Samuel M. Ralston
A progressive politician and lifelong Democrat, Ralston met the challenges posed by Indianas transition to a more urban and industrial state. Born 1857 in Ohio, he opened a law office in 1886 in Lebanon, where he lived until elected governor in 1912. As governor, he advanced reforms such as the establishment of a Public Service Commission to regulate utilities.
Governor Ralston organized emergency relief during the Great Flood of 1913. Later that year, he helped resolve the Indianapolis streetcar strike. As part of the states centennial, he urged creation of Indiana Historical Commission and first Indiana state parks. He was elected to U.S. Senate in 1922 and considered for presidential candidate in 1924. He died in 1925.
Erected 2018 by Indiana Historical Bureau, Boone County Bar Association, and Boone County Commissioners. (Marker Number 06.2018.1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1857.
Location. 40° 2.865′ N, 86° 28.122′ W. Marker is in Lebanon, Indiana, in Boone County. It is on West Main Street just east of North Lebanon Street (Indiana
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Regionally, this marker is in Central Indiana and specifically in Greater Indianapolis. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Revolutionary War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Boone County (Indiana) Veterans (within shouting distance of this marker); Cragun House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Abraham Lincoln (approx. 0.2 miles away); Don and Mel Kenyon (approx. Ύ mile away); Boone County Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); Ulen Country Club and The Town of Ulen, Indiana (approx. 0.9 miles away); Henry C. Ulen (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lebanon.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 24, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2021, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 468 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 22, 2021, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
