countries such as Austria, Spain and France as well as in Canada and India.

Members of the Clan held many very high positions such as Earl James Ramsay who was appointed Governor General of India at the age of 36. Lord Curzon, representing the British Government on India, gave this comment on his life. 'No man ever gave his life to his country, more completely or with more consuming devotion'. Members of this Clan held many other high positions such as the Baronetcy of Nova Scotia, which was conferred in 1666, Governor of Canada and others particularly in the Army where members of the Clan held such responsibilities as Colonel of the Scots Guards.

The Ramsay’s of Bamff, Perthshire, are descendants from Adam de Ramsay of Bamff, a baron in the thirteenth century.

It has proved impossible to trace the lineage of our William Ramsay Clan to these well-know personalities but it is assumed that they are related in one way or another, even if there is no direct proof of this connection to these ancestors.

It is also very interesting to note that the Christian names of the more recent Ramsay’s follow closely the names of the more prominent Ramsay’s of earlier times such as William, George, John, Thomas and James to name but a few.

Whatever their ancient history be it good or bad, over the centuries the Ramsay’s have made great progress in all professions, trades and commerce and have contributed very considerably to all countries where they have taken up domicile. In fact they have been so successful in all their endeavours that the name Ramsay is respected and revered everywhere world-wide.

Following is an attempt to trace the history of the Ramsay Clan from its roots in Scotland and Ireland to Australia and to show how they have multiplied and progressed over the centuries.

It is interesting to note that there were three major migrations of the Ramsay family to Australia. One to Perth, Western Australia and the other two to New South Wales. Although all of these families will be covered, the major emphasis in this document will be on the Eastern Ramsay Clan, which is much more extensive than the other. There were also three other minor migrations from the grandchildren of William of Athlone, the Patriarch of the Clan Ramsay, which have developed large families in Australia, one to the Macleay area, one in Emmaville Northern New South Wales and the other in Queensland.

Naturally, all the information sought over many years has not been obtained, so regrettably this history is incomplete and on occasions will contain errors but it the best that can be compiled with the material available. Please excuse any mistakes, which occur.

The motto of the Ramsay Clan is a Unicorn's head, couped at the neck, argent, manned and tufted. The words inscribed thereon are 'ORA ET LABORA" which interpreted means by prayer and work.

The Chief of the Clan is The Earl of Dalhousie.

The Clan seat is Dalhousie Castle, Midlothian.

The Plant is the Hairbell.

William and Janet Ramsay- The Beginning

The ancient family of Ramsay is of Anglo-Norman origin and figured prominently in the history of Scotland from the year 1140 AD. Originally from Huntingdonshire in England the Ramsay’s were granted land in the Lothian area and built Dalhousie Castle, which is situated about 12 kilometres from Edinburgh on the South Esk River. The seven- hundred- year old castle is the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland.

Since the twelfth century the family has expanded and members of the clan spread far and wide, not only in Scotland but also to other parts of the world, including Australia.

One of the numerous descendants of Scots extraction was a William Ramsay who was born 1779 into a family living a short distance from Edinburgh but the exact location is uncertain. It was from this branch that all of the branches of the Ramsay line became established in Australia in the early nineteenth century.

Information received from various sources indicates that William joined the army in 1794 in the 100th Foot Regiment. Later this Regiment changed its name to the 92nd Highland Regiment and William was serving at Athlone at the turn of the 19th century, where the Regiment had been sent to put down the Irish Rebellion of 1798.

William did not elect to return to Scotland, instead he settled at Roscommon near Athlone, on the Shannon River, which was one of the major centres of Ireland at that time. Here property fronting Lough Ree, part of the Shannon River system, was granted in lieu of payment as a soldier. Athlone was a military town with farmers supplying produce to the barracks.

Kiltoom which is frequently mentioned is a Townland in the Parish of Kiltoom. Barony of Athlone, County Roscommon, Ireland.

In c 1802, William married Janet White, born in 1777 and whose father, William was a weaver. Apart from that, no further information on her family has been located. It is known that these two lived at Barry Beg (The Berries) from 1805 as the children were baptised at the Church at Kiltoom, a few miles north of The Berries. This house was lived in by the family until approximately 1973 when it was left vacant and the beautiful thatched roof subsequently caved in. The Berries are to this day still owned by the Ramsay family remaining in Ireland.

William was a Land Steward for Lloyds, a position, which was passed down through the family for several generations. This involved the collection of rents from the various houses, farms and businesses in the area. In 1837 William resigned as a church vestryman with the church of Ireland, stating he was a signatory for the building of the Scots Church, which was being constructed near the Lock on the waterfront. Much later this church was disbanded and the building became a Factory. The magnificent spire was removed and placed on another Church.

William and Janet had a family of nine children. The eldest was Annabella born 1803, William born 1805, Robert born 1807, James born 1809, John born 1811, Elizabeth born 1813, George born 1815, Catherine born 1818 and Thomas the youngest born 1820.

Over their years in Ireland the Ramsay’s retained their association with Scotland. In 1809 when William’s health was declining, he took sick leave from the Army and visited Scotland. Later in 1839 his (4th) son John visited Scotland and subsequently married a local girl Margaret Lun Lyall b. 1815 from (Elie) Fifeshire, Scotland. Her father was David Lyall b.1781, who was also a Land Steward. He had been a soldier in the 5th North British Militia and he married an Elizabeth White on 4th December 1800. Margaret as stated above was born 16th June 1815 and baptised 12th July 1815 in Elie, Fifeshire. There is most likely a close connection between Elizabeth and Janet White, William’s wife. However, this relationship has been impossible to determine.

William died in 1841 and Janet in 1854 and both were buried in the old graveyard at St Peter’s Church at Athlone. This Church was built as the Church of Ireland; it closed its doors 100 years later in 1940, after which it was used as a hall.

In more recent times it has been taken over by a right-wing Catholic sect and is used for the celebration of their traditional mass. Today the graveyard no longer exists and in 1985 was made into a park. The tombstones are stacked against the wall of the old church and are difficult to examine. Fortunately the inscriptions on the tombstones were recorded and are kept in the Athlone Library in Ireland. The new graveyard is located about one kilometre outside Athlone on the Ballymahon Road.

William and Janet Ramsay's Children were:

Annabella born 1803 was the eldest. Banns were called once for her marriage to Henry Greenwood from the Royal Artillery. No further information is available on this family except that he died aged 65 years in 1851.

