George B. Ralston
George B. Ralston, serving as township trustee of Jefferson
township and numbered among the progressive citizens and
successful farmers of that locality, was born in Ludlow township,
this county, February 21, 1869. He is a son of John Ralston, who
was born in Scotland and who remained in his native country until
he was seventeen years of age. He then came to America and
resided for three years in New York City, where he became very
proficient as a brown-stone setter, working for his uncle.
Eventually he moved to Illinois and there worked on a farm for
three years, coming about the year 1854 to Allamakee county,
Iowa. In Ludlow township he purchased a tract of eighty acres and
this he cleared of timber, broke the soil and began the work of
development. After he had made it a valuable and productive farm
he disposed of the property and purchased one hundred and sixty
acres in the vicinity, and this he also substantially improved,
erecting a fine residence, good barns and outbuildings. He
engaged in general farming upon that place for some years, but
later moved to Waukon, where he spent his retired life, dying in
that city about 1911. His wife survives him and makes her home
with her daughter in Waukon.
George B. Ralston was reared upon his father’s farm in
Ludlow township and early became acquainted with the best
agricultural methods, for he aided in clearing, improving and
developing this property. For one year after his marriage, which
occurred in 1892, he remained upon the homestead, but at the end
of that time bought eighty acres of land on section 21, Jefferson
township. This was at that time a raw tract, but with
characteristic energy Mr. Ralston carried on the work of its
improvement, clearing the timber, grubbing up the stumps,
breaking the soil and fencing the fields. He later erected a
substantial residence, a large basement barn and good
outbuildings. He also set out an orchard, planting a number of
fine trees, and he has neglected nothing which would add to the
attractive appearance or the value of the property. In addition
to general farming he is a stock breeder on an extensive scale,
keeping high-grade cattle, Poland China hogs and a number of good
horses. He was one of the promoters of the Waukon Cooperative
Creamery, to which he sells the product of his dairy which he has
been operating for a number of years.
In Waukon, on the 14th of February, 1892, Mr. Ralston was united
in marriage to Miss Mary Douglas, a daughter of David Douglas, a
veteran of the Civil war and for many years a prosperous farmer
in Allamakee county. A more extended mention of his career
appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Ralston became the
parents of nine children: Earl J., who is assisting his father on
the farm; John D.; David G.; Ruth; Jessie; Marie; Florence;
Eugenia; and Doris.
Mr. Ralston is a republican in his political beliefs and is
interested in public affairs, cooperating heartily in movements
for the general good. In 1910 he was elected trustee of Jefferson
township and has served by reelection since that time,
discharging his duties in a way which reflects credit upon his
ability and his public spirit. The cause of education finds in
him a stanch champion, and he did effective work along this line
during the years which he served as president of the school
board. He is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
and has held various official positions in the lodge of that
organization. He and his wife belong to the Rebekahs at Rossville
and the entire family attend the Rossville Presbyterian church.
Mr. Ralston has won substantial success, but it has come as the
result of earnest labor, unfaltering industry, and sincerity and
honesty of purpose. No one envies him his prosperity, so worthily
has it been won, and he ranks today among the respected and
representative citizens of Allamakee county.
-transcribed by Linda Earnheart
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