Isabell Ralston & Robert Ralston

David Ralston left two children in Ireland when he came to America, Isabell and Robert. Very little is known of these two. It is assumed they were born in Ireland, but that is not known with certainty. Nor are their birth dates known.

It is unknown what happened to Isabell, if or whom she married. Robert married a woman whose last name is thought to be Crawford, and had at least one child, Andrew. Robert had been encouraged by letters from his half-brother in America, Alexander, to come to the states. Robert never came, but his son Andrew did.

Andrew Ralston

Andrew Ralston 1798–24 Oct 1863 m Loveagh Wauchop (pronounced “la–VAY Wahop (or Walkup)”), 1792–bef. 1840, daughter of Samuel Wauchop of Goland, Ardstraw Parish County Tyrone. (Samuel "Wahob" of Ardstraw is listed in the census of flax growers of Ireland 1796.)

The townland of Goland was located on the western border of Ardstraw Parish, about a mile from the town of Castlederg in Urney Parish. It consisted of about 144 acres of land and was later split in Golan Sproule, Golan Adams, and Golan Hunter.

Records from the early 1800s, show marriages for children of David Ralston and James Ralston who lived in Goland. It is possible these two men were brothers of Andrew Ralston.

Andrew sent money ahead to a bank (in New York?) and left Ireland in 1820. A violent storm caused the voyage to be much longer than expected and the ship was diverted to St. Johns, New Brunswick, Canada. They spent the money they had with them to buy food on the ship except for $3.75. When they arrived in Philadelphia in October 1820, they found that bank had gone broke and they had no money to continue their journey. Andrew and Loveagh eventually made it to Tennessee, by boat, down the Ohio and Cumberland Rivers. There is speculation as to whether their first child, Robert, who was born 18 Sep 1821, was born in Pennsylvania or Tennessee. However, the 1850 census and death records of his children indicate Tennessee as his birth place, which places them in Tennessee before that date.

Andrew rented a farm at Windrow, in Williamson County (now Rutherford) about 32 miles south of Nashville and about 8 miles west of where Andrew’s eldest uncle, Alexander, lived at the time. He lived there until he bought land on Highway 99 near Eagleville in the 1840s. Census records indicate that Loveagh died before 1840.

On March 7, 1850, Andrew married Mary Ann (Polly) Woods 1821–1891. Andrew’s eldest son, Robert was killed in 1857 while logging with oxen to rebuild Mt. Vernon Cumberland Presbyterian Church, near Eagleville, after it had been destroyed by fire.

The Civil War found conditions bad in the area. Dr. Urban G. Owen, a Confederate Army doctor, wrote several letters to his wife during the war. One of these letters, March 17, 1863, mentions Andrew in describing conflicts with Union soldiers:

“Chesley William's wife [Chesley was a prominent citizen in Eagleville at the time.] tried to keep them out of her smoke house, [but] they knocked her down choked her & nearly put her hip joint out of place. She is confined sick now from the effects. Old Andy Ralston's wife knocked two of them down with a cedar poll.”

Andrew died while the war still raged, on October 24, 1863, and was buried in a small cemetery located on his farm, now called the Carson–Ralston Cemetery, in Rutherford County, Tennessee.

The death certificates of two of Andrew’s children by Polly Woods, show Andrew’s birth place as Scotland. This is incorrect. Andrew’s census records and citizenship papers show his birth place as Ireland.

Andrew Ralston house–remodeled and enlarged. Photo 1980

Citizenship Documents

Tuesday 15th November 1842. Be it remembered that in this 15th day of November A.D. 1842 appears in open court, Andrew Ralston, a subject of the Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and makes application to be admitted to become a citizen of the United States, and declares on oath before this court that he will support the constitution of the United States and that he doth absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to every foreign Prince, Potentate, State or Sovereignty where of he was before a citizen or subject. And it appearing to the court that the said Andrew Raulston on the 10th day of November 1840 more than two years before this day, declared on oath before this court that it was bona fide his intentions to become a citizen of the United States and to renounce forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign Prince, Potentate, State or Sovereignty whatever and particularly to Victoria Queen of Great Britain and Ireland where of he was at that time subject, and the court being satisfied from the proof of courts following: to wit, "Andrew Raulston presents to the court, his declaration of intention to become a citizen of the United States of America, which is in the words and figures following to wit.

"Be it remembered that this day personally appeared before the Honorable the Circuit Court of the Co of Williamson Andrew Ralston, a subject of the Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and a native of the Kingdom of Ireland, and declared upon oath before said court that it is bona fide his intention to become a citizen of the United States of America, and to renounce forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign Prince, Potentate, State or Sovereignty whatever, and particularly to her majesty Victoria the First, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. (signed) Andrew Raulston.

Sworn to and subscribed in open court November 10^th 1840 M L. Andrews clk.

The State of TN Ss.

Pleas at the court house in the town of Franklin in the Co of Williamson and State aforesaid on the second Monday being the fourteenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty two. and in the Sixty Seventh year of the Independence of the United States. Present the Honorable Thomas Maney, one of the Judges of the circuit courts of the State of TN and assigned to hold courts of the Sixth Judical circuit in said State

Andrew Raulston Esquire

Be it remembered that here to fore to wit on the 10th day of November A.D. 1840 an entry was made on the minutes of said court in the ___ses that the said Andrew Raulston has actually resided within the United States in the Co of Williamson in the State of TN for five years past and more and the court being satisfied that during that time the said Andrew Raulston has behaved as a man of good moral character, attached to the principles of the constitution of the United States and well disposed to the good order and happiness of the same. It is therefore considered adjudged and decreed by this court that Andrew Raulston be admitted to become a citizen of the United States or any of them, with all the rights privileges and immunities of such citizenship.

The application for citizenship of Andrew Ralston is shown on Williamson Co Court Book no. 10, page 184 (March 23, 1640– April 9, 1842). [Note: All original papers and deeds belonging to Andrew Ralston and signed by him were signed “Ralston”, not “Raulston”, as is on his citizenship papers.] He received from the Circuit Court, Franklin, TN, in Williamson Co, his citizenship papers (Transcript) on July 29, 1843. It reads as follows:

The State of TN Ss.

