Continental Congressman, Revolutionary War Veteran, Historian, Physician. He graduated from the College of New Jersey (now Princeton) in 1765, received a medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1773, and established a practice in Charleston. From 1776 to 1783 he was a member of the South Carolina legislature. On July 4, 1778 Ramsay delivered in Charleston the first Independence Day oration, "the Advantages of American Independence." During the Revolutionary War he served as a field surgeon, was captured by the British in 1780, and confined for a year. From 1782 to 1783 and 1785 to 1786 he served in the Continental Congress, and was President of the Congress in his second term. From 1801 to 1815 he served in the South Carolina Senate and was Senate President. Ramsay trained numerous physicians and advocated for a medical school in Charleston, a vision that was realized after his death. He was an opponent of slavery and was the first historian of the Revolution. His works included "History of the Revolution in South Carolina," "History of the American Revolution," "Life of Washington," and "History of South Carolina." His three-volume "History of the United States" formed part of 1819's twelve volume "Universal History Americanized." He was the son in law of Continental Congressman Henry Laurens and the brother of Continental Congressman Nathaniel Ramsey. Ramsay died two days after being attacked by a crazed patient.
Continental Congressman, Revolutionary War Veteran, Historian, Physician. He graduated from the College of New Jersey (now Princeton) in 1765, received a medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1773, and established a practice in Charleston. From 1776 to 1783 he was a member of the South Carolina legislature. On July 4, 1778 Ramsay delivered in Charleston the first Independence Day oration, "the Advantages of American Independence." During the Revolutionary War he served as a field surgeon, was captured by the British in 1780, and confined for a year. From 1782 to 1783 and 1785 to 1786 he served in the Continental Congress, and was President of the Congress in his second term. From 1801 to 1815 he served in the South Carolina Senate and was Senate President. Ramsay trained numerous physicians and advocated for a medical school in Charleston, a vision that was realized after his death. He was an opponent of slavery and was the first historian of the Revolution. His works included "History of the Revolution in South Carolina," "History of the American Revolution," "Life of Washington," and "History of South Carolina." His three-volume "History of the United States" formed part of 1819's twelve volume "Universal History Americanized." He was the son in law of Continental Congressman Henry Laurens and the brother of Continental Congressman Nathaniel Ramsey. Ramsay died two days after being attacked by a crazed patient.
Bio by: Bill McKern
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