Dictionary of National Biography, 1912 supplement/Ramsay, Alexander
RAMSAY, ALEXANDER (1822–1909), Scottish journalist, son of Alexander Ramsay, sheep farmer, was born in Glasgow on 22 May 1822. In 1824 his family removed to Edinburgh, where he was educated at Gillespie free school, and where, in 1836, he entered the printing office of Oliver and Boyd. The years 1843-44 he spent in London in the government printing office of T. and J. W. Harrison. Returning to Edinburgh in 1846, he engaged in literary work of different kinds until, in 1847, he was appointed editor of the 'Banffshire Journal,' a post which he filled for sixty-two years. He greatly raised the position of that newspaper, in which he gave prominence to the subject of the sea fisheries, and made a special feature of agriculture and the pure breeding of cattle. He was joint editor of vols. 2 (1872) and 3 (1875) of the ’Aberdeen-Angus Herd Book,' and sole editor of vols. 4 to 33 (1876-1905). Therein he performed a monumental work of a national kind, which was recognised in 1898 by a presentation from breeders of polled cattle throughout the United Kingdom and others; and later by the presentation of a cheque for 150l by members of the Herd Book Society. He was elected provost of Banff in 1894, and next year received the hon. degree of LL.D. from Aberdeen University. He was twice married. He died at Earlhill, Banff, on 1 April 1909. A portrait, painted by Miss Evans, is in possession of the family. Many of his contributions to the 'Banffshire Journal' were reprinted as pamphlets. He also wrote a ' Life of Goldsmith,' privately circulated; and a ' History of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland,' 1879.
[Obituary in Banffshire Journal, reprinted as a pamphlet (with portrait); information from the family; personal knowledge.]