I Mark L. Andrews clerk of the Circuit Court for the Co of Williamson and State aforesaid do certify that the forgoing is a correct transcript of the records and proceedings had in said court in the matter of the petition of Andrew Ralston to become a citizen of the United States as the same remain of records in said court. In testimony where of I here to Interscribe my name, and office the soul of said court at Office in Franklin the 29th day of July in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty–three and in the 68th year of American Independence. M.L. Andrews Andrew Raulston Esquire. Transcript clks fee $2.00

Andrew Ralston's Will– Oct. 9, 1863

I Andrew Ralston of the Co of Rutherford, State of TN, do make and publish, this my last will and Testament, hereby revoking and making null and void all former wills by me made at any time.

First, I direct that my funeral expenses and all my debts be paid as soon after my death as practicable out of any monies I may die possessed of, or may first come into the hands of my Executor.

Second, I will and bequeath to my beloved wife Mary Ann Ralston, during her life time or widowhood, the tract of land I now reside on, bounded on the East by Nathan Jackson, North by the tract called the I. Reams land and L.S. Manire, West by the tract purchased of J .W. Carson Sr. as per deeds, containing about one hundred and fifty acres more or less. Also my Negro man John, with all of my stock of horses, cattle, hogs, sheep, crop provisions, farming tools, cart and oxen. House hold and kitchen furniture for the special use and benefit of my wife, to raise, support, clothe and educate my three youngest children, James, Mary Elizabeth and Nancy Lavina Ralston, and at the death or marriage of my wife Mary Ann, all the above named land and personal property not consumed shall descend equally to my children James, Mary Elizabeth and Nancy L. Ralston.

Second items continued– But the within named real and personal property is to be entirely free from the control, debts or liability of any husband she may have.

Third, I will and give to my five grandchildren, William, Josephus, David, Susannah and Mary Ralston, heirs of my son Robert Ralston, deceased, one hundred dollars each in TN funds, to be placed in the hands of a guardian, as their share of my estate.

Fourth, I will and bequeath to my son David Ralston the tract of land purchased of James W. Carson as per deed, bounded on the East by the tract I reside on: North by C.P. and W.L. Russell, West by R. Ralston's heirs and R.G. Owen, and South by the Eagleville and Salem Pike, containing one hundred and six acres more or less.

Fifth, I will and bequeath to my daughter Catherine Read, wife of Josiah G. Read for her special use And benefit free from the debts or liability of her husband, and after her death to descend equally to the heirs of her body, the tract of land purchased of Williams and Jordan called the Reams land, as per deed, bounded on the East by S.J. Manire, North by Hendrix heirs, West by C.B and W.L. Russell, and the land I willed David Ralston, and south by the tract I willed to my wife, containing seventy acres more or less. I also will and give her any monies or notes that may remain on hand after my Executor pays my funeral expenses, debts and the five hundred dollars willed to the heirs of Robert Ralston, which fund I wish placed in the hands of my son David Ralston and given to her in small sums as she may have use for it, free from the control of her husband.

Lastly, It is my will and desire and I do here by nominate and appoint my son David Ralston to Execute this into effect this my last will and Testament and having full confidence in the integrity and honesty of my son, I do not wish the Court to require security of him Executor

In witness where of I do this my will set my hand and seal, on the 9th day of October AD 1863 Andrew Ralston

Signed sealed, and published in our presence, and we have subscribed our names in the presence of the Testator on the 9^th day of October 1863

Jonas Sutton M.H. Scales Chesley Williams D.D. Russell

An Inventory of the personal property of Andrew Ralston, deceased, as received by the Executor. 1864

Cash on hand July 20

Bank of TN	$462.00	Tickets	7.00
Bank of Chattanooga	5.00	Planters Bank of Tenn	286.00
Union Bank of Tenn	34.00	Green Back U.S.	46.00
Specie	44.00	Confederate Bank Notes	335.00

One note on C. Williams, dated 22^nd Dec. 1860 and due the 10^th day of Jan. 1861 with the following credits, $614.33

May 26^th 1863 Credit by cash	$200.00	July 20^th 1863 Credit by cash	$106.60
July 20^th 1863 Credit by cash	$200.00	Oct. 9^th 1863 Credit by cash	$ 50.00
	556.60	Interest collected	101.86

One note of J. Sutton and T.F. Sutton dated 1^st January 1861

Due one day after date for $225.00 with a credit 12 Oct. 1861 11.00 $214.00

One note of J. Sutton and D. Ralston for $90.00 dated 17^th May 1862 due one day after date.

One note on M.G. Owen by J.R. Biggers dated 1^st May 1860 and due one day after date for

$42.00 with credit 29^th April 1861 25.00 17.00

One note on Caswell Pucket dated 1^st Oct. 1862 for due one day after date $8.00

One note on A.J. Craften and J. H. Cromer dated December 25^th 1857 for 22.60 11.00 11.60

One note on A. J. Craften due May 10^th 1861 for 17.00

An Inventory of the estate of Andrew Ralston, as exhibited to David Ralston Executor of said deceased.

3 Bedsteads and furniture; one Bedstead and furniture not finished; one small Bedstead and furniture, one Beauro, one Table, one chest, one clock, one Cupboard, one set common cooking vessels, one small lot tableware, one shot gun, two horses and colt, three yearlins, four cows and calves, one yoke oxen and cart, five head sheep, about twenty head of hogs, about five hundred pounds bacon, about 75 lb lard, two double plows, three small plows, two axes, three hoes, 1 pair strechers one log chain, two set gear and chains, one sythe and cradle, one mans saddle, one side saddle, twelve chairs, about 25 bushels corn, about fifteen bushels infero wheat, one barrel salt $25.00 worth sugar and coffee. One crosscut saw, one hand saw, four augers, one chisel, one loom and gearing, one reel, about 50 lb seed cotton, one side sole leather, one side upper leather, one Slave–Boy John, three government claims amounting in all to (doubtfully) 317.50

David Ralston, Executor of Andrew Ralston deceased

Sworn and Subscribed before me, August 1^st, 1864 John Jones– Clerk

No. 485 Mary A. Ralston and } Partition Deed Geo. W. Scott, James A. Ralston and others.