William born 1805 was baptised at Kiltoom, as were most members of this family, and enlisted with his brother Robert b. 1807 in the Royal Artillery. He served 21 years and 104 days with this Regiment of which 9 years and 7 months were in the West Indies. He was discharged in 1846 and died in March 1558 at West London. His discharge was the result of illness he experienced while serving as a solider where he reached the rank of Sergeant. The opinion of the Medical Officer John Webb 9th March 1846 states. 'After a careful examination I am of the opinion that William Ramsay is unfit for service and likely to be permanently disqualified for military service but able to contribute something to his livelihood.' William died 12 years later at the age of 53 years.

Robert born 1807 joined the Royal Artillery on the same day as his brother William. He served 22 years and 194 days in a variety of places including Gibraltar and the West Indies. He married Mary Jane Wilson in 1835 and had a family of 4 males and 3 females. See chapter Robert Ramsay and the Western Australian Clan.

Interesting enough his son William, at an early age travelled to New South Wales from Western Australia, quite probably with his Uncle Thomas who was passing through on his way to Sydney and joined up with his Uncle John's family in Dungog. He became an integral part of that family. This is chronicled under John Ramsay 1811- 1878.

James born 1809 took up residence next door in The Berries on land, which he farmed there. He was also a Land Steward for Lloyds, and a Vestryman for the Church of Ireland. Most unfortunately he choked on a bone while eating his evening meal at Knockcrokery and is buried at the Old Kiltoom Cemetery. James married Rose Mannion in 1844 and again in 1845 and they had a family of 7 males and 2 females. Two of their sons went to America and later five of their grandchildren also migrated there. One of his sons, James Ramsay, came to Australia and married and raised a family at Emmaville in north-eastern New South Wales. See chapter James Ramsay 1845-1910. (Another son see Chapter John 1850-1919 migrated to Queensland and lived at Emerald.)

One of 1809 James' descendants Frances Ramsay married Tom Longworth and remained in Ireland. She has maintained very close contact with the Australian Ramsay Clans over many years. This and other information about the family is detailed under a Chapter entitled James Ramsay 1809-1875.

John born 1811 a major player in the establishment of an Australian Clan, married Margaret Lun Lyall in 1839 in Elie, Scotland. The year following their marriage in 1840, John and Margaret immigrated to Australia on the vessel "Mary Ann". They were the first of the Ramsay’s to come to Australia.

There was no future in Ireland, the economic situation and the potato famine were terrible and the family farm could not support many of the family, so most of the Ramsay’s migrated to Australia, America or joined the Army. The full history of this family and its descendants are included in Chapters entitled John Ramsay 1811- 1878 and also subsequent ones, such as John Ramsay 1952-1926.

Elizabeth (Betty) born 1813 married William Kellion, in 1841 at Athlone in the Scots Church. Little is known of the background of the Kellion family. His father Francis Kellion was in the British Army and his mother was Mary Thompson. William (Billie, as he was known) was born in 1812 and attended school in Dublin, Ireland, where he proved a good scholar. Later he became a boot maker by trade, and after a very interesting career in other fields, he died in Australia in 1882.

The family sailed for Australia shortly after their marriage and arrived in Sydney December 1841 on the ‘William Jardine’. The complete story of the Kellions and the marriages between that family and the Ramsay’s and their work and movements within Australia are chronicled in the in various chapters but in particular that entitled The Kellions.

George 1816- ? Married Margaret Hynds and it is thought that they then immigrated to America. The only known son, William George Ramsay 1841-1919, migrated to Australia in approximately 1859 and married his first cousin Mary Jane Kellion 1843-1904. They lived in proximity to other Ramsay’s on the Macleay on a farm at Glenrock Plains, Towal Creek and later inherited and farmed land at Warneton. He married Mary Smith in 1905, a year after his first wife's death, and became the Caretaker at Warwick Race Track at Kempsey. From his first marriage he had 7 females and 5 males. More information is found under the chapter entitled William George Ramsay 1841-1919.

Catherine 1818- Married Jacobum (James) O'Neill in 1840. They had 8 known children. It is thought this family remained and worked in Ireland. (See details of family under Family of William Ramsay 1779-1841)

Thomas 1820-1886 Commenced work as a tenant farmer with his brother James close to the Berries. In 1854 - 56 he immigrated to Australia. It is believed that he first visited his brother Robert at Fremantle, Western Australia and then travelled by coastal ship to Sydney. In 1856 he purchased 40 acres of farming land at Belgrave (now called Aldavilla) on the Macleay River where he farmed until his death. He married Sarah Ann Stanford, in 1857, whose father purchased 40 acres of land next door to George. These properties remained in the Ramsay family until the 1990's. Thomas' family was 8 males and 5 females from these extensive families developed. Full details of the activities of this Clan are covered in detail in the chapter entitled Thomas Ramsay 1820-1886.

Family of William Ramsay 1779-1841

William Ramsayxe "Ramsay:William" b. 1779 m. Janet Whitexe "White:Janet", b. 1777, d. 7 Oct 1854, William died 29 July 1841 and is buried St Peters, Church of Ireland Cemetery Athlone. c 1985 this area was made into a Park.

Children of William & Janet Ramsay

Annabella Ramsayxe "Ramsay:Anabella" b. circa 1803, The Berries, Ireland, possibly married Henry Greenwoodxe "Greenwood:Henry". 1786-1851

William Ramsayxe "Ramsay:William" b. 1 Feb 1805, The Berries, Roscommon, Ireland. d.15 Mar 1858 London.

i Robert Ramsayxe "Ramsay:Robert" b. 6 Feb 1807.

ii James Ramsay xe "Ramsay:James" b. Apr 1809.

iii John Ramsay xe "Ramsay:John" b. 28 May 1811.

iv Elizabethxe "Ramsay:Elizabeth" Ramsay b. 1 July 1813.

v George Ramsayxe "Ramsay:George" b. 29 April 1816.

vi Catherine Ramsay xe "Ramsay:Catherine" b. 1 June 1818.

vii Thomas Ramsay xe "Ramsay:Thomas" b. 29 Nov 1820

Second Generation

i Robert Ramsayxe "Ramsay:Robert" b. 6 Feb 1807, The Berries, Roscommon Ireland, m. mid 1830's, Mary Jane Wilsonxe "Wilson:Mary Jane", b. 1813, d. 18 May 1873, Fremantle W.A., buried: 1873, Skinner St Cemetery Fremantle W.A. Robert died 12 Feb 1887, Fremantle W.A, buried: Skinner St Cemetery Fremantle.

See chapter Robert Ramsay 1807-1887

ii James Ramsayxe "Ramsay:James" b. Apr 1809, The Berries, Roscommon Ireland, m. 26 Feb 1844, Church of Ireland Kiltoom, then second marriage 23 Jan 1845

in the Roman Catholic Church in Kiltoom Roscommon Ireland, Rose Mannionxe "Mannion:Rose", d. 11 Mar 1895, buried: Kiltoom, Roscommon Ireland. J

ames died 1875, Knockcrokery north of the Berries, buried: 1875, Old Kiltoom Cemetery.

