The Kimball Ramsdell Research Page

Ross Andrews
Research Coodinator

MILITARY

Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors in the War of the Revolution (17 Vols.) RAMSDELL, KIMBALL Volume 12 page 920 Ramsdell, Kimball, Worthington.List of men raised to serve in the Continental Army prior to May 31, 1777, as returned by Capt. Ebenezer Webber and Lieut. Abner Dwellee; residence, Worthington; enlisted for town of Worthington; joined Capt. Burr's co., Col. Bailey's regt.; enlistment, 3 years; also, list of men raised by the town of Worthington to serve in the Continental Army, as returned by Capt. Ebenezer Webber and 1st Lieut. Timothy Meach, dated Worthington, March 30, 1779; joined Capt. Cogsdell's (Cogswell's) co., Col. Bailey's regt.; also, Private, Light Infantry co., Col. Putnam's (5th) regt.; Continental Army pay accounts for service from Jan. 1, 1780, to May 31, 1780 Volume 12 page 924. Ramsdill, Kimball, Private; copy of a list of men belonging to Lynn, now called Lynn, Lynnfield, and Saugus, who served at Concord battle and elsewhere [year not given]. Ramsdil, Kimball, Worthington.Private, Capt. Daniel Shays's co., Col. Rufus Putnam's (4th) regt.; Continental Army pay accounts for service from May 31, 1777, to Dec. 31, 1779; residence, Worthington; credited to town of Southampton; also, same co. and regt.; return dated Albany, Feb. 9, 1778; residence, Worthington; enlisted for town of Worthington; mustered by Col. Woodbridge.

CENSUS

HEADS OF FAMILIES AT THE FIRST CENSUS OF THE UNITED STATES TAKEN IN THE YEAR 1790 MAINE CUMBERLAND COUNTY NEW GLOUCESTER TOWN. Name of head of family: Ramsdel, Kimball Free white males of 16 years and upward, including heads of families: 1 Free white females, including heads of families: 2

GENERAL

From Web Sites

163. Kimball5 Ramsdell (Silas4, Joseph3, Isaac2, John1) was born in Lynn, Essex, MA 4 January 1741. Kimball died 23 May 1805 at 64 years of age. He married Mary Ramsdell 22 May 1762 in Danvers, Essex, MA. Mary was born 29 December 1736 in Malden, Middlesex, MA. Mary was the daughter of Joseph Ramsdell and Rachel Teall. Mary died about 1781. Kimball served in the revolution: first at the Battle of Concord as a "Private, on a list of men belonging to Lynn..." next "List of men raised to serve in the Continental Army prior to 31 May 1777; enlisted for the town of Worthington; joined Capt. Burr's co., Col. Bailey's regt.; enlistment, 3 years." also "Private, Light Infantry co., Col. Putnam's (5th) regt.; Continental Army pay accounts for service from 1 Jan 1780 to 31 May 1780." Kimbal was mentioned frequently in town "Warning out" records in Massachusetts. He was warned out of: Rutland, Worcester Co., on 11 May 1766 (w/ Mary and dau. Mary from Lynn, June 1765); Rutland on 6 Jan 1767 (w/ Mary & dau's Mary & Lucy); Charlton on 25 Mar 1783 (w/ Beulah Blaney 19 Jun 1782); Oxford on 25 Mar 1783 (same as Charlton)(w/ Beulah & son Jotham or Jonathan). Kimbal was taxed at Oxford in 1771. An intention to marry was filed at Auburn, Worcester Co., on 24 Mar 1780 between Kimbal Ramsdell and Beulah Blaney. In the History of Oxford; "1783 March, Kimball Ramsdell had m. Beulah, widow of Jedidiah Blaney then had a dau. about 4 mos. old." (This information was provided by Jcpeleg@aol.com) Kimball Ramsdell and Mary Ramsdell had the following children: + 251 i. Mary6 Ramsdell was born 21 May 1762. 252 ii. Luci Ramsdell was born in Lynn, Essex, MA 19 November 1765. Luci died 3 December 1800 at 35 years of age. + 253 iii. Joseph Ramsdell was born 22 October 1767. 254 iv. Rachel Ramsdell was born in Lynn, Essex, MA 22 November 1769. + 255 v. Kimball Ramsdell was born 17 November 1773. Kimball Ramsdell and Beulah Blaney had the following children: + 260 vi. William Ramsdell was born 1776. + 261 vii. Silas Ramsdale was born 22 Sep 1777. + 262 viii. Jonathan Ramsdell was born 1782.

