Samuel Mathers Ralston (1918)

CALDWELL, COOLEY, RALSTON

Posted By: Kent Transier (email)
Date: 10/16/2012 at 11:12:46

Brownsville Times
Brownsville, Linn, Oregon
18 September 1914

Samuel M. Ralston Passes Away -- Passed away at His Home Saturday After a Short Illness.

Obituary

Samuel M. Ralston was born April 11th, 1840, near Cambridge, Ohio. At the age of 18 he went from the home place to learn the carpenters trade in Allegheny City, Penn. About a year later his father removed to Iowa , and the boy went with the family to the new home, but soon returned to Allegheny to work at this trade.

When the civil War broke out he enlisted in a Pennsylvania regiment, the company of which he was a member being recruited by the pastor of his church. After his term of service in the Army, he went to Iowa and joined his family.

He was married at the Iowa home of Miss Elizabeth Caldwell. The couple removed to Oregon in 1875, making their home in Halsey. Here Brother Ralston was a member of the United Presbyterian church and an elder for several years. He removed several years ago to Brownsville, where he has since resided, becoming a member of the First Presbyterian church, and serving as elder for many years. Mrs. Ralston was called home about five years ago. Brother Ralston passed away on September 14th 1918, after a short illness.

There were five children in the family, of whom four are living; James F. Ralston , Berkeley, Calif; Samuel C. Ralston, Eugene, Oregon; Ernest C. Ralston , Eugene, Oregon; Mrs. Winifred G. Cooley, Enterprise, Oregon. A brother, Robert Ralston, and a sister Margaret J. Ralston, both of Foster, Oregon, and a half brother, William Ralston, Salem, Oregon, also survive.

The funeral service was held from the Presbyterian church, Monday morning at 10 o'clock, many beautiful floral pieces being placed about the casket. The services were conducted by the pastor Rev. McLain W. Davis. The pastor referred to the many sterling qualities of one who has been his personal friend. S. M. Ralston was a man of strong convictions, an earnest Christian, always, if health permitted, in his place at church and a constant attendant at the men's bible class in the Sunday School.

He was remarkably broad and tolerant in his views of others and of the many changes which had come about in the later years of his life. His faith was simple and loyal, expressed in living and works rather than in words. His patriotism was deep and fervent, his thought being much with the country for which he had fought in his younger days. The church and community has suffered a loss in the calling away of one who was a strong helper of every good cause. The interment was in the Union Cemetery south of town.
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Transcriber's note: The deceased lived in Madison County, Iowa, from 1863 to 1875.