------------------------
William Ralston appears in the 1850 United States Federal Census for Randolph County, Illinois. He was born in Tennessee, as were the other members of the household. Here is a listing of the members of the 1850 household;

Elizabeth Ralston, 30
Amelia Ann Ralston, 12
Elizabeth Ralston, 10
William Ralston, 5
------------------------
Elizabeth Ralston married Cleveland McCann on October 25, 1852, in Jackson County, Illinois.

Source; Illinois Marriage Index, 1860-1920
------------------------
William McCann [Ralston] is listed in the 1860 United States Federal Census for Township 7, Range 4 W [present day Bradley Township], Jackson County, Illinois. He was born in Kentucky, Elizabeth was born in Tennessee, and Sarah and Charlotte were born in Illinois. Elizabeth is a Washerwoman. Here are the members of the 1860 household;

Elizabeth McCann, 45
William McCann, 15
Sarah McCann, 10
Charlotte McCann, 6
------------------------
William Ralston married Jane Stout on September 16, 1866, in Jackson County, Illinois.

Source; Illinois Marriages, 1851 - 1900
------------------------
In the 1870 United States Federal Census, Wm. Rawlston [Ralston] is living in Bradley Precinct, Jackson County, Illinois. He was born in Kentucky. He is living in the household of farmer James Hatfield. William is a Farm Worker. Here are the members of the 1870 household;

James Hatfield, 71
Lucy Hatfield, 65
Wm. Rawlston, 22
Ruth Rawlston, 22
Mary Rawlston, 3
------------------------
The 1880 U.S. Census lists William Ralston, age 35, living in Bradley Twp., Jackson County, Illinois. His birthplace is listed as Kentucky. He is married to Lucy Jane Ralston, age 31, and his occupation is farmer. In addition to William and Lucy, other members of his household are:

Mary Ralston, age 12
Martha Ralston, age 10
Thomas Ralston, age 5
Emoline Ralston, age 4
Noah Ralston, age 10 months
------------------------