Andrew P. Ramsey from Sogn, Norway came to America as a young man. He worked at the Dalrymple farm somewhere around Casselton in the early years. Later they lived on a farm near Elbow Lake where Olaf A. Ramsey, Clara Ramsey and Peter Ramsey were born. Andrew came to Rosendal Township, Griggs County around 1897. After he had established a small shanty, his personal property came by freight to Courtenay, North Dakota. He then hauled it by horse and wagon across the country. The family spent a night at the Andrew Dahlen home en-route. He told of the tall, tall grass all around and how they cut hay for cattle and horses. Later prairie fires emanating from railroad building almost enveloped the home, but they managed to fight it off and it ran on through the grassy marsh northwestward. It burned other property in its rampage.
Melvin Ramsey, a son, was born in Rosendal, but passed away in infancy in 1901.
When they first arrived, the Tuftelands at Red Willow were the nearest neighbors. Andrew had one brother, Jacob Ramsey, or Jack Ramsey as he was usually known. Andrew was 85 years when he died in Valley City from pneumonia January 3, 1951. They were charter members of Naeron Lutheran Church in Mose. He also served on the school board and Township board.
Brita T. Ramsey was a "Sogning" and came over on a cattle boat because other transportation was not available due to cholera. She often told of the rough trip coming to a new land. It was very stormy and she got very seasick (probably one of the reasons she never ventured back to her homeland). She told of potato kettles sliding one way and then the other on the stove as the boat rose and fell in the rough sea. As a young girl, she worked in the Stalheim Hotel in Sogn. They landed at Halifax and then on to new frontiers. Her older brother, Botolv Tufte (Ben Tufte), came earlier and became a lawyer. He was States Attorney in Griggs County for several years. Andrew and Brita were married in Norway.
Brita helped or served as midwife for the births of a lot of the children born in this area. She always helped when someone was sick and needed care.
She passed away at the age of 92 December 28, 1955.
Their son, Peter Ramsey, in his early 20's died in 1922.
Olaf A. Ramsey died May 7, 1961.
Clara Ramsey married John Asmus and is 79 years old at this time. She was the first student to complete the eighth grade at the school known as the Asmus School. I. A. Kampen was the County Superintendent of Schools then. This schoolhouse is the only one left after consolidation of the various districts with Binford. Some were sold because there was no need of them and one was struck by lightning and burned. Some of the early teachers were. Ida Yttre, Mabel Golberg and Sylvia Hovland to mention a few.
Their children are:
Julia Asmus, at home, Cooperstown High School graduate 1937
Clifford W. Asmus, World War II veteran, lives in Fargo. He and Ruth have two daughters:
Barbara Asmus in high school and
Laurie Ann Asmus in elementary school
Inez L. Asmus (Mrs. Jackson) lives in Seattle and has two daughters,
Renae Jackson, a college student and
Susan Jackson in elementary grades.
Source: Griggs County History 1879 - 1976 Page 418