(Jacobum and Roseam)

See chapter James Ramsay 1809-1875

iii John Ramsayxe "Ramsay:John" b. 28 May 1811, The Berries, Ireland m. 30 Nov 1839, in Elie, Fife. Scotland, Margaret Lun Lyallxe "Lyall:Margaret Lun", b. 16 June 1815, Elie Fifeshire Scotland, (daughter of David Lyallxe "Lyall:David" and Elizabeth Whitexe "White:Elizabeth") d. 20 Oct 1870, Dingo Creek Manning River NSW, buried Wingham NSW. John died 20 Aug 1878, ‘Lang Green’ Dingo Creek. Manning River, buried Wingham Cemetery.

See chapter John Ramsay 1811-1878

iv Elizabeth Ramsayxe "Ramsay:Elizabeth" b. 1 July 1813, The Berries, Ireland, m. 21 Apr 1841, in Athlone Ireland, William Kellionxe "Kellion:William", b. C 1812, Athlone Westmeath Ireland, (son of Francis Kellionxe "Kellion:Francis" and Mary Thompsonxe "Thompson:Mary") d. 20 Jan 1882, Turners Flat Macleay River NSW. Elizabeth died 4 Oct 1885, Turners Flat. Both are buried in the West Kempsey Cemetery, C of E.

See chapter The Kellion Family.

v George Ramsayxe "Ramsay:George" b. 29 Apr 1816, The Berries, Ireland, m. (1) Margaret Hyndsxe "HYNDS:MARGARET", b. Ireland.

See chapter William George Ramsay 1841-1919

vi Catherine Ramsayxe "Ramsay:Catherine" b. 1 June 1818, The Berries, Ireland, m. 14 Jan 1840 in Kiltoom & Camma, Roscommon Ireland, Jacobum (James) O'Neillxe "O\"NEILL:JACOBUM ( JAMES )".

Children:

Susannam O’Neill b.1849

Annabellaxe "O\"NEILL:ANNAM BELLA (ANNABELLA )" O’Neill b.1851

Elizabetham O’Neill b.1854xe "O\"NEIL:ELIZABETHAM (ELIZABETH )"

Sarahxe "O\"NEIL:SARAM ( SARAH )" O’Neill b.1854 (d. by 1862)

Thomas xe "O\"NEIL:THOMAS" O’Neill b.1856

John O’Neill xe "O\"NEIL:JOHN" b.185

Robert O’Neill b.1858

Sarah O’Neill b. 1862xe "O\"NEIL:ROBERT"

vii Thomas Ramsayxe "Ramsay:Thomas" b. 29 Nov 1820, The Berries, Ireland, m. 7 August 1857, in Kempsey NSW, Sarah Ann Stanfordxe "Stanford:Sarah Ann", b. March 1839, Kempsey NSW, d. 13 Dec 1896, West Kempsey NSW. Thomas died 22 Apr 1886, Belgrave Macleay River NSW. Both are buried in the West Kempsey Cemetery, Presbyterian Section.

See chapter Thomas Ramsay 1858-1935

Robert Ramsay 1807-1887 - The Western Australian Clan

Compiled by Mervyn Reger

Robert Ramsay was born at Kiltoom in 1807. He was William and Janet’s third child. Following a career in the British Army he arrived at Fremantle in 1851 as a guard for convicts transported from England. Robert and his family received free passage to Australia in return for his role guarding the prisoners. The voyage from Plymouth on the ship ’Minden’ took 85 days to complete. His interest in migrating may have been partly triggered by economic necessity, perhaps health reasons or partly by the knowledge that his brother John, born 1811, and sister Elizabeth b 1813 had come to Australia. A nephew William George born 1841, brother Thomas, born 1820, were other relations from Ireland who likewise were pioneer settlers in Australia. Successive generations of Ramsay’s have since produced descendants in the hundreds throughout the Australian States.

Robert saw no future in staying to live in Ireland. The farm was too small to support many people and economic conditions were poor throughout the country. In that era it was expected that at least one son from every family would enlist for army service. In 1825 at Athlone, Robert and an older brother William joined the Royal Regiment of Artillery. This was the start of a twenty-two year period in the army where Robert moved through the ranks from gunner to sergeant. He served a four-year term in the West Indies where piracy was a problem to the British, and seven and a half years at Gibraltar. The latter, a fortress location, relied upon artillery for its defences. The balance of his time was in England and Ireland. In 1847 he was discharged on medical grounds with rheumatism and deafness of the right ear. Robert’s discharge papers stated that during his service his conduct was exemplary.

In the mid 1830s Robert married Mary Jane Wilson, born 1813. Her background is unknown. Robert’s wife and children went with him to his military postings. They had a family of six children before coming to Australia. Some evidence has been found that two of Robert and Mary’s children were born at Gibraltar. A son and daughter, John and Phoebe were born in England. The former's birthplace was Woolwich suggesting that his father, an artilleryman, may have been stationed at the Royal Arsenal at that time. This depot over the centuries remained as one of the main military bases in that country and was the home of the Royal Artillery. However, verification of most of the children’s birthplaces has yet to be made and thereby the locations in which Robert served in those years.

Robert and Mary Jane accompanied by their children arrived at Fremantle, W.A. on 18 October 1851. Before the voyage out, they all lived at or near Deptford, England, where Robert drew a military service pension of one shilling and ten pence a day. It appears that in being accepted for a pensioner guard role there was an improvement in Robert’s health since his army discharge four years earlier. The 'Minden' a quite new square-rigged ship of 916 tons, carried a consignment of 302 convicts guarded by men such as Robert Ramsay. These warders were military pensioners ex British Army. The story of these veterans, as Broomhall described them, is well summed up by Ray Oldham, Royal West Australian Historical Society President 1983-1985, in the forward to the former’s book.

'The Enrolled Pensioner Force consisted of soldiers who came as guards on the convict ships which, between 1850 and 1868, transported almost 10,000 prisoners from the gaols of the United Kingdom to this colony; many remained as settlers after their military duties were finished. They were soldiers who had served the previous twenty years in Britain’s wars in China, the Crimea, the Kaffir wars, in India before and during the Mutiny, in Persia, the Maori War and Afghanistan, and who, on discharge from the army, were awarded pensions for long service and good conduct, for wounds or for meritorious service. Of an average age of 40 years, an average height of 5 feet 9 inches, they were strong and healthy, well disciplined, loyal and of good conduct; and, spread through the thinly-populated districts, were a welcome addition to the labour force as warders, police, postmen or mailmen, tradesmen or agricultural labourers.'

