Family background
James Ralph was born on 16 August 1845 at Parkes, NSW, the son of Richard Ralph and Hanora Casey. He married Mary Ann Morehouse (1852-1917) on 3 May 1876 at Bathurst, NSW and they had two sons and two daughters. Ralph died at Burwood, NSW, on 25 July 1933, aged 87 years; he was buried at Woronora Cemetery in the Methodist section. He left a Will and his estate and assets were assessed at £2,768. He lived in Raglan Street, Alexandria.
Occupation & interests
Ralph was the first president of the Association of Master Butchers which was formed in 1885. He was a Freemason and a member of Captain Cook Lodge.
Local government service
James Ralph was an alderman on Alexandria Council 1887-1917 representing East Ward. He served as mayor three times: 1891, 1903 and 1914, and on several occasions was the Returning Officer.
References
‘Borough of Alexandria’, NSW Government Gazette, 21 January 1887, p. 467, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/219933418
‘Alexandria Council’, The Daily Telegraph, 21 July 1922, p. 8, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/245733073