Whereas, Andrew Ralston, late of The Co of Rutherford, State of TN, departed this life on the 24^th day of October, 1863, leaving as his survivors, David Ralston & Josiah G. Read and his wife Catherine Read, children by his first wife, and before his death he executed his last will dated 9^th October 1863, and leaving as his survivors his widow, Mary A. Ralston and three children by his present widow, towit: James A. Ralston, Nancy L. Ralston who has m one Edward A. Giles & Mary E. Ralston, who has m one George W. Scott, in the last will of said Andrew Ralston, he gives and bequeaths to his wife, Mary A. Ralston during her life–time a certain tract of land where he last resided, containing about one hundred and fifty acres, bounded on the east by L.Manire & J.W.Jackson, North by J.G.Read & wife, on the West by W.R.Dyer’s estate, and south by M.A.Hayes and S Bennett, which tract of land was devised to her during her life, and then to her three children named as above, and after her demise, to descend to her three younger children James A. Ralston, Nancy L. Ralston, now Nancy Giles, and Mary E. Ralston, now Mary E. Scott, to be equally divided.

And whereas, I have agree to rent the said tract of land to my children, and they have had the same surveyed and divided into three lots as designated on the plot of Survey made by J.S.Downing, and have agreed to the said division which is as follows:

Lot No. 1 (description)…side joining L.Manire and J.W. Jackson containing 48 acres allotted to Nancy L. Giles & Edward Giles.

No. 2 (description)… joins I.G. Read’s line …containing 53 acres allotted to J.A. Ralston as his lot.

No. 3 (description)… joins W.R.Dyer containing 48 acres allotted to Mary A. Scott and George W. Scott.

In consideration of this agreement, and for the rent of the land, we each of us mutually agree and bind ourselves to pay the said Mary A. Ralston for the year 1880, thirty five dollars, making the sum of one hundred & five dollars, which is due & payable on the 15^th day of Nov. 1880, for which payments to be promptly made, we bind ourselves and each of us to pay said Mary A. Ralston thirty three and 33/100 dollars, making one hundred dollars for each year, due and payable on the 15^th of Nov in year 1881, and each note to be paid on the 15^th of Nov in each succeeding year, and lien on crop retained, each to be only responsible for the one third of the rent.

And the said Mary A. Ralston retains the privilege of living in the West end of her dwelling house, but to have no other person, and have garden plot, with privilege of keeping her stock and that each heir shall pasture her stock one third of the time, and to have the privilege to have her firewood cut one third part off of each share in this division.

And it is mutually agreed by the parties James A. Ralston & wife Mary C. Ralston, Nancy Giles & Edward A. Giles, Mary E. Scott & George W. Scott that at the demise of our mother, Mary A. Ralston, that the division made and stated in this written agreement shall be binding both in law and equity, that each heir shall keep and retain the number and tract of land in the division allotted to our respective names agreeable to the calls & boundaries as therein specified and set out in the plot, and this agreement as follows: James A. Ralston & wife Mary C. Ralston will be entitled as designated to lot No. 2 containing fifty three (53) acres & 41 poles as described and bounded in the first part of this agreement. Nancy L. Giles and Edward Giles is entitled to lot No. 1 containing forty eight (48) acres 2 roods & 14 poles as designated and bounded in previous agreement, & Mary E. Scott and George W. Scott will be entitled to lot no 3 containing about 48 acres and 50 poles, as described and bounded in the first part of this agreement, the division as made and stated, we believe to be as near equitable and equal as can possibly be made, and each heir shall have the right to make any improvement they may wish, on their respective lots & shares. In witness of this agreement we have each of us set our hands on the 1^st day of October 1879

Witness: Chesly Williams John T. Wilson, Mary A. (her mark) Ralston, Nancy L. Giles, Edward A. Giles, Mary E. Scott, George W. Scott, James A. Ralston, Mary C. Ralston

CHILDREN and GRANDCHILDREN

1. Robert Ralston (Son of Andrew and Loveagh) (1821–1857) – killed while logging with oxen to rebuild Mt. Vernon C.P. Church after a fire. m. 1845 Minerva O. Manire (1825–1888) farmed in Williamson (now Rutherford) County, TN

The left wing of this house is the Robert Ralston cabin. Photo 1980

a. William M (Billy) Ralston (1847–1926) farmed on Swamp Rd near Eagleville, Rutherford County, TN

William Ralston was the eldest child of Robert and Minerva Manire Ralston. He was only ten years old at the time of his father's death. He married Seith Nannie Hendrix, daughter of Thomas Hendrix and Mary May, around 1870. He was a prosperous farmer and accumulated several tracts of land in the Eagleville area. He built the house known as the Billy Ralston home place and lived there until his death. After Nannie' s death in 1893 Billy married her first cousin, Barbara Ann Gregory. Barbara Ann died in 1911 of cancer. In 1917 he married her widowed sister, Alice Gregory Stephens. Squire Billy, as he was then known, was reputed to be a kind-hearted man forever willing to lend money to his friends and neighbors. Such kindness led to his financial demise. He, along with several other local businessmen, co-signed a note to help a friend obtain financing to operate a tile factory (Billy had previously been one of the owners of this factory). [The land east Eagleville was swampy. The tile from this factory helped drain the farm land.]

