Minnie Louisa Ralph (1882 - 1961)

Born 23 May 1882 in Birmingham, West Midlands, England, United Kingdom

Ancestors

Died 6 Jan 1961 at age 78 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England, United Kingdom

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Biography

Minnie Louisa was born in 1882 at Birmingham, Warwickshire, the daughter of Joseph Ralph and Louisa Ellaway. ^[1]

In the 1891 census Minnie was living with her family at 66 Gt. Barr St, Aston. She was aged 8 years. ^[2]

In 1901 the family was still at this address. Minnie, aged 18, was a dressmaker. ^[3]

In 1911 Minnie was living with her widowed mother at 400 Bordesley Green, Birmingham. Aged 28, she was working as a dressmaker on her own account, from home. ^[4]

From her will it is known Minnie was living at 254 Stechford Road, Ward End, Birmingham on 10 August 1937.

The 1939 Register, taken on 29 September 1939, has been described as a snapshot of the civilian population of England and Wales just after the outbreak of the Second World War. The Register recorded each person's address, date of birth and occupation.
At that time Minnie was was working as live-in household help for two retired women Sarah Sanders and Fanny Henning at 26 Avondale Road, Birmingham. Born 23 May 1882, she was aged 57. ^[5]

In the 1945 to 1955 electoral rolls Minnie was recorded still living at 26 Avondale Road. ^[6]

Minnie L Ralph died in 1961 aged 78 years. ^[7]

From the 1961 Index of Wills and Administrations – RALPH Minnie Louisa of 58 Highfield Road Hall Green Birmingham spinster died 6 January 1961 Probate London 10 February to Emma Ralph widow. Effects £310 9s. 5d. ^[8]

The probate document recorded Minnie was living at 58 Highfield Rd at her death but was formerly of 254 Stechford Rd, the address she was living at when her will was written. Her executrix and the sole beneficiary of her estate was then living at Sulby, Goodrington Orchard, Hookhills Rd, Paignton, Devon.

Her will read -
THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of me MINNIE LOUISA RALPH of 254 Stechford Road, Ward End Birmingham in the County of Warwickshire.
I HEREBY revoke all wills and testamentary instruments heretofore by me made.
I APPOINT Emma Ralph of 254 Stechford Road, Ward End, Birmingham to be the executor of this my Will. I direct my Executor to pay my just debts and Funeral and Testamentary Expenses.
I GIVE AND BEQUEATH of all I die possessed to my sole Executrix Emma Ralph of 254 Stechford Road, Ward End, Birmingham, Warwickshire.
WITNESS my hand this tenth day of August 1937 Minnie Louisa Ralph
SIGNED by the Testator as her last Will in the presence of us both being present at the same time who in her presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses: Hilda Ethel Warren 10 Newton Road, Sparkhill, Birmingham and Beatrice Warren of 10 Newton Rd Sparkhill Birmingham ^[9]

Sources

1. ↑ https://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/certificates/indexes_search.asp
   GRO Birth Index
   RALPH, MINNIE LOUISA Mother's maiden name ELLAWAY
   GRO Reference: 1882 S Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 06D Page 77
2. ↑ 1891 census RG12/2412 98 Pg 5
3. ↑ 1901 census RG13/2855 52 Pg 4
4. ↑ 1911 census RG14PN18356 RG78PN1103 RD385 SD5 ED37 SN68
5. ↑ 1939 Register RG101/5583C/011/5 Letter Code: QBOB
6. ↑ Ancestry.com. Midlands, England, Electoral Registers, 1832-1955 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012.
   Original data: Midlands Historical Data. Midlands Electoral Rolls 1832–1955. Midlands Historical Data, Solihull, West Midlands.
7. ↑ GRO Death Index – Mar Qtr 1961/Birmingham 9c 548
8. ↑ https://probatesearch.service.gov.uk/#wills
9. ↑ Will obtained from above