Ralf, William Sr. 1832-1911

RALF

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 5/16/2011 at 10:00:24

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; June 6, 1911

WILLIAM RALF, SR.

William Ralf, Sr., passed away peaceably Tuesday, May 30, at 2:45 p.m. He was an old settler and a pioneer of Grinnell, a friend and man beloved and respected by all who knew him.

Mr. Ralf was born January 12th, 1832, at Bethersford, Kent county, England. He came to New York in 1848, and moved to Mokena, Ill., in 1859, coming to Grinnell in 1863. He served the Rock Island railroad for more than twenty years, and the Iowa Central for thirteen years. He worked for the Rock Island when it terminated at Kellogg.

Mr. and Mrs. Ralf were the parents of four boys of whom two survive to mourn his loss, William Jr. and H.H. Ralf, besides a number of grandchildren.

The writer and many others have lost a friend and adviser, and we miss him and his fatherly conduct toward us. We feel the loss of one respected and beloved by us and condole with those of his family who remain, hoping in the distant future to meet him again.

Funeral services were held at the Catholic church Thursday, June 1, at 9 a.m., Father Curtin conducting the services.