The man defaulted on the note, and the other co-signers, in order to avoid a financial loss, transferred their property to their spouses. Billy declined to follow suit, however, partly because he hoped to be able to pay off his share of the obligation and also because he was afraid of such a transaction. While Barbara Ann Gregory was known as a kind, gentle person, her sister Alice lacked this distinction. Billy feared that if he transferred his property to Alice, she would in turn deed it to her son by a former marriage, thereby leaving his children without a legacy. Essentially because of this outstanding debt, all of Billy's property was sold at his death. Neighbors, understanding and sympathizing with Billy's plight, declined to bid against his children. Hence, they were able to buy most of his real and personal property. Billy was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge No. 17 and of the Mt. Vernon C. P. Church. He served as a magistrate representing the Eighth District of Rutherford County for a number of years.

m1. 1871, Rutherford County, Seith Nannie Rebeka Hendrix (1852–1893) (Nannie and their two eldest children died of pneumonia within an eleven-day period in April 1893)

Nannie and Billy

i. Willie Rebecca Ralston (1872–1893)

Willie Beck

ii. Josephus Augusta Ralston (1874–1893)

iii. John Robert Ralston (1875–1973) m. 1896 Whre Rice Gregory (1872–1936)

John Bob and Whre

1. William T. (Willie) Ralston (1898–1979)

2. Floyd Alexander Ralston (1900–1979)

3. John Richard Ralston (1902–1983)

iv. David Wayhat Ralston (1878–1966) [Aunt Sue Taylor asked that he be named Wayhat for an Indian who helped them in Texas]
m1. Mary Francis (Mamie) Turner (1898–1929)

Wayhat and Mamie

1. William Andrew Ralston (1918–2000)

2. David Holt Ralston (1919–2001)

3. Eura Myrtle Ralston (1921–2011)

4. Thomas Robert Ralston (1923–2010)

5. Edward Josephus Ralston (1925–1926)

6. John Lee Ralston (1928–)

In the 1928-1929 winter both Wayhat and Mamie were very ill. Mamie died and Wayhat was left with five children. His sister, Myrtle Owen, offered to take the baby, John, and raise him. Tolbert and Alice Ralston wanted Myrtle, etc. Wayhat’s brother, Fender, felt strongly that the children should not be separated and grow up away from their father. Prior to this, Emma Ralston, after her divorce from Jim Rutledge, had returned to her father’s home. Her father, Joe, had died and his farm was to be sold to settle the estate. Emma called Wayhat, and, since she needed a home, offered to come and help him with his children. Wayhat accepted the offer but felt it would be proper only if they married.

m2. Emley Kathern (Emma) Ralston (1881–1945)

v. Thomas Crawford Ralston (1881–1956) m. 1907, Rutherford County, TN, Elsie Rosetta Shoemaker (1887–1972)

1. George William Ralston (1908–1977)

2. Olive Myrtle Ralston (1912–1991)

3. Virginia Elaine Ralston (1914–1990)

4. Melba Collisto Ralston (1925–2011)

vi. Amacy Lee Ralston (1882–1963) m. 1911, Florida, Edna Earl (Dollie) Blanton (1882–1969) Macy went to Florida and worked at an orange grove, picking oranges. There he met the grove owner’s daughter, Dollie.

1. Murray Lee Ralston (1912–1959)

2. Clifton Virginia Ralston (1913–2004)

3. Audry Earl Ralston (1915–1988)

4. Maurice Elbert Ralston (1918–1921)

vii. James Dubrix Ralston (1885–1975) m. Carrie Mae Simms (1887–1971)

Jim Dub and Carrie

1. William Andrew Ralston (1908–1909)

2. James Ralston (1911–1971)

3. Richard N Ralston (1913–1972)

4. Charles Ralston (1917–1979)

viii. Minnie Myrtle Ralston (1887–1948) m. James Bunyan Owen (1879–1949)

1. James Bunyan Owen Jr (1915–2001)

2. William Marshall Owen (1918–1970)

3. Ralston Owen (1923–1923)

4. Malinda Myrtle Owen (1926–2015)

ix. Charlie Nash Ralston (1890–1975) never married

x. Andrew Fender Ralston (1891–1977) m. 1945 Lena Jordan (1901–1983)

m2. 1894 Barbara Ann Gregory (1861–1911)

Billy and Barbara

xi. Nanny Lois Ralston (1895–1986) m. Raymond Eugene Collins (1896–1971) Lois’ wedding was remembered for many years. The church (Mt. Vernon) was decorated with flowers (this had not been done previously) and Lois asked Rev. Holt to change the traditional ceremony. She refused to say that she would obey Raymond Collins. Love, yes, obey, not necessarily. When asked about the expense of her “big” wedding, Lois laughed and said that she had sent Fender and Charlie to the neighbors’ houses to gather flowers from their yards. There was no expense.

1. Eugene Newton Collins (1927–2004)

Lois, Gene, Raymond

xii. Cora Virginia Ralston (1898–1977) m. 1922 Albert Mitchell Williams (1898–1973)

1. James W Williams (1932–)

Cora & Albert 1946

m3. Alice Gregory (1859–1929) (Alice was a sister to Barbara. Another sister, Whre Gregory, married William’s son, John Robert.)

Alice and Billy

Searcy, Charlie, Fender, Alice, William Ralston
In front of William’s house
(Searcy was Billy’s great-nephew, son of David Crockett Ralston)

b. Josephus (Joe) Ralston (1849–1929) m. 1876, Rutherford County, Martha M Reid (1852–1895) farmed at the David Lemuel Manire place, Hwy 99, where Minerva Manire Ralston Hays lived in Rutherford County (Martha was Joe’s cousin, daughter of his great-aunt, Catherine who married Joe Reid.)

i. Eliza Florence Ralston (1876–1952) m. 1897 John William (Bill) McClaran (1877–1969)

1. Aubrey D McClaran (1898–1968)

2. Nora Meaky McClaran (1899–1991)

3. Marvin J McClaran (1901–1979)

4. William Darrel McClaran (1903–1978)

ii. William Joseph Ralston (1879–1959) m. Minnie Mae Dyer (1878–1959) no children

iii. Emley Kathern (Emma) Ralston (1881–1945) m1. Jim Rutledge (1880–1946), m2. David Wayhat Ralston (1878–1966) no children

iv. Mary Octavia (Molly) Ralston (1884–1968) m. 1908 Aubrey Armett Westbrook (1877–1951)

1. infant boy Westbrook (1909–1909)

2. Clairsie Landis Westbrook (1910–1994)

3. Oleda Myrtle Westbrook (1912–1921)

4. infant girl Westbrook (1915–1915)

