Squire James Ralston

RALSTON

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 8/14/2008 at 07:50:12

Jackson Sentinel
March 28, 1924

Honor “Marrying Squire” on His Eightieth Birthday

Thursday, March 27, will go down as a red letter day in the life of Mr. and Mrs. James Ralston, two of our esteemed citizens who will be host and hostess at a delightful function this Thursday evening to a legion of friends, who will gather to help the “Squire” celebrate his eightieth birthday. Mr. Ralston has served as justice of the peace for many years, in fact for so many years that countless friends throughout this community have long since addressed him as “Squire.” Perhaps one of the most interesting stories coincident with Thursday’s event is the fact that on Wednesday the Squire tied his 900th nuptial knot, a record rarely equaled by any magistrate or pastor. Mr. Ralston tells us that he has made at least eighteen hundred people happy and believes that the proportion of this number who “kept sweet” is as great as any similar number who have been joined by any one person.

The evening was fairly swarming with congratulations and the home was the scene of mirth that would have done credit to a juvenile festivity. And every bit of the honors paid to this worthy old citizen were deserving, too. Squire Ralston is known everywhere as a magistrate who aims to be “square” as well as “squire.” The honesty of his convictions has never been questioned, while rich and poor are meted out the same brand of justice without fear or favor. Eighty years an honored member of any community is a credit to anyone, and the citizenship of an entire community extends a congratulating hand to James Ralston on this, his birthday.