Passed Away at North Platte

This community was greatly shocked Saturday afternoon when the State Bank received a telephone call from North Platte announcing the sudden death of Hugh Ralston, its President.

Mr. Ralston was attending the rodeo in that city and while at the show complained of not feeling very well and called a taxi cab to convey him to the city. When he reached town he ordered the driver to take him to a first class lunch room. He ordered a light lunch and then ordered the driver to take him around town. The driver looking into his mirror noticed his face had toppled over on the rear seat and was choking. He drove to the first doctor he could find, who rushed out and immediately ordered him taken to a hospital, but some one recognized Mr. Ralston and suggested he be taken to the home of George Taylor, his brother-in-law. This was done but Mr. Ralston was dead when they reached there.

Mr. Ralston was born in County Down, Ireland, November 8, 1875. Died July 22, 1933, age 57 years, 6 months and 14 days. He was brought to this country by his parents when eight years of age and with them settled at Willow Island in this county in 1884. He lived in that vicinity until he moved to Farnam in October 1902. Six sisters and six brothers survive him.

He was married to Lida Watts in September 1902 and they immediately arranged to open a bank in Farnam which they did and moved here in October 1902 and resided here ever since. Mrs. Ralston preceded him to the great beyond in May 1930.

His grief over her death was a blow from which he never recovered. He was often heard to remark that life had lost all interest for him and he did not care how soon it was over.

He was well known all over the state as a successful banker and stockman and where known was well liked. In our own community it is unlikely that anyone will be found to take his place. "Hugh," as he was called by everybody, was a great friend of the children and they all knew him.

The number of needy children for whom he bought shoes, clothing and candy will never be known, but it was no small number. They all know him and idolized him and a man who is a favorite with the children cannot be far wrong.

He was a man of excellent judgement as proved by his successful operation of his bank through several panics and troublesome times. His square dealing with his customers and his willingness to assist them in every way won him many staunch friends who are today greatly grieved at his death.

While heart failure is given as the cause of his death, we who know him know it was grief over the loss of his wife, three years ago that really killed him. May he now rest in peace something he has not had since her death, is the wish of his many friends. The funeral services were held at the home of Mrs. Kittenbrink at Gothenburg Monday afternoon. The service was in charge of Rev. C. R. Tanner with Rev. E. C. Barton assisting. Interment was in the Gothenburg cemetery.

A male quartette, John, Dan and Harvey McNickle and David Banks with Mrs. Dan McNickle at the piano, furnished the music.

Pall bearers were, D. D. Case, E. B. Lewis, Frank Waits, Neil Garvin, Theorin Wiggins and Frank Greenlee.

Card of Thanks

We wish to thank the many friends for the flowers and for the many expressions of sympathy extended us during our recent bereavement in the loss of our dear brother. We assure you they were very much appreciated.

The Ralston family

The Farnam Echo, 28 July 1933