A good account of the voyage out on the 'Minden' was kept in the diary of an ex-soldier describing shipboard life, as the Ramsay’s must have experienced it.

After arrival, Sergeant Ramsay commenced duties as an assistant warder at the convict stablishment, Fremantle and the North Fremantle Station for a short period. This entitled him to quarters and rations for his family. Accustomed in the past to this style of living, Robert and Mary would have found little difficulty in settling again in an army type facility for the family. They must have liked living at Fremantle because both Robert and Mary stayed there for the rest of their lives. Robert’s superiors had soon recognized his worth because he quickly advanced after a series of promotions to the position of Principal Warder in 1855 at the convict establishment, Fremantle. In 1858, he was put in charge of the prison hospital and in 1859 appointed in charge of the lunatic asylum. Mary Ramsay was appointed matron at the asylum a couple of months later. Both stayed in these positions until they finished their service and retired in 1872.

Initially, the Ramsay’s quarters were at Scott’s warehouse which was the convict depot. Captain Daniel Scott, the Fremantle Harbourmaster, owned warehouse buildings and land, which the colonial authorities leased as housing for the transportees and their guards. The mentally disturbed were also lodged here until the new colonial asylum was built in Fremantle ready for occupation in 1865. Included were convicts certified insane and local community members similarly afflicted.

Robert Ramsay’s work was not always easy in dealing with the criminal and insane elements. In 1868 at the asylum he had the misfortune to be assaulted by an inmate who fractured his skull with a mason’s hammer. There were other incidents where he was required to restrain prisoners and do escort duty. However, Robert’s stable employment as a warder for 21 years meant that the family grew up in a settled location and received an education at Fremantle schools. After his death of apoplexy at the home of his eldest daughter, Phoebe, in 1887 the 'Inquirer' obituary stated that Robert had been a long time resident of Fremantle. Phoebe’s husband, Captain Thomas E Shaw, was the executor of the old soldier’s will. Robert’s wife Mary had died in 1873, less than a year after she had resigned her matron’s position. Both were buried at Fremantle in one of the local cemeteries, which closed in the 1890s. The graveyard was lost forever when the land was recycled for other purposes in later years. In assessing the lives of Robert and Mary Ramsay it can truly be said that it was of great benefit to the Swan River Colony that they decided to migrate.

The Ramsay children also played their part in the history of Western Australia. The first born, Robert, named after his father, spent time as a police constable following somewhat in his father’s footsteps. Many of the warders’ children entered into different forms of government service, as there would have been a variety of this form of work available. However, he must have resigned because in 1872 and 1874 he made several voyages to Batavia and the northwest on trading vessels. One trip shows his arriving back on the 'Amur' on 4 December 1878. The 'Amur' was later wrecked in 1887 at Rockingham, 18 miles south of Fremantle very close to the spot where the ship 'Rockingham' had foundered in 1830. Until recent years, the ribs of the 'Amur' could be seen protruding above the level of the sand on the waterline of the beach. Robert Junior was lost at sea during a cyclone when the ship 'Rosette' foundered on 27 January 1879 in Western Australia’s northwest.[i] There was a strange coincidence regarding this fatal occurrence. Richard William Vincent, who reported the fate of the 'Rosette' to the Colonial Secretary, had married Mary Jane Ramsay, Robert’s sister. Richard was a policeman at the time, stationed at Nichol Bay (Roebourne) adjacent to the tragedy. The relationships were perhaps not all that strange because all came from the Fremantle vicinity and would quite likely have known one another for many years. Fremantle was still quite a small town in the 1880s. Further mention of Richard Vincent follows. Robert junior had never married.

The second child, William Ramsay, lived in the Fremantle quarters with the family. According to colonial records his rations ceased on 1/4/1852 when he became 14 years of age. Like other members of the family he found government employment. On 3/7/1852 the Governor approved payment of a shilling a day to William while he was employed on government works.

As recorded earlier although only sixteen years of age, William made his way to New South Wales where other members of the Ramsay family from The Berries, Ireland had settled. Details of his future are chronicled under the chapter William Ramsay 1833-1927

The history of those in Western Australia, the family of Robert and Mary Ramsay at Fremantle, where the third and fourth sons, James and John Ramsay, had grown to manhood. Like brother William they decided to seek their futures further afield. In 1864 James and John left the colony. They sailed from Fremantle on the 'Sea Ripple' for Adelaide. According to Eriksen’s 'Bi-Centennial Dictionary of West Australians, Vol. 4. 1829-1888' John Ramsay departed with J Ramsay, wife and child, names not specified. The latter was James and family. On 17th September 1861 James George Ramsay aged 20 years had married Mary Barnes aged 18 years at the Congregational Chapel, Fremantle. She was the daughter of Henry Barnes, a carter who had migrated with his family from England in 1855. James and Mary, a carpenter and domestic respectively, had both been living in Fremantle. Their first child, Amy Phoebe Ramsay was born in 1864 at Fremantle prior to their departure for South Australia. The family settled at Port Adelaide and between 1866 and 1881 another four children – Robert, Mary, James and Gordon were born. Unhappily for this family, husband and father James died on 17th January, 1883 when he suffered internal injuries from an accidental fall possibly incurred with his work as a carpenter. Little is known of the family afterwards other than from South Australian records. The Barnes family also moved to Adelaide in the mid 1860s.

Meanwhile, sometime after 1864 James’ brother John had moved to Victoria. In 1872 he married Elizabeth Barr in South Melbourne where their first two children, Maria (1873) and Robert (1875) were born. Elizabeth was a migrant from Dublin, Ireland. The family then moved to Port Adelaide, South Australia. On 15th March 1876, Edith Adelaide, their third child was born on the Le Fevre Peninsula. A sister, Mary born 11/5/1878 at Semaphore Road, and a brother, William John, born 3/7/1880 at Sandwell now called Birkenhead, followed her. These places are parts of Port Adelaide, which is located on the Le Fevre Peninsula. Further children were to follow by the names of Percy, born 5/9/1882, Sydney, born 10/12/1884, and George, twin Grace with the last two named being born back in Victoria at Hawthorn in 1889. The family had returned to South Melbourne in the late 1880s with John Ramsay entering the grocery trade. So far as is positively known, of Robert Ramsay’s sons who moved interstate, the only descendant who decided to live back in Western Australia was Edith. (See later.) John died on 17 February 1927, aged 84 years, at his home in Albert Park, Melbourne. His wife died a few months later and both are buried in grave C\E 2446 at Box Hill Cemetery, Victoria.

James and John Ramsay’s decision to go to Port Adelaide in 1864 could well have been influenced by the expansion-taking place there. It became a busy port and commercial centre from the 1850s with burgeoning population and growing prosperity catering for the growth occurring in South Australia. Ornate stone government buildings, wharfs, railways, warehouses and hotels co-existed with new homes for workers in various modes of employment. Thus James and John Ramsay, in addition to their pioneering days at Fremantle, also became pioneers of Port Adelaide.

