South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1875-09-03

terday week. II is reported that the
obligations OF the Bank exceed Sl4 ,000,-
600, while its resources are nominally
estimated at only half that sum. with
tho probability OF further and disastrous
shrinkage. The true condition Of the
bank had bccsi concealed from Che di-
rectors up TO that day. Mr.. William G..
Ralston. President Of the Bank, jumped
OIL Seiby's smclting-works wharf on the
evening of the following day.. Friday.
and was drowned. Ofcoarscthe suicide
was caused by the Banks failure.
SKETCH OF wM. c. RALsToN.
William {. Ralstop, the late president
of the Bank of California, was i'm the re-
ceipt of the liberal salary of $50, 900 per
year for his services. Mr.. Ralston was
born in Pennsylvania, and at the time
of his death was forty-fivc years of age
He was of medium height, compactly
built, with good breadth of shoulder, q
high. capacious forehead, thin, firmly-sct
lips, an oval, well-shapcd face, good
features, n stccl-gray eye and great
expression characterization and extreme
mental activity. lie was n shoemaker
in early life, but soon went to Califor.
MIA. where he became interested in spec.
ulations and also held n clerkship in a
bank. subsequently he went TO Pana-
ma rs the agent of Garrson's steamship
line. About 1892 he returned to San
Francisco and established a banking
house with others, under the name Of
Garrison, Fritz q Ralston This firm
was afterwards dissolved, and be be-
came partner in the firm Of Donahuc,
Kelley Il Co.
About 1864 he organized the Bank Of
California, with o. Mills as president
and himself rs cashier. Mr.. Mills was
already connected with bank in Sacra-
mcnto, and his time was largely taken
up there. Mr.. Ralston became the head
OF the Bank of California, though nomi-
nally its cashier. All. its great enter
prises were conducted through him, and
even when Mr.. Mills was present, bust
ness men always vert to Mr.. Ralston
for consultation. About two years ago
Mr.. Mills resigned the presidency, and
Mr.. Ralstou became the real rs we'll as
nominal head ofthe bank. 1t was through
his business abilities, almost entirely,
that the bank attained its great influence
and became so potent in all commercial.
financial, and even political affairs. In
1867 the bank reached the zenith of its
influence, and was then the most power.
ful corporation west ofthc Rocky Noun.
tains.
Mr.. Ralston was the most popular
man in California. Ills muniiicence had
won him friends everywhere. His ca.
reer is full of instances where he has
L. fas I,D h.
verge of financial ruin. His mode of
life was on plan commensurate with
the extent OF wealth at his command.
Az Belmont Valley he built for himself
n house, costing, il is estimated, s ,000,-
900, and supported il with an annual
outlay Of S3j0,O00. Ills house would
accommodate one hundred and fifty
guests. and occasions were frequent
when that number accepted his hospital.
ity. His stables are built on q lnagnifi-
cent and extensive plan. Some years
ago he had some difficulty with the rail.
road which leads to Belmont Valley-a
distance Of thirty milcs-and then pro-
vided himself with light buggy, and
having relays of horses stationed along
the road, drove every day TO and from
could make. lie was the last man at
his Office at night and the first ono in the
morning. lie was known as n good liv-
or and won many friends by his gene.
rOsi,y and hospitality. Mr.. Ralston in
1875 married q brilliant and accomplish.
ed niece Of j. -. Fry, ofSan Francisco,
by whom lie had several children.
II is said that the rumerf, Of RnIston
ON Monday last was the most imposing
over Witnessed in California. The SER
vices were conducted atCalyary church,
which vas crowded 10 its utmost capac-
ity, and q concoursc Of citizcus number
ing probably 10000 gathered around
the church outside. Tho services 1T the
cemetery were conducted by the odd.
Fellows
MEEutr CorNTY, WEST VIRGINiA.-
The result OF the recent election for Su.
pcrnteudeut Of tic public schools Of the
county was Sharplcss, j2S ; Adams, 1Sl
The JrjjUDc SAYS Mrs. Whittier. Mt Whit