BIO:  JAMES McCALLISTER RALSTON, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
   
  Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Joe Patterson
  OCRed by Judy Banja

  Copyright 2004.  All rights reserved.
  http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
  http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cumberland/
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  >From Biographical Annals of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania,
  Chicago: The Genealogical Publishing Co., 1905, page 549
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  NOTE: Use this web address to access other bios:
  http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cumberland/zeamer/


    JAMES McCALLISTER RALSTON, who for many years was one of the honorable,
  upright and much esteemed citizens of Mechanicsburg, passed away in 1903,
  leaving behind him the record of an exemplary and useful life. Mr. Ralston
  was born Jan. 14, 1823, a son of David and Leacy (McCallister) Ralston, both
  members of old settled families in these parts.

    David Ralston, the grandfather of Mr. Ralston, was a son of Andrew Ralston,
  who emigrated to Cumberland county from the north of Ireland, about 1728,
  being among the very first settlers of the Cumberland Valley. Andrew Ralston
  had six children, one of these being David, who, in turn became the father of
  David Ralston (father of James McCallister Ralston), who was born on the old
  home near Newville, in 1783, and died March 14, 1848. His four children were:
  James McCallister; David, who died in 1902; Andrew, deceased; and Mary Ellen,
  who married David Line, and both are deceased: The family has always been a
  stronghold of the Presbyterian Church. In early days Mr. Ralston was a Whig,
  but became identified with the Republican party on its formation.

    James McCallister Ralston was educated in the public schools, and settled
  down to farming, which he followed all his active life. The family has been
  noted among the agriculturists of the Valley, and his industry and excellent
  management kept up the old reputation for excellence. In 1870 he retired from
  activity on the farm and removed to Mechanicsburg, where his last years were
  passed in the comfortable enjoyment of ample means and pleasant surroundings.
  In politics he ardently advocated the principles of the Prohibition party. In
  1849 he was made an elder in the Presbyterian Church, and his orderly life
  until his death gave honor to his religious office. Mr. Ralston was
  frequently called upon to serve in various township offices, and on numerous
  occasions he was sought as a guardian of minors and as administrator of
  estates. His death removed an honored and trusted citizen.

    In December, 1868, Mr. Ralston married Margaret J. Dunlap, daughter of
  James and Margaret (Mateer) Dunlap, whose two other children were: Dean,
  deceased; and Mary E., wife of J. O. Saxton, both deceased. The Dunlaps and
  Mateers settled in the Cumberland Valley in 1737, and have been prominent in
  this county for 150 years.