After four sons, Robert and Mary Ramsay then produced three daughters. The fifth child was a girl named Phoebe. She lived most of her life in Fremantle where she left her mark indelibly. As with other family members, Phoebe entered government service. Listed in the Blue Books (government records) for the respective years, she taught at the School for Girls, Fremantle from 1861 to 1863 and from 1865 to 1866. She is not shown for 1864. In 1867 she married Captain Thomas E Shaw, a master mariner. Eriksen (see above) lists him as the master of the 'Sea Nymph' and other vessels, and that his wife and children sometimes accompanied him on sea voyages. He undertook pilot duties at the port for a short period, possibly as an assistant pilot or on a relief. It was likely that they lived at Rottnest in one of the pilots’ cottages built by Henry Vincent, later connected to them by marriage. In the Colony’s early years pilotage activities were based on Rottnest. Of interest also is the building influence left by Vincent who built many of the fine structures on the island which are still being used today. Later his first son, Francis Henry was a builder of churches including some at Fremantle such as the beautiful St John’s Church in the centre of the town.

Phoebe and Thomas Shaw eventually settled in Cantonment St, Fremantle, where they raised a family of six boys and two girls, some of whom became prominent figures in the life of the town. After Thomas died, Phoebe moved to live for the rest of her days at Canning Rd, East Fremantle. All her life she remained a devout member of the St John's Anglican parish. It was Phoebe who cared for her father in his later years and Thomas Shaw was the executor of Robert’s will. The Shaw family has numerous descendants and is a good subject for the compilation of a family history. Thomas Shaw came from Scarborough in England as noted on his gravestone in the Anglican section of Western Australia’s Karrakatta Cemetery. Thomas and Phoebe are buried there together in double plot DA65/66. As well, the headstone lists some of their children who died as infants and also memorial inscriptions to Phoebe’s mother and father, Mary and Robert. Shortly after her death in 1927, the ‘West Australian’ newspaper published an obituary concerning aspects of Phoebe’s life and activities in Fremantle.

However, history had not yet finished with the old pensioner guard, Robert Ramsay and his wife Mary. Both had been buried in 1887 and 1873 respectively at the old Skinner St Cemetery in Fremantle. However, this cemetery was closed in 1899 when a new burial ground further out of town at Carrington Street was established. The cemetery at Skinner St became neglected, many headstones were broken or vandalised and the place became a haunt for vagrants. Remaining headstones still intact were re-sited at Carrington Street Cemetery in 1936 where they can be seen to this day. Prior to that the government had made an offer to subsidize exhumations for private transfer of remains to other locations. Apparently then, the children of Phoebe and Thomas Shaw independently arranged the exhumations of Mary and Robert, and family children who had died as infants. They were transferred to Karrakatta Cemetery on the 9th June 1932 and all laid to rest in the existing Shaw double grave. Phoebe’s gravesite thus became a double grave and a memorial to her parents. Today a high school has been built alongside the old Skinner Street site, which has been levelled for playing grounds. To recall the use made of that area in the nineteenth century a memorial has been built there in the grounds in 2005 to immortalize this past cemetery and persons once buried there. It is estimated that at least 800 persons still remain interred under the playing fields.

The second daughter and sixth child, Mary Jane, born to the Ramsay’s completes the group who arrived on the 'Minden'. In December 1874 she married Richard William Vincent, second son of Henry Vincent for many years superintendent of the penal establishment at Rottnest. They married at St John’s Church, Fremantle. At the time of marriage, Richard was policeman in charge at Nichol Bay (Roebourne) where he was stationed for many years. Prior to that time he assisted his father on Rottnest working in various capacities and even at one time being second in charge. Blue Book lists show father and son in their respective employment. Mary Jane went to live at Nichol Bay until Richard finished duties there in 1888. Four children were born to the couple in this time. Mary Jane died in Cottesloe, W.A. in 1926 and Richard in 1890. Both are buried at Karrakatta Cemetery close by Phoebe’s grave.

The last child born to Robert and Mary Ramsay was a girl, Margaret Lucinda (Lucy). Born at Fremantle in 1856 Lucy followed the example of her eldest sister, Phoebe, and became a teacher. In 1882 she was appointed to the Rockingham (East) School, sixteen miles from Fremantle. Here she met James Bell Junior, born 1857, the son of a local pioneer farmer. They married in 1886 and later produced a family of two boys and two girls. Lucy died only 42 years of age in 1900.

Rockingham was at that time a leading exporter of Western Australian hardwoods. The trees were cut and milled near Jarrahdale some twenty or so miles inland, railed to the coast and loaded from jetties on to mainly sailing ships. Much of the timber went to South Australia. This trade flourished from the early 1870s until 1908. Alert to development, James Bell Junior saw the opportunity to enter into business and in 1885 built the Port Hotel at Rockingham Beach. This enterprise he conducted until he sold out in 1895. He then opened a general store and ships’ providoring business catering for local and visiting trade.

After Lucy died it was arranged for her niece, Edith Adelaide Ramsay, born 1876 and a daughter of John and Elizabeth Ramsay, to come from Melbourne and look after the four motherless children. In 1903 at Rockingham, James and Edith were married. They produced a family of three children with the eldest being the Mervyn Reger’s mother. James was killed in a motoring accident in 1927, the first ever at Rockingham. Also in the 1920s as the result of sunstroke, Edith became blind and remained so until her death in 1954. The graves of James and both his wives can today be seen at East Rockingham Cemetery.

In conclusion, it is interesting to speculate why Robert Ramsay remained in military type service. Perhaps it was the habit of years that gave a feeling of security, abetted by the need to provide for a large family. To have employment, quarters, rations, schools on hand for the children, and future prospects for advancement, may have swung the pendulum. Perhaps Robert’s health was helped by the warm Australian climate. After all, he lived to 80 years of age.

Many of the Enrolled Pensioner Guard could take a discharge, remain as free settlers, and eventually be eligible for a free land grant. Some departed the Colony but most stayed. Their only post service obligation was to be ready if called upon to uphold the civil authority in an emergency. While land was an incentive, many carried out guard activities until close to the end of the century. These men and their families were vital contributors to settlements in many country districts such as Bunbury, Greenough and Toodyay. They farmed both successfully and unsuccessfully in many locations leaving their mark in this manner and through their children who ranged far and wide in the State’s development. The guards’ best-known landmark was their barracks at the top of St George’s Terrace, Perth, with only the main arch left now as their memorial. The Enrolled Pensioner Force was a contributor of inestimable value in lifting the Swan River Colony out of its doldrums in the 1850s to 1880s and setting it on the road to eventual success. In this time Robert Ramsay and his family made their contributions as well to the development of Western Australia.

