John H. Ralfs (1860-1898)

RALFS, MARTENS

Posted By: Alan Nicholson
Date: 3/29/2014 at 20:58:37

Paullina Times, 17 Feb 1898, p. 4

John Ralfs this week received information as to the whereabouts of two brothers for whom he had been inquiring a long time. Will Ralfs is at Hot Springs for his health which has been poorly for some time. Herman the other brother, John traced to Alaska. John has had no word from him for eighteen years. A letter from parties in Oregon informed John of his brother's removal to the gold fields last fall.

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Paullina Times, 14 Apr 1898, p. 3

Death of John Ralfs

On Saturday, April 9, at 9:15 a.m. the spirit of John H. Ralfs took its flight. The immediate cause of death was given as heart failure. He was sick only a short time, but it was known that he was nearing the end, which came as a gentle sleep.

In recording thus the loss of one of Paullina's citizens and early residents, it is not out of place nor in any manner a reflection upon the past life of the departed to say that death was hastened, perhaps, by the use of stimulants. We say it was no reflection because no wrong intentions governed his acts, and the self-imposed cruelty was held as a sacred privilege.

Deceased was born at Busom, Schleswig, Holstein, Germany, September 14, 1860. He came to America in 1871, living with his parents in Tama county, Iowa. He came to Paullina in 1884, following various pursuits until what is known as "prohibition times" when he engaged in the operation of the "Lime Kiln Club," which was recognized at that time as a beer dispensary. He made a success of this enterprise and has carried on the same line of business ever since. Last year, soon after returning from a trip to Germany, he entered into a partnership with Hans Pahl, with whom he was associated at the time of his death. In October 1884 [last two numbers are difficult to read] he was married to Miss Minnie Martens, and their married life seems to have been a happy one. Besides the wife, there are a mother who lives in Tama county, four surviving brothers and two sisters. Of these the latter and two of the brothers are residents of Tama county. One of the brothers is in Alaska and the other is supposed to be at Hot Springs, Arkansas.

The funeral was held on Sunday afternoon at two o'clock, at the home, and was largely attended. Rev. Rall of Calumet, had charge of the brief service which was in the German language. The burial took place in Union cemetery.

Everyone recognized in John Ralfs a true friend. His failings and his weaknesses were obscured by his geniality and whole-souled treatment of his fellow man. Toward the town he exercised patriotism at all times, and whatever the world may say of the past the fact remains that the town has lost a good citizen in many ways and one who will be remembered kindly by all.

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Paullina Times, 28 Apr 1898, p. 3

William Ralfs and mother of Traer, Iowa, have been here endeavoring to settle up the estate of their deceased brother and son, John Ralfs, the past week, and we understand matters have been satisfactorily adjusted. We understand Mrs. John Ralfs will not remain in Paullina permanently. William Ralfs bought the saloon property and leased it to Hans Pahl.

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Paullina Times, 22 Sep 1898, p. 5

The marriage of W. H. Ralfs, of Traer, Iowa, to Mrs. Minnie Ralfs, of Paullina, occurred at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on last Saturday, September 17, 1898. Both the contracting parties are well and favorably known to Paullina people. They arrived here on Monday morning and intend to make their future home in Paullina. The following account of the wedding is taken from the Cedar Rapids Daily Republican of the 18th inst.

A marriage ceremony was held last evening in the parlors of the Clifton hotel. W. H. Ralfs, formerly of Traer, and Mrs. Minnie Ralfs of Paullina were the contracting parties. Dr. W. F. Barclay officiated. Among the witnesses to the ceremony were Dr. and Mrs. Coffee, Mr. and Mrs. Wood, the Misses Reynolds and Charles Hunt. Mr. and Mrs. Ralfs will go to Paullina to reside next Wednesday.