John C. Ralston
John C. Ralston, dealer in fancy and staple groceries, at No. 836 Sherman avenue, Steubenville, was born at Bloomfield, Jefferson County, Ohio, in 1842, and is a son of Andrew and Francis Ann (Hesser) Ralston.
Andrew Ralston was born in Adams County, Pennsylvania, and came to Jefferson County in 1815. He was a blacksmith by trade, but the greater part of his life in Jefferson County was spent as a farmer. He married Frances Ann Hosser, who was born in Jefferson County in 1801, a daughter of Peter Hesser, who was one of the very earliest settlers of the county. He took up a section of land and built and operated the first saw-mill in the county and owned the first brick house. It was situated near Unionport and a part of the old walls are still standing. To Andrew and Frances Ann Ralston seven sons and three daughters were born and the following now survive: L. W., who lives in Knox County, Ohio; Nancy Jane, who lives at Martinsburg; Catherine, wife of S. B. Thorp, who lives at Smithfield; Mary E. (Copeland) who lives at Fairfield, Iowa; and John C.
John C. Ralston was reared in his native county and was assisting his father on the farm when the Civil War broke out. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. G, 43rd Regt., O. V. I., and served until he was honorably discharged in 1864. He was attached to the Army of the Tennessee and participated in the following battles and military operations: New Madrid, Mo.; Island No. 10; Fort Pillow; Hamburg, Tenn.; Farmington, Miss.; the Siege of Corinth; luka; again at Corinth; the expedition through Mississippi to Tuscumbia, Ala.; Town Creek; Decatur; Snake Creek Gap; the Atlanta campaign; Jonesboro, Ga.; East Point, and Gailsville. He was a member of that great army that fought its way to the sea under General Slierman,—that memorable march that will live forever in song and story.
After receiving his discharge at Savannah, Mr. Ralston returned to Jefferson County and for four years thereafter followed farming. He was then engaged in the milling business for some time but later turned his attention to the grocery trade in which he has built up a large business.
On May 31, 1866, Mr. Ralston was married to Miss Sarah B. Merriman, and they have six children, namely: Mary F., wife of C. M. Ryder, of Steubenville; Elizabeth J., wife of A. R. Westlake, of Steubenville; Cora E.; Elsie P., wife of M. W. Westlake, of Columbus; Sarah J., and Lon W. Mr. Ralston and wife are members of the Baptist church. He has long been an active citizen, and his son Lon W., is a member of the present city council. Mr. Ralston formerly served four years as trustee in Steubenville Township. He is a member of E. M. Stanton Post, G. A. R., No. 166.
From 20th Century History of Steubenville and Jefferson County, Ohio, by Joseph B. Doyle. Richmond-Arnold Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910