McCroskey, Ralph Hoyt

Ralph Hoyt McCroskey served was born and raised in Missouri. He served in the American Expeditionary Force during World War I, from August 10, 1918 until April 17, 1919. By the time he enlisted, he was already a resident of Phoenix, AZ. During his service, he earned the rank of Corporal in Company M of the 158th Infantry. After his discharge, he worked on a grader in Yuma before purchasing a 40 acre ranch on Pecos Road west of Dobson Road.

Ralph married Laura Austin on January 25, 1934, and together they moved into the small house on Pecos. During his time in Chandler, Ralph was an active member of the Matthew B. Juan post of the VFW, and every year he raised the flag at the annual Fourth of July fireworks show at Chandler High School.

Ralph died in 1978. Laura passed away in 1990. In 1997 their daughter in law, Mona, donated the little farmhouse to the City of Chandler. It was relocated to Tumbleweed Park where it serves as a centerpiece of the Chandler Museum’s interpretation of early 20th century life in Chandler.

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Ralph McCroskey World War I draft registration card. Courtesy of ancestry.com.	Ralph McCroskey World War II draft registration card. Courtesy of ancestry.com.	Ship manifest showing Private Ralph H. McCroskey onboard a ship with Company M, 158th Infantry, 40th Division. Leaving Brooklyn, NY, on August 11, 1918. Courtesy of ancestry.com.	Ship manifest showing Corporal Ralph H. McCroskey onboard ship with Company M, 158th Infantry. Leaving Bordeaux, France, on April 6, 1919, bound for Hoboken, NJ, aboard the S.S. Iowan. Courtesy of ancestry.com.