Robert Ramsay 1807-1887

Robert Ramsayxe "Ramsay:Robert" b. 6 Feb 1807, The Berries Roscommon Ireland, m. mid 1830 Mary Jane Wilsonxe "Wilson:Mary Jane", b. 1813, d. 18 May 1873, Fremantle W.A. buried: 1873, Skinner St Cemetery Freemantle W.A. Robert died 12 Feb 1887, Fremantle W.A, buried: Skinner St Cemetery Fremantle. Later their remains were moved to Karrakatta to their daughter’s family graves.

Children of Robert & Mary Ramsay

Robert Ramsayxe "Ramsay:Robert" b. 1836, d. 27 Jan 1879, perished when ship Rosette was lost at sea. Off North West Coast of WA

i William Ramsay xe "Ramsay:William" b. 3 Apr 1838.

ii James Georgexe "Ramsay:James George" Ramsay b. 1841.

iii John Ramsay b. 1843.

iv Phoebe Ramsay xe "Ramsay:Phobe" b. 29 Sept 1846.

v Mary Jane Ramsay xe "Ramsay:Mary Jane" b. 1849.

vi Margaret Lucinda Ramsayxe "Ramsay:Margaret Lucinda" b. 20 Aug 1856.

Second Generation

i William Ramsayxe "Ramsay:William" b.3 Apr 1838, Athlone Ireland, m. 20 July 1865, in Kempsey N.S.W, Elizabeth Kellionxe "KELLION:ELIZABETH", b. 4 July 1848, Port Macquarie N.S.W, (daughter of William Kellionxe "Kellion:William" and Elizabeth Ramsayxe "Ramsay:Elizabeth") d. 26 Sept 1925, Kempsey, William died 24 Oct 1927, West Kempsey N.S.W

(See chapter William Ramsay 1838-1927)

Children of William & Elizabeth Ramsay

William Robert Ramsayxe "RAMSAY:WILLIAM ROBERT" b. 6 Feb 1867xe "TALBOT:AMY".

George James Ramsayxe "RAMSAY:GEORGE JAMES" b. 12 Dec 1869

Mary Lucinda Wilson (Lucy) Ramsayxe "RAMSAY:MARY LUCINDA WILSON (LUCY)" b. 4 Apr 1874

John Wilson Ramsayxe "RAMSAY:JOHN Wilson" b. 19 Sept 1876

Ernest John Wilson Ramsay xe "RAMSAY:ERNEST JOHN WILSON" b. 7 Sept 1877

Phoebe Anne Wilson Ramsayxe "RAMSAY:PHOEBE ANNE WILSON" b. 22 Oct 1879

Francis Thomas Wilson Ramsay xe "RAMSAY:FRANCIS THOMAS WILSON" b. 23 Oct 1881

Adelina Elizabeth (Lena) Ramsay xe "RAMSAY:ADELINA ELIZABETH (LENA)" b. 12 Dec 1883

Leonard Ramsayxe "RAMSAY:LEONARD" b. 6 Oct 1886 d 1949

Madaline Beatrice Ramsayxe "RAMSAY:MAGDALINA BEATRICE" b. 21 May 1890.

ii James George Ramsayxe "Ramsay:James George" b. 1841, UK m. 17 Sept 1861, in Freemantle, W.A. Mary Barnesxe "Barnes:Mary", b. 20 May 1843 Oundle UK. James died 17 Jan 1883, Hindmarsh West Adelaide S.A. buried: West Terrace Cemetery Adelaide S.A.

Children of James & Mary Ramsay

Amy Phoebe Ramsayxe "Ramsay:Amy Phoebe" b. 1864, Freemantle W.A, m. 30 Nov 1883, in Port Adelaide S.A. Joseph John Whitexe "White:Joseph John", b. 13 July 1862, Alberton Adelaide S.A.

Children of Amy & Joseph John White

Emily May White b 8 Mar 1884 d 26 Oct 1948

James George White b. 1886

Joseph Charles White b. 1888

Myrtle Vivian White b. 5 Jan 1892.d 13 May 1892

Robert George Ramsayxe "Ramsay:Robert George" b. 25 June 1866, Lefevre Peninsular Port Adelaide S.A.

Mary Elizabeth Ramsay b 15 Mar 1868 d 30 May 1868 Lefevre Peninsular, Port Adelaide

Mary Elizabeth Ramsayxe "Ramsay:Mary Elizabeth" b. 15 March 1869, Lefevre Peninsular Port Adelaide S.A.

James Henry Ramsayxe "Ramsay:James Henry" b. 24 Oct 1873, Granville Port Adelaide S.A.

Rose Mary Ramsay b 25 Dec 1877 Port Adelaide

Gordon Thomas Ramsayxe "Ramsay:Gordon Thomas" b. 6 Apr 1881, Yatala Port Adelaide S.A. m. 8 May 1899, in Adelaide S.A. Ruby Eleanor Lily Maud Linesxe "Lines:Ruby Elenor Lily Maud", b. 28 Nov 1891, Adelaide S.A. d. 31 Aug 1949, S.A. Gordon died 15 Mar 1931, S.A.

Children of Gordon & Eleanor Ramsay

William Henry Gordon George Ramsay b 1899, d 15 June 1956 m

30 Apr 1920 Catherine Maud Ballentyne b 1899

James Robert Ramsay b. 1902 m 4 Nov 1922 Hilda Louisa Blight b 190i Vic,

iii. John Ramsay b 1843 Woolwich UK m 1872 St Melbourne Vic Elizabeth Barrxe "Barr:Elizabeth", b. 1851, Dublin Ireland, (daughter of Andrew Barrxe "BARR:ANDREW" and unknownxe "KNOWN:NOT") d. 25 July 1927, Albert Park Sth. Melbourne Vic, buried: 26 July 1927, Box Hill Vic. John died 17 Feb 1927, Albert Park Melbourne, buried: Box Hill Cemetery Vic.

Children of John & Elizabeth Ramsay

Maria Lucinda Ramsayxe "Ramsay:Maria Lucinda" b. 1873, Emerald Vic, m. 1900, in South Melbourne Vic, Sydney James Reed b.1871, d.1947, Camberwell Vic. Maria died 1946, Malvern Vic.

Children of Maria & Sydney Reed

Marjory Edith Reed b. 1903, d 1982 m 1939 James W. Stewart b 1904 d 1979

Winifred Amelia Reed b. 1905 m Henry Thomas Millership b 1904 d 1983

Robert John Ramsayxe "Ramsay:Robert John" b. 1875, Emerald Vic, d. 1875, Emerald Vic.

