The Ralph Will Case

The Ralph Will Case rumbled on through 1833-4 in Downpatrick and later in Dublin.

James Ralph had settled in Comber around 1730, establishing a soap-boiling and candle-making factory. His “farden dips” were in great demand and by the time of his death in 1780 he had accumulated £500. Two of his sons, William and Allen, now carried on the business, a third son James not yet being of age, although he had the job of making the candles.

As time passed James fell into bad company and was often the worse for drink. His brothers treated him badly, resorting at times to physical violence, and James would sometimes lock himself away in a room to escape from them. He grew untidy in his dress, while his room was more fit for a beast than a human being. He became known as “Daft Jamie”.

William and Allen had turned the £500 of their father into many thousands. William died and an unsuccessful attempt was made to reconcile Allen and James. Then in 1828 Allen died, leaving James sole owner of the business. His first act was to have an iron safe built into the wall of his bedroom in which to keep his money and the title deeds to his valuable estate (now worth £30,000). He entrusted the key of this safe to his friend Dr Allen who lived next door.

James continued with his heavy drinking, but despite this lived to 70 years of age. He was taken seriously ill in 1831 and an operation was recommended by the doctors. On hearing that he was near death, James decided to make a will and sent for his law agent, Mr Montgomery. In this will he cut out all his relatives without a penny. There were a few small annuities and a bequest of £100 to Comber Parish Church, but the main portion of the estate was to be divided between Dr John Allen of Comber, surgeon, Hugh Ferguson of Castlenavery, gent, and James Dalzell of Newtownards, merchant, men whom he considered had shown him kindness.

Claimants appeared from all quarters. The first was a John Ralph of Sligo, but he later withdrew. Then came Mrs Ferguson and Mrs Headley of Scrabo. Just as the judges were about to rule in favour of the will, an application was made and granted to have the case heard before a jury. The disputant was Arthur Charlton, lessee of Charlton Stuart Ralph. He claimed that James Ralph was an idiot from birth who was not conscious of what he was doing when he made the will and that Dr Allen had exerted undue influence on him in making it.

The case was heard at Downpatrick. Witnesses were produced for and against the validity of the will. Those in favour of it argued that although James Ralph an eccentric and drank yet he was of sound mind. These included men such as George Johnston the distiller, Jacob Gibson a publican, Dr Goudy a surgeon and Rev Thomas Reid, a probationer of the Presbyterian Church and schoolmaster. Those who felt that James Ralph was incapable included the Rev John McCance, Comber’s Presbyterian minister.

After careful consideration, the will was upheld. An appeal against the decision of the court was unsuccessful.   

Do you agree with the verdict?

• 0%No, Ralph was of unsound mind and influenced by Dr Allen
• 0%Yes, Ralph was of sound mind and his will should be honoured