Gerardus Ralston

http://files.usgwarchives.net/pa/philadelphia/history/family/ralsto...

Gerardus Ralston-usually called Gerard Ralston-was born September 19, 1798. Like his brother, just referred to, he went abroad when a young man, and settled in England, where he died in April, 1873, being the last survivor of the seven sons of Robert Ralston, the celebrated merchant of a century ago.

 Before going abroad he had been, while a resident of Philadelphia, interested in literary and educational affairs.  From 1826 to 1829 he was Curator of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and Councillor of the Society, 1829-32 and 1833-4.

 In Grace A. Oliver's "Study of Maria Edgeworth," Boston, 1882, it is related that "Miss Edgeworth met Mr. Ralston, of Philadelphia," and in an early letter of hers she wrote: "His father and mother are grand, and what is rather better, most benevolent people in Philadelphia; introduced him to Dr. Holland Mackintosh and others."  In 1835 Miss Edgeworth wrote to Mr. Peabody, of Boston: "I wrote orders to a bookseller in London, to forward to you by my friend, Mr. Gerard Ralston, a copy of my father's books."  In 1841 it is set forth that "Miss Edgeworth visited her friend Gerard Ralston in Croydon."

 Gerard Ralston married Isabella Crawshay of Cafafa, Wales, by whom he had two sons, William Crashay and Edgeworth, both now deceased.  The elder of the two, William Crashay Ralston, was an officer in the British Army.