Edith Adelaide Ramsayxe "Ramsay:Edith Adelaide" b. 15 March 1876, Le Fevre Peninsula S.A. m. 16 Sept 1903, James Bell Jnrxe "Jnr:James Bell", b. 3 July 1857, Rockingham W.A, d. 2 Dec 1927, Rockingham WA. Edith died 31 Dec 1954, Freemantle W.A, buried: Rockingham cemetery W.A.

Children of Edith & James Bell

Lillian Mary Bell b. 28 Jun 1904 m 1927 in Freemantle Otto Regehr (Reger) b. 25 Aug 1905 in Baltic Coast Russia. Otto died 11 Jun 1945 and Lillian 1957.

Children of Lillian & Otto Regeht

Mervyn Bell Reger who m. Jean Mary Jervis daughter of Horace and Muriel Jervis.

Hazel Reger who died 1938.

James Percival Bell b. 1909 d 1976 m Irene Anderson

Children of James & Irene Bell

Harold Bell

Dennis Bell

William John Bell b. 1911. d 1994 m Edna May Andrews b 1918

Children of William & Edna Bell

Keith John Ramsay b 1928 d 1932 Clifton Hill Victoria

Mary Ramsayxe "Ramsay:Mary Emma" b. 11 May 1878, Semaphore Rd Port Adelaide d. 17 Jan 1881

Wiliam John Ramsayxe "Ramsay:William John" b. 3 July 1880, Sandwell Pt Adelaide S.A., m. 1901, in Vic, Evelyn Mary Wagglenxe "Wagglen:Evelyn Mary", b. 1878, Richmond Vic, d. 1952, Canterbury Vic. William died 1973, Box Hill Vic.

Children of William & Evelyn Ramsay

Doris Evelyn Alma Ramsay b. 1902 Hawthorn Vic

John William James Ramsay b. 1905

Clifford Edmund Ramsay b 1909 Hawthorn Vic d 1910 Balwyn Victoria

Powlett Clifton Ramsay b. 1911. Balwyn Vic d 1975 Box Hill Vic

Percival Andrew Ramsayxe "Ramsay:Percival Andrew" b. 5 Sept 1882, Sandwell Port Adelaide S.A., m. 1911, in Vic, Louise May Baragwanathxe "Baragwanath:Louise May", b. 1892, South Melbourne Vic, d. 1972, Templestowe VIC. Percival died 1941, Fitzroy Vic.

Children of Percival & Louise Ramsay

Percival James Ramsay b 1912 d 1912

Allan Percival Ramsay b. 1913 d 1980

Keith Baragwanath Ramsay b. 1914.d 1948

Sydney Barr Ramsayxe "Ramsay:Sydney Barr" b. 10 Dec 1884, Sandwell Port Adelaide S.A., d. July 1956, Wangaratta VIC.

George Ramsayxe "Ramsay:George" b. 6 March 1888, twin Hawthorn Vic, d. 1974, Fitzroy, Vic.

Grace Ramsayxe "Ramsay:Grace" b. 6 March 1888, twin, Hawthorn Vic, d. June 1888, Hawthorn Vic

iv Phoebe Ramsayxe "Ramsay:Phobe" b.29 Sept 1846, England, m. 3 October 1867, in Fremantle, Thomas Edward Shawxe "Shaw:Thomas Edward" b. 1839 d. 1909. Phoebe. died 23 July 1927, Fremantle W.A., buried: Fremantle W.A Karrakatta Cemetery.

Children of Phoebe & Thomas Shaw

Arthur Ramsay Shaw b 1868 Fremantle m. Emma Graham Fletcher.

Children of Arthur & Emma Shaw

Edward Graham Shaw b. 1897 d. 1897 Fremantle.

James Henry Shaw b Apr 1871 Fremantle. Twin of Alfred.

Alfred Edward Shaw b Apr 1871 d 4 Oct 1872, Twin of James Thomas George Shaw b Sept 1872 Fremantle d 23 Nov 1873.

Phoebe Mary Shaw b 1875 Fremantle m. 1896 John William Tyler

Children of Phoebe Mary & John Tyler

Jack Colin Tyler b. 1898 Fremantle.

Doris Hope Tyler b. 1900 Fremantle.

Rodney Norcott Tyler b. 1905. Fremantle.

Ernest Frank Shaw b 1877 Fremantle m. 1901 Alice Mary Walsh.

Children of Ernest & Alice Shaw

Dorothy Shaw b 1901 Fremantle

Stillborn male b 1903 Fremantle

Stillborn male b 1904 Fremantle

Robert Edwin Shaw b 1879 Fremantle m.1905 Mabel Lockwood.

Charles Septimus Shaw b 1881.

Percy Harrison Shaw b 1883 Fremantle.

Ethel Ramsay Shaw b 12 Oct 1885 Fremantle. D 8 Oct 1887 W.A

Hilda Toyvill Shaw b 1889 Fremantle m. Norman Tyler.

v Mary Jane Ramsayxe "Ramsay:Mary Jane" b. 1849, Gibraltar, m. 1874, in St Johns Church Freemantle W.A. Richard William Vincentxe "Vincent:Richard William", b. 1841, d. 28 May 1890. Mary died 7 Sep 1926, Nurse Broughtons, Beach St Cottesloe W.A, buried: 9 Sept 1926, Anglican Cemetery Karrakatta WA.

Children of Mary Jane & Richard Vincent

Violet Mary Vincentxe "Vincent:Violet May" b. 26 March 1876. Fremantle m 1897 George Henry Faulkner. Violet died Perth WA 27 Dec 1935.

Children of Violet & Henry Faulkner

Harry Vincent Keith Faulkner b. 1901 Freemantle W.A.

Estella Lucy Vincentxe "Vincent:Estella Lucy" b. 1877 Roebourne W.A. d. 1878 Roebourne.

Travers William Vincentxe "Vincent:Travers William" b. 5 Oct 1879 Roebourne, d. 24 May 1931 Claremont W.A.

Edgar Ramsay Vincentxe "Vincent:Edgar Ramsay" b.1881 Bunbury m. Florence Parsons.

Austin Charles Vincentxe "Vincent:Austin Charles" b. 1883, Bunbury d. 1906 Roebourne.

vi Margaret Lucinda Ramsay (Lucy) xe "Ramsay:Margaret Lucinda" b. 20 August 1856, Fremantle W.A., m. 1886, James Bell Jnrxe "Jnr:James Bell", b. 3 July 1857, Rockingham W.A, d. 2 Dec 1927, Rockingham WA. Margaret died 24 March 1900, Rockingham W.A, buried: Rockingham W.A.