255. Kimball6 Ramsdell (Mary5, Joseph4, Joseph3, Isaac2, John1) was born in Lynn, Essex, MA 17 November 1773. He married twice. He married Judith Evely 31 May 1795 in Lynn, Essex, MA. Judith was born about 1773. Judith died 12 April 1806 in Lynn, Essex, MA, at 32 years of age. He married Mary Lewis [Mrs.] 22 January 1807 in Lynn, Essex, MA. Mary was born about 1775. Kimball Ramsdell and Judith Evely had the following child: 435 i. William Evely7 Ramsdell was born in Lynn, Essex, MA 24 October 1796. William died 15 February 1831 in Lynn, Essex, MA, at 34 years of age. Kimball Ramsdell and Mary Lewis [Mrs.] had the following children: 436 ii. Jude Ramsdell was born in Lynn, Essex, MA 25 March 1810. 437 iii. Sophia Ramsdell was born in Lynn, Essex, MA 21 August 1812. She married George Oliver 26 November 1829 in Lynn, Essex, MA. George was born about 1809 in MA. 438 iv. Elizabeth Ramsdell was born in Lynn, Essex, MA 5 December 1814. 439 v. Jude Ramsdell was born in Lynn, Essex, MA 11 April 1817. + 440 vi. George Westerly Ramsdell was born 12 April 1819. 441 vii. Judith Ann Ramsdell was born in Lynn, Essex, MA 4 October 1821.

From Jim Collins Web Site

[1014] SOURCE CITATION: Title: Reminisences of Saratoga Author: Cornelius Durkee Repository Name: Saratoga Springs Library Address: Putnam St., Saratoga Springs, NY [1015] !Based on the information in Cornelius Durkee's book "Reminisences of Saratoga" the mother of Jonathan Kimball who came to Saratoga Lake was "Mrs. Kimball Ramsdell" according to a descendant of Benjamin French. Frech married the widow Ramsdell and they had at least three sons. Sylvester's "History of Saratoga County" mentions the stepsons of Benjamin French as Jonathan, Silas and William Ramsdell.There is no verification as to the truth of these statements, although there have been many assertions, none of which stand up under close examination. there has been no evidence of the parents of either Mr or Mrs Ramsdell at this time.

From John L. Scherer

There is a family of Moses Ramsdale that settled in Oneida County, New York in the 1790s, and Mary Ramsdale wife of Kimball Ramsdale came to Saratoga County in the 1790s with three of her sons, William, Jonathan and Silas. One source has indicated that Mary was a Ramsdell, herself, daughter of Noah of Lynn, which would make her an aunt to my Meshack (1771-??). I note, however, that you have a different Mary married to Kimball.

From Bill Ramsdell November 1997

In rtesponse to yours 07-01-10, The Ramsdills of Saratoga Springs were according to my book (or my knowledge) the last three children (Silas, William, and Jonathan) of Kimball and Mary. I would assume that after Kimball died, Mary must have married Benjamin French as he claimed guardianship of the three children. Then again someone I was corresponding with said there were another couple called Kimball and Mary - that well may be Kimball (No.1) 's son Kymball but she was a Mrs Mary Lewis and they were m Jan 22 1807 they had their own children. Also, I've been corresponding with a Jim Collins who much info on Ramsdills, and he may want to help you out also in the same area Saratoga. NY. Would like what you have, though! Bill

From Jim Collins January 1997

Hi Ross! I do have some Ramsdill(ell,ale) info but not enough. I'm certainly willing to share what I have. My Ramsdill ancestor is Maria Ramsdill, dau of Jonathan, she b. in Town of Saratoga NY prob at Jonathan's farm at Saratoga Lake 15 Jan 1807. She m. twice. 1st Nicholas Howland, 2nd Benjamin Leggett. Much of what I have Bill also has. I'm am not yet sure in my mind that the Kimball R.(s) of Lynn are Jonathans kin. There was also a Kimball R. who enlisted in Rev. War at Worthington Mass and was in Albany, NY during service. I do have some info on other descendants of Jonathan. Glad to meet you. Jim Collins

