Genealogy Data
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Birth : 14 December 1865 in Dodge Center, Dodge County, Minnesota
Death : March 1927 in East Grand Forks, North Dakota
Burial : Fairview Cemetery, Willmar, Minnesota
[joan'sfam.FTW]
Ella Ramsett is the namesake of Ella Mae Johnson Bennett. Ella Mae lived with the Ramsetts for a time in Willmar (possibly at 411 Fourth St W.)and became good friends with Bertha (Birdie), Ella and Henry's daughter. In 1885 a copy of a 'Playbill' in the Willmar Tribune noted that Ella Wright and H. J. Ramsett appeared in local a local theatre production "Among the Breakers".
After Henry died (1917) Ella married Horace Kretchmar and moved to California. Ella May died when she hurried to East Grand Forks from California to be with he sister Sarah "Lizzie" Fiers who was ill. Ella May was an active member of the Willmar community, involved in the Red Cross surgical dressing dep't and member of the Canteen committee. She was also active in various Eastern Star and other Masonic organization, and also a member of St. Luke's church in Willmar. (obit appended)
Added From Work done by Anne E. O'Leary (Johnson)
ELLA MAY WRIGHT was born at Dodge Center, Dodge County, Minnesota, on December 14, 1865. She was married at New London, Minnesota, in May 1883, when she was eighteen, to Henry J. Ramsett, a young school teacher in the County. They moved to Wilmar, Minnesota where Henry became Clerk of Court for Kandiyohi County, 1890. Ella was his deputy for many years. They had three children: Grace, Bertha and Harold. Henry passed away on November 4, 1917. About 1925, Ella married Horace Kretsmar of Shafter, California. She passed away in March of 1927. She was Bertha Ramsett Johnson's Mother.
RAMSETT
The Mother of Bertha Ramsett Johnson
OBITUARY:
PROMINENT WOMAN DIES SUDDENLY
MRS. ELLA M. RAMSETT KRETCHMAR DIES WHILE VISITING
SICK SISTER AT EAST GRAND FORKS
The community was greatly shocked last Thursday morning when the sad and unexpected news reached Willmar that Mrs. Ella Ramsett Kretchmar had suddenly died the evening before at East Grand Forks where she had gone but a few days before. Last, Sunday she had received word that her sister, Mrs. Fiers at East Grant Forks who has been sick for some time, was very low. Though she was not feeling well herself, having had a slight attack of the flu. Mrs. Kretchmar left at once to be at the bedside and assist in the care of her sister. But shortly after her arrival she herself became seriously ill. Word was sent to her daughters here, Mrs. H. B. Lidstone and Mrs. M. J. Johnson and to her son, Dr. Harold P. Ramsett at St. Paul. But before they could leave for East Grand Forks, the shocking information showed that she had died, the end having come very suddenly. Mr. And Mrs. Lidstone and Mr. and Mrs. Johnson left that night for East Grand Forks and brought the remains to Willmar on Friday.
The funeral was held Saturday afternoon with services at the old home, 411 Fourth Street W., at 2 o'clock and at the St. Luke's Episcopal church at 2:30, Rev. W. C. Bimeon, the local rector, having charge of the rites and preaching an impressive sermon. There was singing by the vested choir and two favorite hymns of the departed, "Lead Kindly Light" and "Thy Will Be Done," were sung by the audience. The pall bearers were, W. H. Chard, C. W. Odell, E. C. Wallin, T. 0. Gilbert, Solon L. Benton and Eban E. Lawson. The American Legion auxiliary of Willmar attended the services in a body, heading their group with the auxiliary's banner and the national colors. There was an usual large number of flowers both from East Grand Forks and Willmar friends. Interment was made in the Fairview cemetery beside the grave of the departed's first husband, Henry J. Ramsett.
