Ramsay Family Papers Collection (MS012)

Access and use

Location of collection:
Alexandria Library
Alexandria Library
Local History/Special Collections
717 Queen Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Patricia Walker, Branch Manager
Phone: (703) 746-1719
Phone: (703) 838-4577
Fax: (703) 706-3912
Preferred citation:

[Item identification], Ramsay Family Papers, MS012, Alexandria Library, Local History and Special Collections, Alexandria, Virginia.

Summary

Extent:
.46 Cubic Feet 1 box, 8 files including account book, papers, diary
Creator:
Ramsay family and Reese, Rebecca (Ramsay), 1870-1955
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[Item identification], Ramsay Family Papers, MS012, Alexandria Library, Local History and Special Collections, Alexandria, Virginia.

Background

Scope and content:

This Collection contains a number of items all from the original Ramsay Family papers which were donated to the Smithsonian Institute: an account book from Andrew and William Ramsay dated 1798-1801, photocopies of Ramsay letters, history of Ramsay house, genealogical notes on the Ramsay family, Rebecca Ramsay Reese papers and diaries.

Biographical / historical:

The Ramsay Family has been a part of Alexandria since the City was established in 1749. The early Ramsay family members bought property, established homes and businesses, and participated in the City government. The Ramsay House, located on King Street, was moved to this location around 1749. The house, after several renovations, now houses the Alexandria Tourist Center. Rebecca Ramsay Reese (she married Robert Miller Reese in 1900) was the daughter of George William and Harriet Fawctt Ramsay. SHe is a descendent of William Ramsay, on the the founders of Alexandria and of Dennis Ramsay who was a mayor of Alexandria and a peer of George Washington. Mrs. Reese was born April 22, 1870 in the family homse at 517 Cameron. Her interest in preservation started in early life and the knowledge in this area led her to becme a prominent figure in Alexandria. She was instrumental in the restoration of the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Shop, Gadsby's Tavern, Christ Church, and helped raise funds for the restoration of Woodlawn Plantation. Mrs. Reese died July 19, 1955 at her residence in Alexandria and is buried in Presbyterian Cemetery.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Indexed terms

Subjects:
Genealogy
Names:
Ramsay House