From Jim Collins January 1997

The following are the Kimball Ramsdills that I know something of: Lynn MA (2) Kimball and Kimball Jr. Well documented in the VR of Lynn Kimball sr marriage and children Kimball Jr birth, marriage and children "Mass. Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolution" Kimball of Lynn at Concord battle and elsewhere. Worthington, MA (2) "Mass. Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolution" page 920 Ramsdell, Kimball- on a list of men in Continental Army before 5 May 1777 enlisted 3 yrs, Pvt light infantry Col Putnam's 5th regt. plus other details. page 923 Ramsdell, Kimball- Pvt Capt. D. Shays co. Col Putnam's 4th Regt. pay accts 31 May 1777 to 31 Dec 1779. return dated 9 Feb 1778 at Albany, NY. plus other details.(possibly at Battle of Saratoga Oct 1777?) Oxford, MA (1) "History of Oxford, MA" by George F. Daniels,1892 page 659 "Ramsdel, Kimball, taxed 1771; March 1783 had married Beulah wife of Jedidiah Blaney had a daughter about 4 months old." page 405 "Blaney, Jedidiah ---- m. 30 May 1761, Beulah, dau. William Brown --- Blaney d. 1778 ---- Kimball Ransdale (Ramsdell?), Beulah or the widow Blaney and daughter four months old, resided here March 1783. Maine (1) I have seen reference to a Kimball Ramsdell who died in Maine. Boston Transcript Queries 3999 and 5199 The answers to queries re Mrs Kimball Ramsdill in Saratoga NY offered no proof as to the family of William, Silas and Jonathan, containing phrases "I have always thought", "was she the widow who went to NY?" and "I fancy he was the Kimball of Lynn". Hardly verifications! Finally, we find in the 1850 Federal Population Census that William and Silas state that they were born in Rhode Island and Jonathan says he was born in Mass. Maybe this will all clear up someday but I wouldn't bet on it. I'll leave the subject alone for a while. Regards Jim.

From Jim Collins February 1997

I did find more on Kimball (or Kimballs?) at Salt Lake. I think it resolves some things and raises question on others.. but thats always true in this business. I'll list these by source and then date. Worcester County, Mass., Warnings 1737 - 1788 1762 May- Jedidiah & Beulah Blaney warned out, Oxford. 1766 May 11-Rutland District warned out. Kimball Ramsdell, w, Mary & dau Mary from Lynn. June 1765 1767 Jan. 6- Rutland, warned "Amsden",Kimball, w. Mary, daughters Mary and Lucy, from Rutland District. 1783 Mar 25- Charlton, warned Kimball Ramsdell w. Beulah Blaney June 19 1782. 1783 Mar 25- Oxford, warned Kimball Ramsdell, w. Beulah, son "Jotham". Lynn Vital Records 1762 Kimball Ramsdell married Mary Ramsdell. History of Oxford 1771 Kimball Ramsdell taxed at Oxford. 1778 Jedidiah Blaney died. Marriages Auburn, Worcester Co. Mass. 1780, Mar 24 Intention to marry, Kimball Ramsdell & Beulah Blaney. History of Oxford 1783 March "Kimball Ramsdell had m. Beulah, widow of Jedidiah Blaney then had a dau. about 4 mos old." I assume that you know about the "Warnings" mentioned above. But just in case, in the earliest colonial days individuals arriving in a locality who did not appear to have visible means of support were warned that they would not be allowed to remain unless some reliable person furnished security for their support. If such individuals had not been warned within three months the courts considered them inhabitants and the towns were liable for their support. The towns protected themselves by warning just about everybody so that they were protected from liability. These are a great tool for finding the wanderers. The Worcester Co. book is the best I have seen. It appears that Kimball moved around a bit and didn't spend all his time in Lynn. I think that we can safely assume that the "Amsden" is Ramsden, the date was right for their children Mary and Lucy. I am not sure, and the book didn't say, what the dates were at the beginning and at the end of an entry. Okay, what did I find? A Kimball Ramsdell did marry Beulah Blaney. There is a name Jotham I have seen on rare occasions but I believe that this name is Jonathan, probably misread from an abbreviation along the way. I am inclined to place the Jonathan of Saratoga NY with Kimball and Beulah, even though this is still not a certainty. But a big question now arises. Who were William and Silas? Based on the date of the intention of marriage of Kimball and Beulah, they could not have been the parents of William and Silas. Were they children of Jedidiah and Beulah? Blaney died in 1778 so they could have been his sons. However, in the 1850 Census records they claimed Rhode Island as their birth place. Since I have not seen a death record for Mary Ramsdell, I suppose that they could be her children with Kimball. Since Kimball appeared to roam I suppose he and Mary could have been in Rhode Island when William and Silas were born. It would seem that if the Mrs. Kimball Ramsdill who arrived at Saratoga Lake was Beulah, then the children who came with her were probably her children, since she didn't bring any of Kimballs other young children, at least according to records we have seen. We will be going to Salt Lake again March 18 so I will try to sort out some of this. I now feel more comfortable with the Kimball/Beulah theory. Let me know what you think. Regards Jim.