Mrs. Ella May Ramsett Kretchmar was born at Dodge Center, Minnesota, December 14, 1865, and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eber Abraham Wright, early pioneers of New London, Minnesota. As a girl she attended school at "Pleasant Hill" (District No. 6) and at the New London village school. She was married at New London in May 1883 to Henry J. Ramsett, at that time a young school teacher of the county. They later moved to Willmar, Minnesota, where Mr. Ramsett in 1890 became Clark of Court for Kandiyohi County and in which office Mrs. Ramsett was his Deputy for many years. Mr. Ramsett died November 4, 1917.
The deceased was a very public-spirited woman and active in many lodges
and other organizations.
She was a devoted member of the St. Luke's Episcopal church since 1884. She was a charter and life member of Siloam Chapter No. 79 Eastern Star of which organization she was past worthy matron. She was charter member and Past Noble Grand of Hopeful Rebekah Lodge No. 146; Past oracle of R. N. A. Lodge No. 384; and Past President of the Degree of Honor. During the World War she was very active in the Red Cross being supervisor of the Surgical Dressing department, and a member of the Canteen committee. She was a big hearted woman, always ready to do her share in all welfare work for the good of the community.
About a year or more ago the deceased went to, California where she was married to Horace Kretchmar of Shafter, that state.
Mrs. Kretchmar is survived by her husband, two daughters, Mrs. Grace E. Lidstone and Mrs. Bertha R. Johnson of Willmar, one son, Dr Harold E. Ramsett of St. Paul; one brother, Charles E. Wright of Bagley; and a sister, Mrs Sarah Elizabeth Fiers of East Grand Forks, besides a large number of other relatives.
Among the relatives present at the funeral here Saturday were Charles Fiers of Creston, Iowa, Dr. and Mrs. Harold E. Ramsett of St. Paul and Mrs. George W. Johnson of Red Wing. Mrs. Ella Ramsett Kretchmar passed away in March, 1927.
Added From Work done by Anne E. O'Leary (Johnson)
Parents:
Father: Wright, Eber AbrahamFamily:
Mother: Shank, Barbara Ellen
Marriage: 1884 in Willmar, MinnesotaFamily:
Spouse:Ramsett, Henry J.Children:
Birth : 16 May 1859 in Bad Axe, Vernon County, Wisconsin
Death : 4 November 1917 in Willmar, Minnesota
Burial : Fairview Cemetery, Willmar, Minnesota
Occupation :
[joan'sfam.FTW]
In a newspaper article in the Willmar Tribune dated June 22, 1897 H. J. Ramsett is pictured with the caption 'Prominent Kandiyohi County People'. Amongst his contributions to the Willmar community: Deputy Postmaster, Village Recorder, Justice of the Peace, Clerk of the District Court of Kandiyohi County and was also an elected alderman. It should be noted that Etta and George W. Johnson's first home was an apartment upstairs of the Ramsett home in Willmar. (also see appended notes).
Added From Work done by Anne E. O'Leary (Johnson)
OBITUARY:
FAITHFUL PUBLIC SERVANT PASSES AWAY
HENRY J. RAMSETT SUDDENLY CALLED LAST SUNDAY AT NOON
Henry J. Ramsett, the veteran Clerk of Court of Kandiyohi County, passed into the great beyond at his home last Sunday it 12:30 o'clock. He had been somewhat disabled last spring by a touch of apoplexy from which he was gradually recovering. Last Sunday morning he felt exceptionally good, being able to walk about his house with his cane. Between eight and nine he complained of a headache, and Dr. Johnson was called, who found that Mr. Ramsett had an attack of apoplexy. He sank into a state of unconsciousness and after three hours the spirit fled and a kind and indulgent husband and father, a faithful public servant and friend of man had passed from the scenes of this earth.
A BUSY LIFE
Henry J. Ramsett was born at Bad Axe, Wisconsin, May 16, 1859, and was fifth in a family of eight children. His parents were born in Norway and in 1858 had located at the place where Henry was born. The latter attended the graded schools and graduated from the high school at Viroqua, Wisconsin, and later from a business college at St. Paul. He was employed by the St. Paul, Minnesota and Manitoba Railway Company and later by the firm of P. H. Kelly & Co. He resigned the latter place and
went to Kandiyohi County, where he taught in the public schools. He was one of the editors and founders of the New London Review, the first newspaper at New London. He was an expert accountant and, worked as bookkeeper at New London and Atwater.
