I never met Ralph Lowry but because of his involvement in several significant dam building projects as an employee of the Bureau of Reclamation, I have a curious interest in his life. On June 4, 1917, Ralph (my first cousin, three times removed or put another way, my great grandfather’s first cousin) applied for a license or ‘Marriage Return’ to married Gladys Brown Waller. The next day, they were “joined in Lawful Wedlock” in a ceremony in her father’s home by a clergyman.

How Ralph and Gladys met is unknown, but they were married in Pullman, Washington, which is the location Washington State University, from which Ralph graduated. Perhaps they were college sweethearts?

Marriage Return

1. Date of license: June 4 – 17

2. Full name of groom: Ralph Lowry

3. Age last birthday: 28

4. Color [a]: White

5. No. of groom’s marriages: First

6. Residence: Sunnyside, WA

7. Birthplace [b]: Bevior, Mo

8. Occupation: Civil Engineer

9. Father’s Name: Edward Lowry

10: Mother’s maiden name: Sarah Humphrey

11: Full name of bride: Gladys Brown Waller

12: Age last birthday: 26

13: Color [a]: White

14. No. of bride’s marriages: First

15. Residence: Pullman

16. Birthplace [b]: Colfax, Wa

17. Occupation: Teacher

18:  Father’s name: O.H. Waller (?)

19: Mother’s maiden name: Billie (?) Brown

20: Date of marriage: June 5 – 17

21. Place of marriage: Pullman

22. By whom married, and official station: C. ?. Harrison, clergy man

23: Name of witnesses and their residences:

No. 1: Anna Waller

No. 2: Graves S McDougall

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