Ramsey Family Collection

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Ramsey Family Collection

• from 1800 (Production)

Quantity: 6 boxes described below

Background Note: John Ramsey was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania in 1841, and at the age of 10 moved with his parents to Dixon, Illinois. In 1866 he married Fannie Rice, also of Dixon, and moved to Iowa, where they lived on the Ramsey homestead east of Gilman. John and Fannie were the parents of six children, among them Grant, who moved to Grinnell in 1896. A prominent businessman, he was first employed by Bailey & Rinefort Furniture. In 1902 he purchased the grocery department of Proctor, Cady & Co. From 1923, he was involved in the real estate and insurance business. He and his wife, Mary Proctor, were the parents of four children – Frederic, John, Elizabeth, and Mary Helen. Frederic, who was born in 1907 attended Grinnell schools and joined his father in business. His wife Anna was the daughter of Frank and Alice Knight of Vermont and New Hampshire respectively, who moved to Grinnell prior to her birth. Frank Knight was associated with the Spaulding Company and started a business selling buggies. Anna, a graduate of Grinnell College, worked for the Dean of Men and later for the Fine Arts Department as secretary. Frederic and Anna were the parents of two children – Richard and Julie.

The collection contains scrapbooks for both Frederic and Anna, although much of the other material predates their births. Many of the items, e.g. calling cards, are associated with prominent members of the Grinnell Community, and the newspapers, photographs, and trade cards are valuable resources for the history of the town.

Donated by: Rick & Sue Ramsey

Name of Preparer: D. Lalonde/C. Neubert
Date of Preparation: 9/30/2008 and 9/2014