Years active 1873–1914 | Occupation Businessman Nationality American Name George Ralphs | |
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Full Name George Albert Ralphs Born September 23, 1850 ( 1850-09-23 ) Missouri, U.S. Spouse(s) Wallula Von Keith (m. 1896–1914) Resting place Evergreen Cemetery, Los Angeles | ||
George Albert Ralphs (September 23, 1850 – June 21, 1914) was an American businessman. He founded the Ralphs supermarket chain in Southern California, with the help of his brother Walter.
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Early life and career
Ralphs was born in Missouri. His family moved to San Bernardino, California when he was a child. As an adult, Ralphs worked in Los Angeles area as a bricklayers' apprentice. After losing his left arm in a hunting accident, Ralphs began working as a clerk in a grocery store. He opened his first store, Ralphs and Francis, in 1873, in the Spring Street Financial District of Los Angeles with S. A. Francis. In 1879, Ralphs' brother Walter bought Francis' share of the company which was renamed Ralphs Brothers. The company incorporated in 1909 as Ralphs Grocery Company. Today, Ralphs supermarkets are owned by the Kroger Company, with locations in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Ventura, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
Personal life
Ralphs married Wallula Von Keith on July 23, 1896. The couple had two children, Annabell and Albert George. Albert later became the vice-president and manager of Ralphs Grocery Company.
Death
On June 21, 1914, Ralphs was with his family for a weekend trip to the San Bernardino Mountains. While taking a walk with his wife in Waterman's Canyon, Ralphs stopped to rest on top of a boulder. As he attempted to help his wife up to sit beside him, the boulder became dislodged and began rolling down the mountain side along with Ralphs. In the process, one of his legs got caught and was severely injured. He was taken to Ramona Hospital (now known as Community Hospital of San Bernardino) where he underwent surgery to have his injured leg amputated. Ralphs awoke from the surgery and spoke to his wife for a few minutes, but died of shock later that afternoon.
Ralphs's body was shipped back to Hollywood where he and his family lived. His funeral was held on June 24. He was buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Los Angeles.