5. Armett Hampton Westbrooks (1916–1989)

v. David Edward (Eddie D) Ralston (1886–1960) [After getting his cousin, Vera Scott, pregnant around 1910, Eddie D. left Tennessee for Texas. There he married Carman Clifford Morgan (1895–1945) in 1912 and returned to Tennessee about three years later.]
m1. 1910 (unofficial) Vera C Scott (1891–1966) see Vera Scott below
m2. 1912, Denton County, TX, Carman Clifford Morgan (1895–1945)

1. Mary Irene Ralston (1913–2000)

2. Nora Mai Ralston (1919–2007)

3. Myrtle Josephine Ralston (1924–2017)

4. Betty Delorise Ralston (1931–)

(Elisha Reid far left), Joe Ralston, Emma, Martha, Florence, Molly

House built by Joe's grandfather, Lemuel Manire.

c. David Jackson Ralston (1851–1891) m. 1873, Rutherford County, Dubrix Ruth Hendrix (1854–1910) (Dubrix was a sister of Nannie Hendrix that married William Ralston.) farmed in Rutherford County

i. Thomas Robert Ralston (1873–1956) m. Annie Lou Morgan (1888–1952)

1. Robbye Morgan Ralston (1918–2005)

2. Louise Jamnie Ralston (1922–1991)

ii. David Crockett Ralston (1875–1950) m. 1895 Effie Thomas Love (1877–1959)

1. Ernest Lee Ralston (1895–1901)

2. E.M. Ralston (1896–1899)

3. Buford Clyde Ralston (1899–1977)

4. Searcy Lee Ralston (1901–1961)

5. Lula Mae Ralston (1904–1986)

6. Clifford James Ralston (1906–1986)

7. Howard Thomas Ralston (1909–1972)

8. Maggie Bell Ralston (1912–1956)

9. Robert Hollis Ralston (1916–2000)

Front: Searcy, Effie, Robert, Crockett, Howard

Back: Clifford, Maggie, Buford, Lula

Searcy and wife, Lizzie Bell (Elrod), and Robert

iii. Joseph Lafayett Ralston (1878–1901) never married

iv. William Augusta Ralston (1880–1914) m. 1904 Lillie Lee Burns (1885–1953)

1. Julia Pearl Ralston (1905–1939)

2. Murphy William Ralston (1910–1993)

Lillie, Murphy, Pearl, Willie

v. Minerva Nash Ralston (1882–1956) m. 1900 Robert Washington Reid (1880–1970)

Nash and Robert

1. Eron Clyde Reid (1902–1983)

2. Ethel Reid (1903–1911)

3. Ruth Myrtle Reid (1906–1996)

4. Lillie May Reid (1909–1965)

5. Harvey Crockett Reid (1911–1994)

6. Jasper Edmond (Ed) Reid (1914–1996)

7. Tabitha Flora Reid (1916–1970)

8. William Alex Reid (1919–1988)

9. Thomas Ralston Reid (1921–1957)

vi. Grover Cleveland Ralston (1884–1969) m. Olive May Shoemaker (1891–1989)

1. Maggie Modena Ralston (1909–1989)

2. Alvin Jackson Ralston (1911–1948)

3. Frasier Ruby Ralston (1914–1930)

4. Rosie Christine Ralston (1917–2012)

5. Grover Cleveland Ralston Jr (1923–1963)

6. Marion Leo Ralston (1925–2014)

vii. Oliver Tolbert Ralston (1887–1954) m. Alice Brown (1899–1962) no children

viii. Alex Elisha (Alec) Ralston (1889–1976) m. 1914 Mary Susie Cothran (1896–1981)

1. Thelma Jane Ralston (1915–1999)

2. Alex Eugene Ralston (1917–1985)

3. Herman Macie Ralston (1921–1939)

d. Susannah Loveagh Ralston (1853–1878) m. 1871 Elisha Crawford Reid (1844–1921)

i. Mary Tennessee (Tennie) Reid (1872–1948) m. 1893 Robert Long (1869–1947)

1. Charles Clayton Long (1895–1955)

ii. Octava Lassaphene (Lassie) Reid (1875–1960)

m1. Albert Cooper (1868–1902)

1. Oliver Stephenson Cooper (1894–1944)

2. Mary Lytle Cooper (1901–1915)

m2. Wilburn R Garrett (1869–1933)

3. Wilburn Ernest Garrett (1909–1987)

4. Nonnie Modena Garrett (1912–1967)

e. Mary Catherine (Kitty) Ralston (1856–1925) m. 1871 Elisha Crawford Reid (1844–1921) (after the death of her sister, Susannah Loveagh, Kitty married her widower) farmed in Bedford County, TN

i. Susanna Washington Reid (1879–1947) m. 1901 John Edward Osteen (1879–1959)

1. Leslie Reid Osteen (1902–1977)

2. Clifton Herman Osteen (1904–1984)

3. Theodore Francis Osteen (1906–1992)

4. John Richard Osteen (1907–1989)

5. Paul Newton Osteen (1909–1944)

6. Margaret Evelyn Osteen (1915–2006)

7. Prentice Neal Osteen (1919–2016)

ii. Dora Jane Reid (1881–1967) m. 1903 George Landis Wortham (1875–1936)

1. George Landis Wortham Jr (1907–1998)

2. Herbert Patterson Wortham (1909–1984)

3. Charles Bristol Wortham (1911–1958)

iii. Lillie Pearl Reid (1884–1885)

iv. Alta Rebecca Reid (1886–1977) m. 1910 William Oscar Eads (1886–1968) no children

v. Robert Crawford Reid (1888–1954) m. 1911 Margaret Eads (1891–1984) (Margaret was sister of William Oscar Eads)

1. Lewis Winston Reid (1915–1976)

2. Dorothy Rebecca Reid (1917–1973)

3. Mary E Reid (1920–)

4. Gerald Crawford Reid (1923–)

5. Clarice P Reid (1924–)

6. Emma Jean Reid (1927–2015)

7. Robert Marion Reid (1930–2003)

8. William E Reid (1934–)

vi. Emma Lee Reid (1890–1981) m. 1911 Jason Landis Dickens (1890–1963)

1. Alta Beatrice Dickens (1912–2008)

2. Edith Inez Dickens (1917–2005)

3. Kayrene L Dickens (1923–)

vii. Margaret Modena Reid (1891–1990) m. 1918 Benjamin Amos Green (1895–)

1. William Crawford Green (1919–1985)

2. Benjamin Harold Green (1922–1969)

3. Betty Ruth Green (1931–)

viii. William Arthur Reid (1896–1930) never married

(NOTE: The Reid family labeled this photo as c 1901. The baby Susannah is holding, Leslie, was born June 2, 1902. Albert Cooper died December 15, 1902. So, this photo was probably from the summer of 1902.)

