James Otto Ramey was born August 8, 1906 to Henry Wilson Ramey and Melvina May Ramey. Henry was the son of George Washington Ramey and Elizabeth Looney Ramey. Melvina was the daughter of Henderson May and Dulcina Slone May. Melvina was also known as Melly. Otto had two older brothers, Turner and Teddy Roosevelt Ramey and three younger sisters, Nancy Bessie, Lettie and Florence. Henry was born and raised on Beaver Creek near Elkhorn City and Melvina was born and raised at Draffin KY Pike County in an area called Pond. Otto was born and raised on Little Beaver Creek.

Otto attended Little Beaver School, a two-room school with eight grades. He completed the eight grades and that was all of his formal education. The high school was Cumberland High School at Praise Kentucky (now Elkhorn City) it was five miles away. Only a few students walked that distance for a high school education. With his schooling finished, Otto helped Henry cut timber and take it to saw mills. He next worked for Adam Potter at his saw mill for $ 1.00 a day. The hours were from daylight to dusk. About 1926 Henry and Melvina moved to Jump Kentucky, near Drift in Floyd County. Otto stayed on Little Beaver Creek and lived with his Uncle George Washington Ramey, Jr and his wife Mary Potter Ramey. He was living with them when he married Edna Potter on May 4, 1927.

The marriage of Otto and Edna will be a separate section.

About 1936 Otto was baptized in to the Little Beaver Church of Christ. He was the Church treasure for a time. He was an active member of the Russell Fork Fish and Game Club and held the office of treasure for many years. He was a member of the United Mine Workers of America. He was the recording secretary for the local UMWA. He was also the treasure for the UMWA Burial Fund for many years.

Otto was an avid fisherman and hunter. Many "miners vacation" was a fishing trip to the Breaks with his sons and their friends. He also enjoyed fishing in West Va., Pa. and

Tennessee.

Otto retired from the Russell Fork Coal Company in 1963. He was a coal dropper on the tipple for 20 years. On his last day of work he was called to the mine office where they presented him with a gold pocket watch and a rod and reel. The watch was engraved with his name and 20 years of faithful service.

On October 10, 1983 the Pike County Historical Society honored Otto. He was presented a certificate naming him a descendent of early Pike County settler William Ramey, who settled in Pike County pre 1821.

April 22, 1985 Otto passed away in the Methodist Hospital at Pikeville Kentucky. He left his wife Edna, 9 children, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and lots of wonderful memories.

by: Edna's Daughter Sadie Ramey Bove

March 2002