Mary Ralph 1850-1913

RALPH, BOWDEN, EDWARDS, WILLS

Posted By: Georgea Clinton (email)
Date: 5/8/2011 at 09:57:14

Oct 9, 1913 - Carroll Times - Mrs. Mary Bowden Ralph, wife of J.R. Ralph, passed away at her home at 809 North Crawford street, at 7:30 a.m. Monday, October 6th, the cause of death being a complication of diabetes and Bright's disease. She has been failing for more than a year and death came as a release from prolonged sickness and suffering.

Mary Bowden was born at Hazel Green, Wis., May 11th, 1850, her parents being James and Harriet Bowden, both of whom are deeceased. Her early life was passed in the community where she was born and she was married July 20, 1870, to J.R. Ralph, who survives her with five sons and one daughter.

Twin sons died in infancy. The living children are: Jesse, superintendent of schools at Moravia, Iowa; Thomas, William and Truman, living on farms in the western part of Carroll county; and Oliver, superintendent of schools at Wilton Junction, Iowa; Pearl, the only daughter, living at the parental home.

The family came to this county thirty-one years ago and moved to the city about eight years ago. For twenty-three years prior to moving into Carroll, they lived on a farm west of the city.

Four brothers of the deceased are living. They are Thomas Bowden, California; James Bowden, Jackson, Michigan; Truman Bowden, Ellis, South Dakota; and John Bowden, Cuba City, Wisconsin. Two surviving sisters are Mrs. Elizabeth Edwards, of California, and Mrs Eliza Wills, of Carroll.

Mrs. Ralph was a valued member of the First Methodist church of Carroll and also of the Industrial and Missionary Societies of that church. Her funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 at the church and burial was made in Carroll cemetery.