From Jim Collins February 1997

Hi Ross. Sorry to hear that Jotham is a popular Ramsdell name. That shakes my faith in the Kimball/Beulah marriage producing the Saratoga Jonathan! This may indicate that Kimball was really of the Maine Ramsdells, not Lynn, although Kimball is a considered a Mass. name. I have never found Kimball Sr. birth records in the Lynn records. Well I guess we will keep plugging away. I have some corrections for the Leggett portion of the Ramsdell page. Benjamin b. 10 July 1804 d 19 Feb 1875 Mary E. b 6 Nov 1833 d. 27 Sep 1899 never married. Jonathan Nelson b 17 Oct 1835 d. 15 Aug 1917 married Cornelia Riley William Isaac b 22 Nov 1837 d. 18 Nov 1922 married Olive Marie Hurlburt Andrew B. b 24 July 1839 d. 6 Jun 1854 Everything else looked good. Regards Jim

From Jim Collins February 1997

Hi Ross. Don't know if you have this answer to a query in the Apr 6 1914 issue of the Boston Transcript, query no. 3999. I'm sending it in case you haven't seen it. "There was a Kimball Ramsdell who married, at Lynn, Nov. 22 1762, Mary Ramsdell. I have not yet found his birth record. But Silas (4) Ramsdell (Joseph 3, Isaac 2, John 1) of Marblehead married, Mar 3, 1735, Lucy (5) Kimball (Thomas 4, 3, Richard 2,1) of Wenham, just in time to have been the father of Kimball. Kimball and Mary (Ramsdell) Ramsdell had five children at Lynn (1763-1773), Mary, Lucy, Joseph, Rachel and Kimball. Kimball Jr., also married and had a large family at Lynn, 1796-1821. Were either of these Kimball Ramsdells the one whom you seek? You do not give any dates to guide us. There was a Kimball Ramsdell taxed at Oxford, Mass., 1771, who later married, about 1783, Mrs Beulah (Brown) Blaney, of Oxford, but I fancy that he was Kimball Ramsdell, Sr., of Lynn, with a second wife. If anyone knows anything of these families in later days, we shall be glad to hear it. At Cumberland, R.I., not far from Bristol, there were Ramsdells. The records there give Lydia, married Aug. 21, 1758, Daniel Weatherhead; Moses, married, Feb. 20, 1784, Nancy Lapham; Molly, married, Oct. 20, 1775, Job Bartlett; Jemima, married July, 1795, James Lapham. The census of 1790 also gives Phoebe Ramsdell living at Coventry, R. I., with three females in her family. I have not definitely located these Rhode Island Ramsdells, but all appearances connect them with the only family in the neighborhood, that of Moses (4) (Benjamin 3, Aquila 2, John 1) of Mendon, Mass. Can anyone help definitely, with ancestors or descendants? I do not, however, find any Kimball Ramsdell in this line. Finally, the Ramsdells of Gray, Me., were of a different family altogether. The above two lines are from John (1) Ramsdell of Lynn. Joseph (1) Ramsdell or Ramsden of the Plymouth branch does not seem to be in any way related to him. It was the Plymouth family which went to Gray, Me., in the person of Gideon (5), about 1780. His line was Gideon (5), and Gideon (4) of Abington, Thomas (3) of Hanover, Daniel (2) of Middleboro, Joseph (1) of Plymouth. I have nine of his children, with no Kimball among them, but there may have been others. You have a strange problem- a Kimball Ramsdell (essentially a Lynn name), born in Rhode Island and going to Gray, Me., where the Plymouth Ramsdells abounded. Any light on the matter will be a mutual help. W. W. N. Y. This excerpt from the Boston Transcript is as ambiguous as the other query 5199, but has some interesting points. Regards Jim.

