My Genealogy Hound

RALSTON, WILLIAM A. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 1, P.O. Barrow. Was born in Greene County, Illinois, in 1842, oldest son of James B. and Ramy Ralston, natives of Kentucky and Illinois. James Ralston settled in Greene County in 1830, remaining a resident over forty years. On his first arrival he was in very moderate circumstances. Having no team with which to properly cultivate the soil to provide for his family he has often gone to a horse mill many miles distant with a sack of corn thrown over his shoulder, and here he would patiently await his turn, sometimes a day, or perhaps two. He acquired a large estate in this county, comprising 444 acres and was one of the best men here. For the past fourteen years he has been a resident of Christian County, where he owns a farm property of 160 acres, and is also the proprietor of a livery stable at Illiopolis. William was early put to work, almost from the time his head reached the plow handles. In November, 1850, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Jane Martin, a daughter of Charles R. Martin, of Greene County. He first rented property until such time as he was enabled to purchase, and is now the owner of 120 acres of well-improved land. Has four children: Rebecca, Edward P., Dora E. and Hayden F.