2. Catherine Ralston (Daughter of Andrew and Loveagh) (1824–1893) m. 1850, Josiah Green (Joe) Reid (1827–1902). Catherine married Joe just a few months before her father, Andrew, was remarried to Mary Ann (Polly) Woods. It is thought that Polly and Joe G. were related. Farmed in Rutherford County.

a. Martha Reid (1852–1895) m. Josephus Ralston (1849–1929), son of Robert

See Josephus Ralston above for children

b. Elizabeth Reid (1855–1858) unmarried

c. Mary (Mollie) Reid (1858–1884) unmarried

d. Elvira (Vide) Reid (1860–1938) m 1894 Richard O (Dick) Morgan (1856–1943) farmed in Rutherford County, TN

i. Martha Catherine Morgan (1896–1900)

ii. Mattie Erie Morgan (1898–1972) m. Shelah Phillips (1897–1935)

1. Dorris F. Phillips (1928–)

2. Robert S. Phillips (1930–)

iii. Eura Morgan (1901–1983) never married

iv. Ollie Lee Morgan (1903–1986) never married

v. Richard Carter Morgan (1903–1903)

3. David Ralston (Son of Andrew and Loveagh) (1830–1913) m. 1863 Mary S. Sutton (1834–1912) farmed in Rutherford County, TN

a. Henry Ralston (d. age 2)

b. Jonas Ralston (d. age 16)

c. Charlotte (Lottie) Loveagh Ralston (1870–1953) m. 1915, Marshall County, TN, Philip M. Fleming (1860–1933) no children

d. Mary Alice Ralston (1874–1916) never married

4. James Andrew (Jimmy) Ralston (Son of Andrew and Mary Ann) (1851–1937) m. Mary C. (Mollie) Burns (1856–1923) farmed in Rutherford and Marshall Counties, TN

back: Annie, Ivey, Monroe, Alonzo, Aurora

front: James, Molly

a. Anna F. (Annie) Ralston (1875–1918) m. 1907, Rutherford County, Paul P. Smith (1865–1940) no children, farmed in Bedford County, TN

Annie and Aurora

b. William Ivey Ralston (1876–1957) farmed in Rutherford County, TN
m1. 1898, Rutherford County, TN, Lillie Irene Harris (1875–1918)

i. Mary Marcella Ralston (1900–1988) m. 1934 Leonard M Holden (1902–) Leonard was widower of sister Willie Irene

1. Wilma Holden (1938–)

2. Harry L Holden (1939–)

ii. Willie Irene Ralston (1902–1932) m. Leonard M Holden (1902–)

1. William Thomas Holden (1925–)

2. (Sgt) John Mitchell Holden (1925–2004)

3. Charles Holden (1929–)

4. David Holden (1932–)

iii. Jenny Myrtle Ralston (1905–1989)

m1. Johnny Oliver Bowen (1902–1949)

1. Virginia Bowen (1932–2004)

m2. Edward S White (1906–1974)

iv. Ester Pauline Ralston (1908–1991) m. Edgar Lee Price (1905–1982)

1. Ruby Jewell Price (1927–)

v. Ruby Ivie Ralston (1912–1991) m. Clyde M Gordon (1902–1981)

1. Joyce Gordon (1937–)

2. Robert P Gordon (1939–)

m2. 1919 Dora Lamb 1872–1945

c. James Alonzo Ralston (1878–1947) m. 1899, Rutherford County, TN, Mary Magdaline Rutledge (1882–1958) farmed in Bedford County, later managed a lunch wagon in Davidson County, TN

i. Susie Ovella Ralston (1901–1966)

m1. Zachariah Andrew Jackson Jr (1899–1925)

1. Margaret Jackson (1923–)

2. Ruby Dorris Jackson (1924–2001)

m2. Frank O Wood (1904–1966)

ii. Thomas Aaron Ralston (1904–1983) m. Mary Walker Carlton (1907–1992)

1. William Aaron Ralston (1929–)

2. Betty Jo Ralston (1934–1950) killed in auto accident

iii. Fannie Mai Ralston (1906–1998) m. Hume Jewell Uselton (1907–1981)

1. Jeweldene Uselton (1930–)

2. Mai Lois Uselton (1934–)

iv. William Grady Ralston (1909–1972) m. Ida Virginia Mosher (1913–)

1. James Thomas Ralston (1932–2011)

2. Dorothy Ann Ralston (1934–)

3. Robert Jewell Ralston (1944–2013)

d. Andrew Monroe Ralston (1879–1943) m. 1902, Rutherford County, TN, Fannie Taylor (1884–1967) farmed in Rutherford and Marshall Counties, TN

i. Jimmy Lee Ralston (1904–1976) m. Edwinna Mae Jones (1913–1967)

1. Alliene F Ralston (1932–)

2. Wenna Ralston ()

3. Lois Ralston ()

4. Margaret Ralston ()

ii. (Rev) William Robert Ralston (1907–1969) m. Dola McCullough (1901–1969)

1. Bobbie Jean Ralston (1934–)

2. George Andrew Ralston (1936–)

3. Mary Frances Ralston (1943–1943)

iii. Mary Matilda Ralston (1910–1996) m. Ike L. Davis (1910–1944)

1. Carolyn Davis (1941–)

iv. Maggie Frances Ralston (1914–2001) m. William Harland Richards (1904–1959)

1. Lela Jane Richards (1936–1984)

2. Varvara Ann Richards (1938–)

3. George Ralston Richards (1941–)

4. Zara Beryl Richards (1942–)

v. Monroe Millard (Doc) Ralston (1916–1947) killed in motorcycle accident, never married