From Jim Collins February 1997

As to Kimball in RI.- I couldn't find the query, #3999, in the microfilms of the Boston Transcript( it was in bad shape). I imagine that the sender placed him there in RI (and why not,we see him or some Kimball just about everywhere else!) maybe because he saw the 1850 Census where William and Silas said they were born in RI. I have never seen anything else that verifies that Kimball was there. Based on some of the things that have turned up, I'm not sure that we can attach William and Silas to Kimball. As to Kimball in Saratoga.- The only thing that I have seen that places Kimball in the Saratoga NY area is in The Mass. Soldiers and Sailors in the War of the Revolution. It states, in the entry for one of the Kimballs, "return dated, Albany, Feb. 9 1778". Since the battles at Saratoga and at Bennington, VT were in Oct. of 1777, Kimball may have been at one of these engagements or with the troops in Albany about 30 miles south of the Battles. This volume, by the way, lists three entries for Kimball Ramsdells, two from Worthington, Mass and one from Lynn. The one from Lynn mentions the early battle at Concord, Mass and "elsewhere". The Worthington Kimballs were both in the Continentals for about three years, with overlapping service dates, one discharged in 1779, the other in 1780. I have never seen any mention of Kimball locating in Saratoga. I have seen in Cornelius E Dukee's book Reminisc ences of Saratoga an interview Durkee had with a Mrs. Ward who was the g. g. granddaughter of Benjamin French and still lived at the French homestead at Saratoga Lake. At the end of that paragraph, Durkee states "Mrs. Kimball Ramsdill was the wife of Benjamin French, her native home being in Connecticut". Except for The Boston Transcript, this is the only reference I have seen placing her at Saratoga. I have some Nantucket Island info, mostly about my ancestors, the Starbucks and related families, but I'll check and see if I find any Ramsdill info. Regards, Jim

From Jim Collins February 1997

Finally got out to Mesa LDS yesterday to look at the census records. The results- Mass 1790 No Kimballs 1800 Kimball Jr. in Lynn RI 1790 No Kimball (had a Phebey and Moses) 1800 No Kimball (had Ezra, John and William) Maine 1790 One Kimball at New Gloucester,1 Male 0ver 15, 2 females 1800 One Kimball at New Gloucester, 1 male over 44, Females= 1 under 10 yrs., 1 under 14 yrs. and 1 in 25 to 44 yrs. group I checked NYS to see if Mrs K and family appeared there and they seem to have: 1790 Benjamin French 1 male over 16, 5 males under 16 and 1 female. The 5 probably Jonathan, Silas, William Ramsdell and French's 2 sons. Either Kimball was a philanderer and a bigamist or there were 3 Kimballs, one who died before 1790 and was the father of J, W and S, one who moved to Maine and the last Kimball Jr. who may have been the son of either. What's you feeling? Jim.

From Jim Collins February 1997

Hi. I checked NY census when I was looking at Benj. French (Mrs KR's second husband if there was a Mrs KR). There was no Kimball in the census. As you say nothing gets clearer. Jim

From Buckler, S OL A, APAFR June 1997

Ross, Have you every corresponded with a William Ramsdell in CA? He sent me pages copied from a book plus a sheet where in Lady in N.Y. had done much research. Here's a brief: Mrs. Rachel Clothier of Cornenth, N.Y. taken from Mary Leggett Bible & Bible of Marie Ramsdill, Federal & NYS Census, The Saraoga Sentinel, Sylvesters "History of Saratoga Co., Durkee's "Reminiscences of Saragoga", Deeds filed at Saragoga Co., Cleark Office, Whitford Cemetery and Ramsdill Cemetery (both inSaratoga Springs). In Durkee's book is where it speaks of Mrs. Kimball Ramsdill as the wife of Benjamin French, the Step-father of Jonathan, Silas & William. She went on to say that the family name was spelled RAMSDILL in Saratoga Springs , N.Y. but it appears many changed to RAMSDELL in later generations. This information was forwarded by: William (Bill) Ramsdell, 8623 Tahoe Drive, Ventura, CA 93004-3106. I would be glad to make a copy of what was sent and snail mail them to you. Plus on the net there are two Ramsdale, dill, dell sites. Have you seen them? Of course one is only on overseas variety. http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/David_Ramsdale/1homepag.htm My Grandfather's-Grandparents on his Mothers Side were a Aaron Ramsdill 1808-1894 and a Sarah Clements. My Grandfathers name: Loren Clement Moore. Shirl

