Samuel Finley Ralston

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

 Samuel Finley Ralston, sixth of the sons of Robert Ralston by his wife, Sarah Clarkson, was born December 14, 1802, graduated from the College of New Jersey in 1822, taking the degree of A. M. in 1825, and that of M. D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1826.  He went abroad to perfect his medical education, and died unmarried in Paris, March 30, 1829.  Poulson's Daily Advertiser, May 18, 1829, has this obituary notice:

    Died at Paris, March 30, 1829, Dr. Samuel F. Ralston, of this city.  After an absence of three

  years, this gentleman was about to return to his native country, when he was attacked by a

  violent disease which, in a few days, destroyed all his earthly prospects, and the fond

  anticipations of his friends.

    It is so customary to bestow indiscriminate praise upon the dead, that a true account of

  departed worth is hardly believed; but those who were well acquainted with Doctor Ralston

  will bear testimony that he was distinguished for clear, just and manly views-for high and

  honorable feelings-for nobleness and generosity-for courteous, refined and polished

  manners-and especially for overflowing kindness and benevolence.

    Few men have so generally won from others their respect and affection, and very few have

  deserved them so well.  His urbanity, cheerfulness, cordiality, sincerity, frankness and social

  feeling were irresistible with those who had understandings to perceive and hearts to

  appreciate excellence, and wherever a rational curiosity or the desire of improvement led him

  to remain for even a short period, he was encircled by friends whom gratitude or affection

  had strongly bound to him.  To them his departure is an occasion of unfeigned sorrow. 

  Already has he been mourned by many in the old world, and in the land of his birth still more

  are now lamenting his untimely fate.