George Ralph

     George Ralph was born in Schenectady, NY on Nov 11, 1826 to George and Harriet Cooper Ralph. The family moved to Utica in 1839. In early manhood he moved to Binghamton, NY. In 1850, George Ralph became a member of Bovier, Briggs and Co of Elmira, NY. 

    In 1869, George Ralph moved back to Utica at the solicitation of his father. He erected the Columbia Street Brewery. It later was consolidated with the Oneida Brewery, which was owned by Stephen Thorn and Francis Midlam. The firm became known as Ralph, Midlam and Co. It was succeeded by George Ralph Jr. and Co. In 1886, it was incorporated as the Oneida Brewing Company,

    George Ralph married Mary Catherine Wells. They had three sons: William L, George Frederick, and Henry Judson.

    George Ralph was a member of the Utica Club; Utica Lodge F. and A.M. (which was he was a master of it 1869-1870); Charter Member of the Yahnundahus Lodge, A. and A.B; and was High Priest of Oneida Chapter, R.A.M. He was one of the largest subscribers of the proposed Masonic Home in this city.

    George Ralph passed away on Feb 2, 1889 and is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery.





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