JAMES RALSTON, b 27 Mar 1844

RALSTON, CONNELLY, RICE

Posted By: Donna Moldt Walker (email)
Date: 9/16/2004 at 18:03:37

James Ralston is a prominent figure in the financial and social circles of Maquoketa, of which city he is a resident, and there he is engaged in the fire insurance business. He comes of sterling Scotch ancestry, and is a native of Canada, born in County Berthier, Province of Quebec, March 27, 1844. His father, William Ralston, was born in Paisley, Scotland, and when he was quite young his mother, with her five children, all boys, came to America, and settled in Canada. There he grew to man's estate and was married, Matilda Connelly, a native of the north of Ireland, born near Belfast, of Scotch parentage, becoming his wife. Mr. Ralston was a tanner and currier, and carried on that trade for some time in the place where his youth had been spent.In 1855 he removed with his family to another part of that province, and became a resident of Norfolk County, where he was actively engaged at his trade for some years. In 1860 he went with his wife and children to Credit Valley, near Toronto, and buying a farm engaged in agricultural pursuits until death closed his useful career, in 1878. Twelve children were born to that estimable couple, all of whom grew to maturity. In their comfortable home they received careful training from wise parents in all the duties of life, and were sent forth into the world well qualified to become useful and valued members of society, in whatever position they might be placed.

The subject of this brief biographical review was sixteen years old when his people moved on to a farm. He had previously learned the shoemaker's trade of his father, but after the removal to Credit Valley he followed agriculture for a time. He subsequently entered the mercantile business as clerk in a general store, which position he occupied two and one-half years. In 1865 he went to Texas, and resumed his trade at Hallett's Village, Victoria County, and carried it on successfully two years. He then decided to try his fortune in California, and went thither by way of the Isthmus, and was employed in making shoes in Napa City until 1869, finding his trade a very profitable occupation in that place at that time. In the year mentioned he returned home with his savings, and remained in Canada until 1870, when he came to Maquoketa, and established himself at his trade. He afterward abandoned it to go into his present business, which he has found very lucrative, and has already won for himself a substantial place among the well-to-do citizens of this city. He possesses a good talent for business, is alert and wide-awake, prompt and straightforward in his dealings, and his credit stands high in financial circles.

Mr. Ralston has been twice married. He was wedded the first time, in 1871, to Miss Lillie Rice, a native of Buffalo, N.Y. Four children were born of that marriage - Lena, James, John and Maggie. In 1882 the beloved wife and mother closed her eyes in endless sleep, and her pleasant household knew her welcome presence no more. In 1884 our subject was married to his present amiable wife, formerly Miss Martha Humberstone, of Niagara, N.Y. She devoted herself to the interests of her husband, and his children have found in her a wise and kind mother.

Mr. Ralston is serving his third year as Justice of the Peace, to which office he brings a clear head, cool judgment and keen discernment, and is thus amply qualified to discharge its duties, which he does without fear or favor. He is a member in high standing of Woodward Camp, No. 161, M.W.A., and belongs to the Iowa Legion of Honor, and Assembly No. 2721, K. of L.

("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)