Children of Margaret & James Bell

Roy Ramsay Bellxe "Bell:Roy Ramsay" b. 9 May 1889 m. Aug 1922 Mena Louisa Hymus

b 6 Feb 1878. D. 20 July 1960 Roy died 16 Mar 1945 Fremantle.

Children of Roy & Mena Bell

Yvonne Adelaide Bell b. 1923. d c 1996 m Noel France

Ethel Beatrice Bellxe "Bell:Ethel Betrice" b. 12 Aug 1891 Rockingham W.A. m. Jack Willett. Ethel died 1962.

Children of Ethel & Jack Willett

Frank Willett,

Enid Willett,

Jean Willett.

Vera Lucy Bellxe "Bell:Vera Lucy" b. 1893. d 1976 M. Edward Thorpe No children.

Edward James Bellxe "Bell:Edward James" b. 2 Mar 1896 Freemantle W.A. m. Lily Naughten d. 1979. Edward died 1945.

Children of Edward & Lily Bell

Thelma Jean Bell m Thomas Williams.

Norman Bell

James Bell

Lorna Bell

Ray Bell

Ken Bell

Ronald Bell.

JAMES RAMSAY 1809-1875

1. James Ramsayxe "Ramsay, James" ‘Joabun’ b. Apr 1809, The Berries Via Athlone (son of William Ramsayxe "Ramsay, William" and Janet Whitexe "White, Janet") , occupation Farmer/Land Steward, married.1st 26 Feb 1844, Church of Ireland at Kiltoom Via Athlone married 2nd 23 Jan 1845, R.C Kiltoom, Rose Mannionxe "Mannion, Rose",’ Roseam’ b. 1825, The Berries,Via Athlone d. 11 Mar 1895, The Berries Via Athlone buried: Kiltoom Via Athlone James died 1875, Knockroghery, Ireland, He was away from home and whilst having his evening meal chocked on a bone.. buried: Kiltoom Via Athlone James was shown as a Vestryman in the Church of Ireland records.

Farmed ‘The Berries’ in the original William Ramsay property; descendants still there.

James share-farmed as tenants with youngest brother Thomas on another property close by The Berries.

Children of James & Rose Ramsay all born Ireland

James Ramsay xe "Ramsay, James"b. 21 Oct 1845.Berries d. 1910 (see Chapter James Ramsay 1845-1910)

William Ramsay b 1 May 1847 d 1917 (See Chapter William Ramsay 1847-1917)

Thomas Ramsay b twin 1850 possibly d c 1930’s USA

John Ramsay b twin 1850 d 1919 (See Chapter John Ramsay 1850-1919)

George Ramsay b 1853 possibly d c 1930’s USA

Catherine Ramsay b 1855 d 1905 ( See Chapter Catherine (Kate) Ramsay 1855-1905)

Robert Ramsay b 1857 d ? no more known

David Ramsay b 1861 d 1935 (See Chapter David Ramsay 1861-1935)

Rosanna Ramsay b 1862 died infant

WILLIAM RAMSAY 1847-1917

William Ramsayxe "Ramsay, William" b. 1 May xe "Ramsay, William" 1847, The Berries Via Athlone occupation Farmer/Land Steward, m. 26 Feb 1884, in Bally Bay Via Athlone Roscommon, Ireland, Ann Heaveyxe "Heavy, Ann", b. 1856, Roscommon Ireland, (daughter of Patrick Heaveyxe "Heavy, Patrick") William died 1 Feb 1917, The Berries,Via Athlone buried: Kiltoom Via Athlone lived next door to original Ramsay property William was a Land Stewart for Lloyds as was his Father, James, then continued on to William’s son Patrick

The 1901 census County Roscommon;

Parliamentary Division, South Roscommon;

Poor Law Union, Athlone;

District Electoral Division,

Athlone West Rural;

Townland, Barry Beg.

House and Building return name shown as Ramsay;

Home described as Stone walls, thatch roof, two to four rooms; three windows at the front of house; three rooms with nine persons in this Family.

by 1911 census name listed as Ramsey; description as above except rooms now are shown as seven to nine; five rooms with seven persons in this Family

Children of William & Ann Ramsay all born Ireland

i. James Joseph Ramsay b 1885 The Berries

ii. Mary C Ramsay b 1886 The Berries

Delia Ramsay (Della) b 1888 The Berries

iii. Patrick Ramsay b 1889 The Berries

William Ramsay b 1891 The Berries

Margaret Ramsay (Peg) b 1892 The Berries

iv. Bernard V Ramsay b 1896 The Berries

i. James Joseph Ramsayxe "Ramsay, James Joseph" b. 19 Jan 1885 The Berries ,Ireland, Fireman d 1 Oct 1962

Hoboken. New Jersey, m Anne Groghan b 1894 d 1974 James immigrated to US 1910 lived Hoboken, New Jersey USA

Children of William & Ann Ramsay

William Ramsay b New Jersey

ii. Mary C Ramsay ‘Maryann’ . Nov 1886. The Berries ,Ireland d 21 July 1961 Bloomfield New Jersey USA m US Charles P Butler b 1884 d Aug 1975 Bloomfield New Jersey US

Mary immigrated to US in 1907 (Mary Ann on census; Mary C at death )

Children of Mary & Charles Butler

Anna Butler b USA d by 2002

Charles W Butler b USA by 2002 m Jane 3 daughters

Robert E Butler b USA d by 2002 m Kathy

James A Butler b USA d by 2002

Marie Butler b USA d by 2002 m Walter Razmeirski b Poland 1 daughter

Delia Ramsay ‘xe "Ramsay, Delia"Della’ b. Feb 1888, The Berries Ireland , m. in USA, George Martinxe "Martin, George", d. by 1968. Delia died 11 Dec 1968, Verona New Jersey USA. No Family-Della immigrated to US 1912

. iii. Patrick Ramsayxe "Ramsay, Patrick" b. 20 Oct 1889, The Berries, Ireland, occupation Farmer/Land Steward, d 24 Dec 1967 Athlone m. 20 Oct 1920, in Drum Ireland, Delia Byrnexe "Byrne, Delia", b. 17 Mar 1894, Koosky,Bealnanulla,Ireland, (daughter of James Byrnexe "Byrne, James" and Mary McManusxe "McManus, Mary") d. 25 Dec 1972, Edgeworthtown Ireland, buried: 27 Dec 1972, Kiltoom Via Athlone Patrick farmed at The Berries Lived with his wife and family & Brother William, in their parents home [William & Ann ] next door to original William Ramsay Home

Children of Patrick & Delia Ramsay

i. Annie Mary Ramsay b The Berries

Mary Catherine Ramsay b The Berries (Sister Veronica)

Rose Ramsay b 14 Aug 1928 d 23 Aug 1945