Doc

vi. Annie Jane Ralston (1918–1918)

vii. Ivie Elizabeth Ralston (1922–2017) m. John Fonzie Cromer (1923–1999)

1. John Ralston Cromer (1948–)

2. Janet Cromer ()

3. Joe Cromer ()

viii. Sammy White Ralston (1928–) m. Margaret Hazel Dalton (1926–)

1. Linda Faye Ralston (1949–)

Sam

e. Aurora Ethel Ralston (1889–1972) m. 1913 Milton Thomas Powell (1879–1958) farmed in Chapel Hill, Marshall County, TN

i. James Milton Powell (1914–2005) m. Dorothy E Forsht (1914–2008) (See story here)

1. James Milton Powell Jr (1943–)

2. Joseph Powell ()

3. John Powell ()

James Powell

ii. Mary Elizabeth Powell (1915–1993) m. William H. Cheek (1911–1975) no children

iii. Ruth Ann Powell (1920–2010) m. Gordon Cecil Mitchell (1911–1994)

1. Robert W. Mitchell, M.D. (1943–)

iv. Clarence Andrew Powell (1924–2002) m. Nancy Elizabeth Maxwell (1928–)

1. Nanette Powell (1952–)

Powells mid 1940s

James, Mary, Milton, Aurora, Ruth, Clarence

5. Mary Elizabeth Ralston (Daughter of Andrew and Mary Ann) (1856–1935) m. 1896, Rutherford County, TN, George Washington Scott (1854–1919) George was orphaned at age 12. He came to Eagleville to live with and work for the Scales family who operated a general store – farmed in Rutherford County, TN

a. Mary Elve Scott (1877–1939) m. Charlie Neeley (1873–1955) no children. Mary worked in a shirt factory, Charlie in a coffee factory in Davidson County, TN

b. Andrew Alphanso (Buck) Scott (1878–1955) m. 1899 Kizzie Evelyn Owen (1883–1973) mail carrier in Eagleville and Rockvale, operated a store at Concord (1909-1915), Rutherford County, TN

i. Hilda Estelle Scott (1900–1993) m. Thomas Morgan Gregory (1892–1966)

1. Evelyn Gregory (1922–2015)

2. Carroll Gregory (1931–)

ii. Samuel Howard Scott (1903–1956) m. Lena Mae Brannon (1910–1966)

1. Mary Angelyn Scott (1938–1989)

2. James Howard Scott (1940–)

3. Wanda Joan Scott (1942–)

iii. William Owen Scott (1906–1981) m. Josephine Kelly (1912–2007)

1. Cathy Scott (1946–)

2. William Owen Scott Jr (1949–)

iv. Robert Alfonzo (Jack) Scott (1908–1994) never married

v. Grady J Scott (1911–1995) m. Emma Bingham

1. Linda Dale Scott (1950–)

2. Brenda Gale Scott (1950–)

vi. Martha Maira Scott (1913–2000) m. John Harrison Deckelman (1910–1991) no known children

c. Fannie Scott (1880–1960)
m1. Frank S. Boyce (–1915)

i. Frank Scott Boyce (1913–1997) m. Eula V. ? (1913–) no known children

m2. Jim Morgan (1858–1936)

d. Sallie Kit Scott (1881–1908) m Henry Owen (1876–1953) no children, Henry was a cousin of Samuel’s wife Mary and Buck’s wife Kizzie

e. George Henry Scott (1883–1965) m. 1908, Denton County, TX, Gracie Lee Franks (1896–1975) worked for the railroad in Johnson County, TX

i. Mozell Franks Scott (1914–2001) never married

ii. Helen Coryne Scott (1919–1920)

iii. Georgann Helen Scott (1922–2001) never married

f. Samuel Harrison Scott (1884–1950 farmed in Rutherford County, TN

m1. 1913, Rutherford County, TN, Mary Maude Manire (1889–1919) Mary was sister of Allie Mai Manire who married Horace Scott.

i. George L. Scott (1914–1917)

ii. Jasper Samuel Scott (1915–1990)

m1. Robbie Lee Bellefant (1918–1947)

1. Jasper Samuel Scott Jr (1937–)

2. Marydell Scott (1939–2006)

m2. 1949 Viola Fern Sosbe (1927–2003)

m3. 1951 Carol Ione Brickley (1921–2001)

3. Beverly Ione Scott (1956–)

4. Alan Denton Scott (1958–2011)

iii. Frances Maud Scott (1917–2007) m. James Alsup (1919–1986)

1. Juanita Alsup (1939–)

2. Jean Alsup (1948–)

iv. Infant Scott (1919–1919)

m2. 1921 Mary Evelyne Bennett (1898–1973) Mary was a cousin of Kizzie Evelyn Owen who married Buck, and cousin of Henry Owen

i. Jesse Bennett Scott (1925–2001) m. Leola Stephens (1927–)

1. Jeffery Lynn Scott (1953–)

2. Janice Kay Scott (1955–)

ii. Thomas Lee Scott (1928–1997) m. Alma W Williams (1931–2004)

1. Thomas Lee Scott Jr (1953–)

iii. Cynthia Alberta Scott (1931–2015) m. Terrence Robert Bradley (1930–)

1. James Robert Bradley (1955–1956)

2. Linda Ann Bradley (1961–)

3. Brenda Sue Bradley (1963–)

4. Robert Randall Bradley (1968–)

iv. Carolyn Scott (1935–2004) m. Steven Robert King (1934–2019)

1. Diane King (1958–)

2. Stephen Robert King (1959–1977)

3. Gary Lee King (1961–)

4. Terry Lynn King (1963–)

g. Horace Scott (1887–1976) m 1909 Allie Mai Manire (1891–1986) farmed in Rutherford County, TN. Allie was sister to Samuel’s wife, Mary.

i. Margaret Scott (1911–1987) never married

ii. Lucille Manire Scott (1913–1990) never married

iii. Ruth Allie (Dot) Scott (1917–2016) m. Clifton Clyde Tucker (1915–1976)