From Richard W. Taylor

I am tied into the Ramsdell family through my grandmother, a Bardwell. Attached is some ancestry recorded by my grandfather many years ago (which I hope comes through OK). I would like to tie Kimball Ramsdell (1741-1805) back to earlier ancestors if possible and also resolve a discrepancy in the marriage of his son, Joseph Ramsdell (1767-1828). Could Joseph have been married twice, once to Sarah Furnach and once to Keziah Carter? And as a matter of interest, I have a neat picture of Horace V. Ramsdell (1842-1914) showing off his Civil War wounds (with trousers opened). If I can find out how to convert this to a suitable file (from TIFF to JPG?), I might be able to send it over the web.

REF: R A M S D E L L F A M I L Y Kymball Ramsdell was the first known ancestor and was listed as a solider in the Revolutionary War in the History of Lynn and also in the Soldiers and Sailors of Massachusetts. He married a Mary Ramsdel on 11-22-1762. Mary's maiden name was spelled RAMSDEL according to the Vital Records of Lynn by the Essex Institute. Children born of Kymball and Mary Ramsdell were: 1. Mary Ramsdell, born 5-21-1762(?), married Robert Valentine 7-22-1779. 2. Luci Ramsdell, born 11-19-1765, died 1800. 3. Joseph Ramsdell, born 10-22-1767, died 1828, married Sarah Furnace about 1782. 4. Rachel Ramsdell, born 11-22-1769. 5. Kymball Ramsdell, born 11-17-1773, married first Judith Everly 5-31-1795 and secondly ______. The family name of Kimball or Kymball became a Christian name in the Ramsdell family. The first Kimballs known in America were Henry Kimball, a freeman in Watertown, Mass., in 1638. He had sons named John and Richard. Richard Kimball was a freeman in 1638 and received a grant of a house lot in Ipswich on 2-3-1637 and died in 1675. Richard left a wife and the following children: Henry, Richard, Thomas, Benjamin, Calab, Elizabeth, Mary and Sarah. Captain Joseph Ramsdell, son of Kymball Ramsdell, was born in Lynn, Massachusetts and was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. His title was not a military one, however, but came from his seafaring activities while a resident of the Boston Bay area and later as resident of Ohio. His Revolutionary War record included duty as seaman on the brigantine "Freeman" under Captain John Cristen from July 10, 1776 to June 1, 1777; in Captain Jonathan Bardwell's company from Sept. 22, 1777 to Oct. 10, 1777 and under Nathaniel Barber from April 22, 1780 to August 26, 1780. Captain Joseph Ramsdell and his wife and three children were counted in the 1790 census as residents of Lynn. There were probably married about 1782. He and his family moved from Lynn to Greenwich, Massachusetts sometime later where Horace Ramsdell was born. The children of Captain Joseph Ramsdell and Sarah Furnace were: 1. Jacob Ramsdell, born 1786, died 1849, married Experience ________. 2. Valentine Ramsdell, born 1793, killed in 1813 by Indians in Ohio during the War of 1812. 3. Lydia Ramsdell, born 9-30-1783, died 9-23-1861, married John Hitchings 4-18-1809. 4. John Ramsdell, born 1837, died 11-16-1832, married Salina Wollcott. 5. Horace Ramsdell, born 9-4-1793, died 1-29-1872, married first Sarah Willert 1817, married second Sarah Bullard 2-23-1825. 6. Abigail Ramsdell, born 1785, died 1849, married Abiather Shirley. Captain Joseph Ramsdell and Sarah moved to Oswego, New York in 1797. In 1811 the family, except for Lydia, moved to Danbury Township, Ottawa County, Ohio in their own boat the Swan which they built on Sodus Bay on Lake Ontario in New York. Captain Joseph had been to Ohio earlier in 1806. He went to Danbury (also known as Marblehead Pennisula), a part of the "Firelands," with a party of surveyors which included the famous surveyors Lewis and Clark. Ohio Firelands records state that Sarah Furnace was a passenger on the open boat the Swan, but nothing more can be found in any records. It is presumed that she died en route and was buried in the waters of Lake Erie. Captain Joseph Ramsdell built a blockhouse on Marblehead Pennisula which was burned by the Indians in the War of 1812. Blockhouses had the upper story projecting over the lower and through the floor were loopholes. If attacked by Indians, the men could retreat into the blockhouse and fire down up the heads of the enemy as they tried to batter in the doors. Just before the war, Captain Ramsdell built a new boat called The Eliza. In the fall of 1812 the Ramsdell family left the pennisula and rowed across ______ to Ogontz Place, taking refuge in an adbandoned cabin. The Ramsdell returned to the pennisula to harvest their wheat and hemp. A boatload of soldiers landed on the pennisula in September to get some apples from an orchard. As the Ramsdells were pulling away from shore, one of the soliders was shot. That night they saw the flames from their blockhouse which the Indians had set on fire. Horace Ramsdell, the son of Joseph and Sarah, married his cousin, Sarah Bullard, the second time. The children of Horace Ramsdell and Sarah Bullard were: 1. John Ramsdell, born 3-24-1826, died 1893. 2. Jacob Ramsdell, born 2-19-1828, died 1828. 3. Sarah Ramsdell, born 2-6-1830, died 1894. 4. Selima Ramsdell, born 4-26-1832, died 1908, married James Howell. 5. Mary Ramsdell, born 7-24-1834, died young. 6. Adelia Ramsdell, born 7-31-1835, died 1900. 7. Malissa Ramsdell, born 4-6-1837, died young. 8 James Howell Ramsdell, born 2-23-1840, married Emogene Palmer, died 10-30-1916. 9. Horace Valentine Ramsdell, born 6-23-1842, died 1-17-1914, married Alma Louise Bardwell 12-24-1876. 10. Lydia J. Ramsdell, born 10-24-1844, married Stephen Paxton, died 1923. 11. Susan C. Ramsdell, born 8-7-1846, died 1850. 12. Hellen C. Ramsdell, born 7-25-1848, died 1850.

