My Genealogy Hound

CHARLES COOK RALPH, marine engineer, Emsworth, was born Oct. 3, 1843, in Pittsburgh, Pa., near where the present court house stands, youngest and only living child of Samuel H. and Mary (Spargo) Ralph, natives of England, who came to America when each was about nine years of age. His father, also an engineer, for a time followed the Hudson river on one of the first boats; at Pittsburgh he became part owner of the steamer Germantown, which he ran for several years; was also engaged in the construction of the Portage R. R., and ran the first train over that road. He died Nov. 17, 1886, aged seventy-nine years; his widow died when about thirty-eight years of age. Charles C. Ralph received his education near Perrysville and at Allegheny College, Meadville. He enlisted, in 1861, in Co. M, 102d P. V. I. They camped near Washington that winter, and in the following spring joined McClellan’s army and participated in all its battles for three years. His brother, Nelson Crooks Ralph, who was in the rebel army, was wounded at Vicksburg, and has not been heard of since. In 1866 Charles C. began as an engineer striker on a boat, and afterward became an engineer. He married, in February, 1870, Isabella C. Bail, of this county, and they have four children, named as follows: Ella Isabella, Nelson C., Charles Cooke and Mary Ann. Mrs. Ralph is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Ralph is a member of the F. & A. M. and the U. V. L.