Obituary; Ralph Hemingray is dead

OBITUARY

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Ralph G. Hemingray, president and general manager of the Hemingray Glass Company, died suddenly at 5:10 o'clock Tuesday evening, May 4, while visiting with Mrs. Hemingray in his old home in Covington. Ky. Mr. Hemingray was at the home of his sister, Mrs. Bradford Skinner, when death took place. Mr. and Mrs. Hemingray went to Covington to spend a few days and he then apparently was in fair health, although for more than a year it had not been good and he had spent much of his time in milder climates.

The news of his death was a shock in Muncie, he being well known among all classes of residents here. He was noted for his uniform courtesy under all conditions and for his many benefactions made always in an unostentatious way.

Mr. Hemingray was about 67 years old and for thirty-two years had lived in Muncie, where for many years he was associated with his brothers, Dan and Robert Jr., both now dead, in the ownership of the factory of which he was principal owner at the time of his death. His father, Robert Hemingray, also was in the glass making business in Cincinnati, O., and Covington, Ky., and was a pioneer in this industry in the United States.

Mr. Hemingray came to Muncie in 1888 with his father and brothers and with the gas boom here an incentive, announced their decision of establishing a plant in the city. The elder Mr.Hemingray, however, did not remain in Muncie long and the business was supervised by his sons. The plant was located on the present site in Macedonia avenue and has grown into one of the largest industries in the city. Ralph became president and general manager of the company when his father died.

Mr. Hemingray had always been active in business and public affairs in the city and even after ill health about a year ago made it advisable for him to devote less time to it, he nevertheless kept in touch with his glass factory and when in Muncie spent most of his time there.

Although apparently in fair health when he left the city, Mr. Hemingray was taken ill soon after reaching the home of his sister at Covington. His condition was regarded serious for a time, but he was improved on Monday. A relapse was suffered Tuesday morning and little hope was entertained for his recovery from the plueritical attack.

Besides the widow, Eva H., Mr. Hemingray is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Philip McAbee, of Muncie; and Miss Lewellyn [sic] Llewellyn Hemingray, of Cincinnati, and by two sisters, Mrs. Skinner of Covington, and Mrs. Mellie Felix, of Lexington, Ky.

Members of the Muncie Rotary club and the local lodge of Elks, the Country club and the Commercial club, of which organizations Mr. Hemingray was a member, together with a number of other Muncie people, went to Covington, Ky., where funeral services were held from the Skinner home Thursday afternoon, May 6. Burial was in the Highland cemetery, near Covington.