My Genealogy Hound

WESLEY RALSTON, farmer and stock-raiser, section 8, post-office Carthage. The subject of this sketch was born in McDonough county, Ill., Aug. 19, 1836, where he grew to manhood and obtained a good business education. He was married at Alexandria, Mo., Nov. 2, 1855, to Miss Charlotte Wade, also a native of Illinois. Of this union there were the following children: Emma J., wife of S. W. Driesback; William D., George A., Edgar L., Hattie, wife of M. C. Young; John W., LaMont, Charlie E., Lizzie B., Walter F., and Freeman W. Mr. Ralston served his country during the war of the Rebellion. He was a sergeant in Company F, Fifty-eighth Regiment Illinois Veteran Volunteers; was mustered out March 16, 1866, at Montgomery, Ala., and returned to his home in Illinois and resumed his regular avocation of farming. He became a citizen of Jasper county, Mo., in 1869, and engaged at farming in Union township, His means did not admit of him making a very extensive start, but by persevering industry and good business qualifications he has prospered and added greatly to his worldly possessions. His farm consists of 165 acres; 140 acres well improved, with good house, barn, orchard, etc. The land is supposed to contain rich mineral deposits. Mr. Ralston is a man of more than ordinary talent and ability; is enterprising and industrious, big-hearted, generous and hearty. He takes more than a passing interest in public affairs; has been honored by the people with places of public trust and responsibility; was a candidate of the anti-monopoly party for the office of sheriff in 1880.