Ralph G. Hemingray

Obituary

[Newspaper]

Publication: The Muncie Evening Press

Muncie, IN, United States
vol. 28, no. 221


HEMINGRAY

DIES WHILE

IN OLD HOME


Body of Glass Manufacturer

Not to be Returned From

Boyhood Home Near

Covington, Ky.


Ralph G. Hemingray, president and general manager of the Hemingray Glass Company, died suddenly at 5:10 o'clock Tuesday evening while visiting with Mrs. Hemingray in his old home in Covington, Ky. Mr. Hemingray was at the home of his sister, Mrs. Bradford Shinkle, when death took place. Mr. and Mrs. Hemingray went to Covington last Saturday 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

 

Illustration

 

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, Ohio, and Covington, Ky., and was a pioneer in this industry in the United States.

Came Here With Father.

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 Saturday, 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 and little hope was entertained for his recovery from the plueritical [sic] pleuritical attack.

Rites at Covington.

Besides the widow, Eva H., Mr. Hemingray is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Philip McAbee, of Muncie and Miss Llewellyn Hemingray, of Cincinnati, and by two sisters, Mrs. Skinner [sic] Shinkle, of Covington and Mrs. Mellie Felix, of Lexington, Ky. Mrs. McAbee, with her husband, left Muncie last Tuesday for a visit in California, but are now on their way to Covington, having been advised of the death soon after reaching California.

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 will go to Covington, Ky., tonight, where funeral services will be held from the Skinner [sic] Shinkle home at 4 o'clock Thursday afternoon. Burial will be made in the Highlands cemetery, near Covington.

Mr. and Mrs. Hemingray spent last summer in Ashville, N. C., and last winter in St. Petersburg, Fla., returning home only a few weeks ago when Mr. Hemingray seemed greatly improved in health. The family residence is at 824 East Washington street.


Keywords:Hemingray
Researcher notes: 
Supplemental information: 
Researcher:Roger Lucas / Bob Stahr
Date completed:December 6, 2004 by: Glenn Drummond;