The front-page news of November 17, 1909, reported that Colonel Ezra Ripple suffered a severe stroke the previous day while at his postmaster’s desk and his condition was critical. Considered to be “Scranton’s Best Loved Citizen” the news of Ripple’s condition touched many in the area.
The son of Silas and Elizabeth Ripple, Ezra was born on February 14, 1842, in Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania. The Ripple family moved to Scranton in 1857. Ezra was educated in local public schools and later at Wyoming Seminary. He then worked in his father’s tavern until the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861.
Ripple served with three units during the Civil War, including Company I, 13th Infantry Militia, Company H, 30th Infantry Militia and Company K, 52nd PA Infantry.
It was during his term with the 52nd that he was captured by Confederate forces and became a prisoner at the Confederacy’s most notorious prison, Andersonville Prison in Georgia. Following his time at Andersonville, Ripple was sent to Florence Prison in South Carolina.
After the Civil War Ezra Ripple returned home to recover from the debilitating effects of life as a prisoner of war. He then worked in the crockery business of Colonel Frederick Hitchcock and later as a bookkeeper for Congressman William Connell. Ripple remained with Connell for over 40 years.
In April 1874 Ripple wed local school teacher Sarah Hackett. The couple enjoyed 35 years of marriage, and five children were born to their union.
During his lifetime, Ripple held the positions of County Treasurer, Mayor of Scranton, and Postmaster. As a proud veteran, he also lectured extensively in the late 1890’s about his time in Confederate Prisoner of War camps. It was during these lectures that Ripple recalled memories of his capture and incarceration – memories that haunted him for the rest of his life.
When death came to Ezra Ripple on November 19, 1909, the flags in Scranton were lowered to half-staff. A special meeting of the Ezra Griffin Grand Army of the Republic Post was held that evening at its Linden Street meeting hall.
According to The Scranton Times “Every veteran of the Civil War, no matter how old or disabled by age and affliction that could hobble along climbed the long flight of stairs to attend the meeting with his fellows and mourn the death of their comrade. Tears rolled down their cheeks as they spoke of the Grim Reapers harvest.”
Ripple’s body lay in state at his home on Vine Street, Scranton. The Scranton Times reported “an endless stream of sorrow-stricken people viewed the remains. There were old Grand Army veterans, poor people and wealthy ones, and black and white folks, for in life, race, creed, or position held no niche in the Colonel’s temperament.”
On November 22, 1909, Ezra Ripple was laid to rest in Section 19 of the Dunmore Cemetery.