Ralph Ogden Ruby (1895)

RUBY

Posted By: Kent Transier (email)
Date: 1/13/2007 at 14:53:01

Death of Ralph O. Ruby

On last Saturday afternoon Mr. S. B. Wheelock received a telegraphic message by cable from London, England, stating that Ralph O. Ruby, the son of Mr. and Mrs. S. G. Ruby, had died that morning. The news was a great shock to our people, for although it was known that Ralph had had an attack of typhoid fever, it was understood that he was recovering. Nothing further has been heard of the particulars of his death or of the funeral arrangements, though Mr. and Mrs. Wheelock have since received two or three letters, written, of course, before Ralph’s death and at a time when it was expected that he would recover.

After his father was superseded as United States Consul at Belfast, Ireland, Ralph still retained his position as Vice Consul under the new incumbent. The consul has been traveling of late on the continent of Europe, and during his absence the whole business of the office devolved upon Ralph, and caused him to work hard, probably beyond his strength. A malarial attack followed and when partly recovered he set out to join his parents in London. On arriving there he had again become ill, and immediately took to his bed with what proved to be the attack of typhoid fever that ended in his death.

Ralph was born and grew up in Winterset. He was a young man of bright faculties, and his death in early manhood has occasioned general grief among his townspeople, and earnest sympathy with his bereaved parents, brother and sister.
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Winterset Madisonian, Friday, 29 Mar 1895, page 3

The Late Mr. Ralph 0. Ruby.

To the Editor of the Winterset Madisonian.—-SIR: I trust the pressure on your space will not prevent me recording in your valuable and widely circulated journal my tribute of respect to the memory of my lamented friend and your citizen, Mr. Ralph Ogden Ruby.

As British Commissioner for the past twelve years in the United States consulate at Belfast, at which place my young friend was vice-consul for a period of six years, I have had every opportunity of observing, not alone his devotion to duty, but of gauging the appreciation of the merchants and shippers of this important port, who are not slow to take note of genuine merit where business qualifications come into operation. While the very sincere and heartfelt expressions of sympathy which were voiced in every direction on learning of his demise, spoke volumes alike of regret at the early and unexpected death of so estimable a gentleman, and real affectionate sympathy for his highly esteemed father, (Mr. Samuel G. Ruby, ex-consul at Belfast,) and his heart- broken mother.

But in his private capacity, perhaps more than in his official connection, the late Mr. Ralph 0. Ruby shone as a staunch friend and an agreeable companion. True, his somewhat backward disposition did not immediately disclose to those who might have met him only occasionally, the depths of his genuine good nature, but they who had the privilege of be¬ing his intimate friends, never misunderstood the kindness of heart that lay beneath his--to some extent—reserved exterior. Unostentatious in the dispensation of his charity, he belonged to that class who “do good by stealth and blush to find it fame,” and I know personally that his removal by death will leave a blank among his many friends here that will not readily be filled up.

To his family his sad and unexpected end must be a blow which "time, great healer,” may assuage, but can never thoroughly eradicate. His esteemed father, while consul here, earned the highest respect of all classes of the community by his high-toned in¬tegrity and thorough business qualifications, a fact that was testified to by all the shippers, merchants and private friends here, when the change of administration necessitated his resignation, by the magnificent and costly service of solid silver, presented to him on his departure, together with an illuminated address. These, however were but faint indications of the feelings of that respect for an official who, while holding his country’s interests as his first consideration, never failed to foster those kindly relations which should exist among an English-speaking race.

I have no desire that my remarks should be taken in any cold or official sense. I write purely as personal friend and admirer of the late Mr. Ralph 0. Ruby whom I, like all who came in contact with him, admired for his many admirable qualities of head and heart, and to leave my humble testimony on record where he was not more highly appreciated, than he was here in Belfast.

I am, faithfully yours, Louis Mantell.
5 Clarence Place, Belfast
13th March 1895