Willis Rufus Ralston

Male1866–4 October 1941

Brief Life History of Willis Rufus

When Willis Rufus Ralston was born in 1866, in Ohio, United States, his father, Joseph G Ralston, was 34 and his mother, Louisa A Walker, was 32. He married Anna Klatt on 16 May 1891. They were the parents of at least 1 son. He lived in Plain Township, Wood, Ohio, United States in 1880 and Toledo, Lucas, Ohio, United States in 1900. He died on 4 October 1941, in Burlington, Des Moines, Iowa, United States, at the age of 75, and was buried in Aspen Grove Cemetery, Burlington, Des Moines, Iowa, United States.

Photos and Memories (0)

Photos and Memories

Do you know Willis Rufus? Do you have a story about him that you would like to share? Sign In or Create a FREE Account

Family Time Line

Willis Rufus Ralston
1866–1941
Anna Klatt
1869–
Marriage: 16 May 1891
Floyd William Ralston
1895–1964

Sources (20)

  • Willis R Ralston, "United States Census, 1940"
  • Willis Rawlston, "Iowa, County Marriages, 1838-1934"
  • Willisrufus Ralston, "Iowa, Death Records, 1904-1951"

Spouse and Children

  • Marriage
    16 May 1891
  • Children (1)

    Parents and Siblings

    Siblings (3)

    World Events (8)

    1866 · The First Civil Rights Act

    Age 0

    The first federal law that defined what was citizenship and affirm that all citizens are equally protected by the law. Its main objective was to protect the civil rights of persons of African descent.

    1867 · The Burtis Opera House

    Age 1

    The Burtis Opera House opened in Davenport and could easily hold an audience of 1,600. It was a widely used facility and Mark Twain filled the house when he spoke on tour in 1869. It was also used to house Susan B. Anthony when she lectured on the woman's right to vote. The Quad City Symphony Orchestra played its first concert as the new Tri-City Symphony in the Opera House. An arsonist set fire to the building on the evening of April 26, 1921, and the building was severely destroyed. The building was rebuilt but was no longer used as an opera house.

    1886

    Age 20

    Statue of Liberty is dedicated.

    Name Meaning

    Scottish: habitational name from Ralston (Renfrewshire), composed of the personal name Raoul, a vernacular form of Ralph , + Scots toun ‘farm, village’.

    Dictionary of American Family Names © Patrick Hanks 2003, 2006.

    Possible Related Names

    Discover Even More

    As a nonprofit, we offer free help to those looking to learn the details of their family story.

    Create a free account to view more about your family.
    Create a FREE Account
    Search for Another Deceased Ancestor
    Share this with your family and friends.