The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1889-06-13
08g's EA Y.
knlnth 7ilY.

Ralph Ely was BORN July 22nd, 1880
on the homestead, two miles north o
this city, where lie passed his entire
life. being the third member of fam
lily of four children born to Captain
! Ashley and Sarah Lazarus) Eiy-Li
nus. Alma, Ralph and JuIia-the latter
/ of whom is the only survivor.
| Born of sturdy pioneers, who gave
/ their energies TO the clearing of forest
and development Of the virgin soil to
the requirements of home and civili'
zatiOn, he was introduced at an early
age to circumstances where self denial
industry and indnmitable energy dis.
ciplined him in their stern but inval-
liable schooling.
The farm always had an attraction
fo: him, and from early boyhnod he
j '''sieted in its lahors, thus fitting him
! self for devotion to his chosen avnca
ton, which after years of experience
ripened into scientific pursuit, " here,
| in the laws of agriculture received
careful study and attention. His sys-
| tenn of farming was painatailing aud
thorough, each department evidencing
method and attention to every essen
tial detail.
lie took especial pride in the well
ordered appearance of his premises,
aud few country homes equalled his
in beauty and pleasant surroundings
In early life Mr.. Ely became an ac
ceptahie member of the Congregation
al churcn here, and his entire life was
that OF The earnest, consistent Chris
tian, dying in full faith OF the promis-
es contained in the Divine Word
The foun:i alton of his education was
laid III district school, he afterward
e,sa pieiiug course of study in the
Ravenna Academy.
Mr. Ely was man of extensive
reading, and was exceptionally well
informed on ali cnrrent topics Pos,
sessed of a logical mind and studious
habits, his thoughts aud opinions were
those of the scholar and observer,
making his Judgment valuable and
conversation most delightful.
Mr.. Ely was endowed with remark
able musical talents, which early man.
ifested themselves, and so thoroughly
engrossed his attention, that he be.
came, when a mere boy,very proficient
in reading and analyzing the produc.
tions of the various authors. At ten
years of age he played base viol in
the Congregational choir, and from
that time to within year or two pre-
cedi1g his de;sth, was actively identi
flied with it either as member or leader
He toak charge of the choir about
twenty five years ago, and with little
conducted its singing for
the succeeding twenty years
AS = director of vocal music, Mr..
Ely had not au equal in the county,
and very few in this part of the State.
His great skill in organizing and con-
ducting was universally acknowledged
and sought after, and a course of in
under his direction left the
learner. with a thorough installation of
principles and rules, and pre-
pared to read at sight whatever COM
position might be given him. In the
art of reading and analyzing music,
Mr.. Ely eXeelled, and the most diff.
cult compositions received a ready in
from him, which he WAS
able, by rare gift, TO quickly and
clearly inpart to others.
September %. 1875, ne was united in
to Miss Eva HinmaD, of Ed
tuUurgn. VINO with four Children
Leslie, aged -; Alma, IL Mary, 6 :;
Harry, 5-survive him.
The character and life OF Mr. Ely
were most exemplary Coming of an
ancestry possessing those positive NOR
al qualities that produce men of up
usefulness and correct living,
Mr. Ely Initiated their virtues and
fashioned his life after the precepts of
Divine teaching. endeavoring to con-
form all his acts to the standard of
justice and righteousness.
He was honored with several impor
tant township offices, fulfilling his
trust faithfully and well.
Mr.. Eiy's was life that viewed
from any standpoint, abounded in the
of principle and good deeds.
AS i man and citizen, he was all that
could be desired, and the death of so
excellent man leaves vacancy in
the ranks of sterling and active ex-
emplars, compensated only by the in
fuence of good deeds of their accom-
plishment,
His funeral was held Thursday at 2
p. M, from his late residence, Rev.
Cotton, pastor of Rootstown CongTe-
gaiional church, officiating. The mu
sic was rendered by Mrs. S. J. Post,
Mrs. Belle Finch, DIR. Alcorn and A
B. Seymour. The remains were plac.
ed in the vault at Maple Grove Gene
terry, to await their final committal to
rest.