1. Patsy Ann Tucker (1944–)

2. Linda Gayle Tucker (1947–) women’s basketball coach at Rice University 1978-1989

h. Hugh T. Scott (1889–1970 m. Clara Ray (1894–1982) farmed in Rutherford County, TN

i. Mary Virginia Scott (1914–2005) m. Raymond Little (1913–1998)

1. Vivian Lee Little (1949–)

ii. Norman Dryden (Mutt) Scott (1917–1988) m. Louise Bennett (1920–2012)

1. Jimmie Shock Scott (1939–1940)

2. Elli Lou Scott (1940–)

3. Norma Kaye Scott (1950–)

iii. Gladys Alene Scott (1923–)

m1. Leonard Prosnick (1921–1944)

1. Sherry Lynn Prosnick ()

i. Vera Scott (1891–1966) worked at pants factory in Bedford County, TN
m1. (unofficial) 1910 David Edward (Eddie D) Ralston (1886–1960) (son of Josephus Ralston)

i. Edna Ralston (1910–1996) m. 1932 Eley Waverly Goodwin (1889–1948) no children
Edna did not appear on the 1920 census which showed Vera Scott still at home listed as single. The 1930 census showed Vera Raulston listed as divorced living in Shelbyville, Bedford County, with mother, Mary Scott, and daughter, 19-year-old Edna Raulston.

m2. 1943, Bedford County, TN, Alex Thompson (1872–1960) no children

j. James Ralston Scott (1894–1958) m. Myrtle Ramsey (1898–1978) farmed in Rutherford County, TN

i. Allen Eugene Scott (1918–1995) m. 1937 Orpha Addine Grissom (1918–1989) no known children

k. Sadie (Alma) Scott (1900–1958) m. Benjamin Franklin Gentry (1884–1963) lived in Bedford County, TN

i. E. Marie Gentry (1921–1987) m. George Morris Gentry 1918–1999

1. Ginger Ruth Gentry 1946–

2. Benjamin Michael Gentry 1954–

ii. Sadie Ruth Gentry (1925–1974) m. Cornelius Taylor (1920–) no known children

6. Nancy Livina Ralston (Daughter of Andrew and Mary Ann) (1859–1945) m 1876 Edward A. (Edd) Giles (1851–1920) farmed in Rutherford County, TN

a. Robert Powell (Bob) Giles (1877–1962) m. Margaret Lena Palmtag (1898–1977) no children, grocer in Los Angeles

b. Fannie Giles (1879–1967) m. Martin C Killough (1872–1945) farmed in Rutherford County, TN

i. Edward Davis Killough (1916–1997) m. Mary Louise Owen (1920–1993)

1. Betty Sue Killough (1940–1989)

2. Doris Jean Killough (1944–)

3. Kathy Killough ()

c. Walter M Giles Jul 1882–1940 m. Blanche Lenoir Blackburn (1879–1964) no children, veterinarian, Franklin, TN

Walter Giles

d. Blake Augustus Giles Feb1889–29 Dec 1969 m. Jimmie Blaine Martin (1888–1967) ran a general store in Rutherford County, TN

i. Robbie M Giles (1914–1993) never married

ii. Mary Giles (1915–2005) m. Ephriam F. Lytle (1908–1969)

1. Thomas E. Lytle (1944–)

2. Robert E. Lytle (1945–)

iii. Henry Allen Giles (1920–2002)

m1. Mary Jane Purgett (1925–2002)

1. James Edward Giles (1947–)

2. William Henry Giles (1951–1970)

3. Rose Mary Giles ()

m2. Roberta Cornelia Fathera (1935–1997)

4. Aaron Neely Giles ()

5. Kathy Giles ()

iv. Walter Marion Giles (1920–1996) m. Audrey Brannon (1921–1999)

1. Connie Marion Giles (1944–)

2. Michael Brandon Giles (1949–)

v. Blake A Giles (1922–1993) m. Ione Maren Iversen (1915–1998)

1. Gerald Blake Giles (1946–)

2. Philip Giles ()

At Jody Ralston’s about 1944

Front Row: Molly R. Westbrooks, Aurora R. Powell, Annie Lou Morgan Ralston, Mae Shoemaker Ralston, Minnie Dyer Ralston, Lois R. Collins, Lottie R. Fleming, Elsie Shoemaker Ralston, Fannie Taylor Ralston, Cora, Effie Love Ralston

Back Row: Charlie, Fender, Alec, Jody, unknown, Eddie D.

Ralston Reunions

The first reunion of the Middle Tennessee Ralstons was held in Franklin, TN, September 1886, at the home of George Cannon Ralston, grandson of George Ralston, who was David’s son. The attendees at this and most of these early reunions were from the George Ralston line. This was the 1886 attendee list:

NAME HOME

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Locke Ralston Franklin, Tenn.

Florence Gillespie Franklin

George Ralston Franklin

Maggie Ralston Franklin

Henry Ralston Franklin

Robert Ralston Franklin

William Ralston Franklin

Geo. C. Ralston Porterfield, Tenn.

Willie Ralston Porterfield

Mr. Mary Ralston McKay Clarksville, Tenn.

Bettie McKay Clarksville

Myra McKay Clarksville

Mrs. Sarah Ralston Smith Clarksville

George Cannon Ralston house, Ralston Lane, Franklin, TN

Site of the 1886 Ralston Reunion

(This street in Franklin still bears the name “Ralston Lane”)

Through the 1930s the reunions were sponsored by members of the George Ralston family. However, in the early 1900s, descendants of Andrew Ralston were invited and attended the reunions. Some of these reunions were held in Porterville at the home of George Clinton Ralston, the last one there in 1930, just one month before his accidental death.

In the 1940s members of the Andrew Ralston family began sponsoring reunions and the attendance shifted to Andrew’s descendants, with less and less of George’s descendants attending. Below is an example:

Around 1950 the formal reunions were no longer held. However, in the mid-1980s, descendants of Andrew Ralston resumed the reunion, but at the Eagleville, TN, community center, instead of peoples’ homes. This has been an annual event ever since. These reunions are primarily attended by Andrew Ralston descendants; however, other descendants of David’s other sons have from time to time attended.