Later he moved to Willmar, where his aptitude for Public service was speedily recognized.. He served as assistant postmaster under five postmasters at Willmar, as village recorder for years, as justice, as alderman for two years, as city treasurer, and as deputy county auditor. It was, however, as Clerk of Court that he did his greatest life work. He was first elected to this position in 1889, and has been reelected continuously since then, having held the office nearly twenty-eight years. His acquaintance extended far 'beyond the boundaries of the County, however. For six years he served as secretary of the state organization of Clerks of Court and then was elected president, which position he held until his death.
WELL KNOWN IN FRATERNITIES
The deceased was a member of the Episcopal church. He was Mason of high degree, belonging to the Blue Lodge, Royal Arch Chapter, Knights Templar and Osman Temple of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He was also a member of the Odd Follows, Modern Woodmen, Workman, Eastern Star, Royal Neighbors, Degree of Honor and Rebekah Lodges.
THE FAMILY
The deceased was married at Now London to Miss Ella Wright, who survives to mourn with three children: Grace Alma (Mrs. H. B. Lidstone); Bertha Elizabeth (Mrs. Martin J. Johnson) and Harold Earl, all of this city. He is also mourned by three brothers and two sisters, P. A. Ramsett, Viroqua, Wisconsin; K. S. Ramsett, Fingal, North Dakota; Christopher Ramsett of Douglas, Arizona; Bertha Eddy, Saranac, Michigan; Miss Carolina Ramsett, Saranac, Michigan. The two first named are present for the funeral. Other relatives who are here are George W. Johnson of Red Wing; Mrs. Lizzi Fiers of Fast Grand Forks;- Fred Fiers of Grand Forks, North Dakota; Mr. and Mrs. John Wright of New London; Mr. and Mrs. A. Adams of this city. The surviving family have the sincere sympathy of all in their great loss.
THE OBSEQUIES
The funeral occurs this afternoon. At two o'clock the Rev. Horatio Gates of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, former rector of St. Luke's Episcopal church, officiated at the residence. The Odd Fellows had charge to the church. The Rev. E. R. Todd of Minneapolis, former rector, officiated at St. Luke church. The Masonic Lodge conducted the funeral from the church and at the grave in Fairview cemetery. The county officials, colleagues of the late Mr. Ramsett, were honorary pall bearers, C. E. Quale, T. 0. Gilbert, Peter Boude, Samual Nelson, N. 0. Nelson, Olof Dale, Charles Johnson, H. D. Frederickson, Walter Haines and John Lepse.
The Odd Fellows pall bearers were John Williams, M. D. Manning, 0. J. Westgard, J. W. Larson, F. H. Vall and M. W. Blomquist.
Special music was rendered by a quartet composed of the Misses Ida Sanderson and Barbara Williams, Messrs. George H. Ozterness and Lars Pederson. A duet was sung by Mrs. Florence Powers and Miss Lillis Noren. Miss Amy Haussom presided at the church organ.
Henry J. Ramsett possessed a keen intellect and was independent in thought and action. As a public official he was efficient and obliging. His genial disposition won friends everywhere. who are grieved to learn of his death. He passed a away November 4, 1917.
Parents:Father: RAMSETT, Syver Knudsen
Mother: NITTER, Brita "Elizabeth" "Betsy" Johannesdatter
Ramsett, Grace Alma
Ramsett, Harold Dr.
Ramsett, Bertha Elizabeth
Marriage: 1925 in Shafter, California
Spouse:Kretchmar, HoraceChildren:
Birth : Shafter, CA
Kretchmar, Grace E.
There are many interesting stories in the lives of those represented here. Please help me add information, photos, or whatever you feel comfortable with.
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This page has been slightly reformatted and preserved in memory of its creator and my brother.
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