Ralph, PFC Thomas Edward Jr

PFC Thomas Edward Ralph was born on 24 Dec 1887 in Covington, Tipton County, Tennessee. His father was Thomas Edward Ralph Sr. who was born on 19 Feb 1860 in Covington and died 7 Jun 1942 in Covington. His mother was Elizabeth Drake “Lizzie” Anderson Ralph who was born 20 Mar 1861 in Louisiana and died 30 Nov 1938 in Covington.

The US Census of 1900 shows “Tommie” living with his parents and siblings in Civil District No. 1 of Tipton County. He is thirteen years old in this census.

The US Census of 1910 shows Tommie living with his brother, William B. Ralph, in Civil District 8 of Tipton County. This portion of the census was recorded on 20 Apr 1910, and on 24 November, of the same year, he marries Josie Cornelia Harris (b. 1888 d. 1975) in Tipton County. The couple had one set of twins but, sadly, both of the children died of acute inanition. The twins names were Bertha C and Clarance T b. 28 Aug 1915 in Clopton. Bertha died on 5 Oct 1915, and Clarance died on 18 Oct 1915. They are buried in Clopton Cemetery. Bertha has a headstone; however, I have not found one for Clarance.

Tommie was 30 years old when he filled out his World War I Draft Registration Card. He was living with Josie on RFD #1 Tipton County, Tennessee. The registration card describes his physical build and height as medium. He had black hair and black eyes.

Tommie was sent to war but I have not found any departure or training records. The next record I find for Tommie is a departure listing. The departure list is dated 30 May 1919 leaving from Marseille, France and heading for Brooklyn, New York on the ship Madonna. The ship landed in Brooklyn on 14 Jun 1919. The record shows Tommie’s name being crossed off and a note of his death on 11 Jun 1919. Tommie died on the ship travelling back to his home and family. Tommie died of Meningitis.