farmer and blacksmith of Prairie Twp., Tipton Co., was born in Switzerland Co., Ind. Dec 19, 1827 and is the second in a family of eleven children born to Daniel and Martha (HAWKINS) Ramseyer. In the year 1848, Philip came to this county, then known as the Indian Reserve, on a prospecting tour, but made no purchases. In 1853, he returned and settled in Howard Co.; he remained there about fourteen years, working at his trade, that of a blacksmith, and manufactured the first breaking plow ever made in the county. In order to learn his trade, he, at the age of seventeen, apprenticed himself to William MALCOMBSON, of his native county, with whom he worked for four years before settling up for himself. After residing for the time above mentioned in Howard Co., he sold his interest there and removing to Prairie Twp., Tipton Co., purchased forty acres of land situated in the woods, which he has since cleared and put in a fine state of cultivation and supplied with all the necessary buildings, implements etc. He still works at his trade, at which he makes about $600 per annum, while his sons manage the affairs of the farm. He was married Dec. 31, 1855, to Eunice A ROBY, a native of Indiana, the third of a family of 7 children born to John and Hannah (CHESTERSON) Roby, natives of Ohio, and supposed to be of English descent. Their marriage has been blessed with seven children, of whom five are living -Arpecia, John Casper, James M., Cebern, Laura; also Arthur and Eurelean, deceased. His education was received at the common schools; he never had any assistance in a financial way, but has accumulated his present property by hard work. Politically, he is an uncompromising apostle of the Democratic creed, and one of the most active workers in his party.
Source: The Heady Family Newsletter, and from Howard and Tipton County, Indiana History
Transcription by: Ruth A. Hoggatt