| Ralph was born in the parish of Norton in or near the town of Stafford. We think he was christened 16 Jnauary 1803, but birth uncertain: probably May 1802. In April 1821, a month before his 20th birthday, he enlisted in the British Army. We know from his military records/attestation that he was 5 feet 101/4 inches, blue eyes, fair complexion, light brown hair. He spent over 8 years in the East Indies returning to the UK in December of 1830. In May 11, 1833, he marries Elizabeth Harrison and two years later in 1835, he is shipped to Canada, young John Harrison in tow. Finding the Marriage record was difficult; it had been recorded as CLOWES. We know Ralph was a Batman as well as a Gunner/Driver variously in the 4th and 6th and 8th Battalions of the Royal Artillery. After 22 1/2 yearsof service, Ralph was discharged in August of 1843 "being unfit for further service from chronic rheumatism and varicose veins of the left leg.". His character was described as "exemplary." His pension was 1 shilling and a half-penny per year. Following retirement, we see that on the baptismal record of his son Ralph ( who unfortunately dies a year later) that the senior was a "coachman" in 1844 and living in "Beauport". His post-military job lasted only four years. He died a very young man at 45. No details yet on place of burial, having eliminated Mount Hermon. |