From Bill Ramsdell June 1998

Friends: Having gone through some old papers, I discovered that the death date of Kimball Ramsdell born circa 1740, married to Mary Teale, is according to the DAR Patriots Index, Paart 3, Page 2399 of the Centennial Edition, died after 1781, and not 1805 as noted in my book or genealogy on the Internet.

From John Scherer June 1998

I still think that Kimball Ramsdale married Mary Ramsdell, daughter of Noah Ramsdell of Lynn. They lived in the Northhampton area of Massachusetts, and at some time after Kimball's death, Mary married Benjamin French and lived in the Saratoga Springs area. I believe that Mary's nephew, Meshack Ramsdale, may have also come to live in that area (at least it appears his children did). The David Ramsdale that was added to the Malta, Saratoga County census listings for 1850 is incorrect, the name should be Daniel not David.

From John Scherer August 1999

Dick, Even though the subject line reads message rejected by system, I did receive your information regarding Kimball and Joseph Ramsdell. I am very interested in your line. First of all there is a lot of confusion regarding Kimball Ramsdell as there appear to have been several Kimball Ramsdells. According to the Lynn, MA vital records, a Kimball Ramsdell married Mary Ramsdell, daughter of Noah and Mary (Batten) Ramsdell on 22 November 1762. I believe it was this Kimball who was the son of Silas Ramsdell and Lucy Kimball. The children ascribed to Kimball Ramsdell and Mary Teal, I believe were actually the children of Kimball and Mary Ramsdell. I know nothing of the Kimball who married Mary Teal, Perhaps you could shed more light on this particular Kimball. As far as your Joseph goes, I know there were Ramsdells in Oswego County, New York. One that I am particularly interested in is a Francis Ramsdell born in 1795. Do you have the names of Joseph's other children? I am descended from Noah Ramsdell of Lynn through his son Mesheck (his line in on Ross Andrew's web site under mystery lines). My line came to Saratoga and Fulton Counties, New York about 1800 from Connecticut or Northhampton, MA. Because of common Ramsdell names I think there are a lot of errors in the accepted genealogies. Somehow Noah Ramsdell's brance spread into Rhode Island, Connecticut and Northhampton, MA befor coming to New York State. I am determined to crack this case and welcome any help. John

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