Homer Ramsdell

Homer Ramsdell (August 12, 1810 – 13 February 1894) was an American business man, known as president of the Erie Railroad from 1853 to 1857 as successor of Benjamin Loder.

Ramsdell, in the 19th century one of the foremost citizen of Newburgh, New York, was born at Warren, Massachusetts, August 12, 1810. His father was Joseph Ramsdell. the fourth of that name in descent from Joseph and Martha (Bowker) Ramsdell, who emigrated from England to Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1643. His mother was Ruth Stockbridge, of Hanover, Massachusetts, a descendant of John Stockbridge, who came from England in 1638. They were married at Hanover February 3, 1800, and moved to Warren, where the following children were born: Joseph, Mary and Homer.

In 1829, Ramsdell went to New York City, where he was employed in dry goods houses. Three years later he began business there under the firm name of Ramsdell & Brown, dealers in silks and fancy white goods. He continued this mercantile career until 1840, when he took up his permanent residence in Newburgh, superintending the various interests of Thomas Powell, who was engaged in shipping and banking business here In 1844 Ramsdell became a member of the firm of Thomas Powell & Co., and thenceforth until Powell's death in 1856 he was largely the administrator of Powell's affairs. By purchase and consolidation Ramsdell added other forwarding lines to his enterprises and soon stood at the head of the transportation business on the Hudson.

Homer Ramsdell steamboat, 1887.

Ramsdell was associated with the Erie Railroad, and in 1845 he was elected a member of the board of directors of that corporation. In 1853 he was chosen president of the company, in which position he promoted Daniel McCallum General superintendent. He resigned the office in July, 1857. He was intimately identified with the various local institutions of Newburgh and a prompt contributor to all progressive and elevating movements of his day. In 1887 the Homer Ramsdell steamboat (see image) was named after him.

Ramsdell was married June 16, 1835, to Frances E. L., daughter of Thomas Powell, of Newburgh, and the following children survive: Frances J., widow of Major George W. Rains; James A. P., H. Powell and Homer Stockbridge.

• "Report of the President of the New York and Erie Railroad to the Stockholders, for the Year Ending September 30" in: Annual Report. New York and Erie Railroad Company, 1856. p. 5-19