From his daughter-in-law, Nova Emmons, we have the following account:
Ralph Emmons began his political career in 1910 when he was elected clerk of West Township, and served six terms in this office. For 25 years he was employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad, advancing to special agent to the president. He was elected to the State Legislature from Columbiana County, serving in the 86th and 87th sessions. He was appointed to the Civil Service Commission where he served under five Governors and was Chairman of the Commission for 10 years.

His brother Van Everett also served in State Senator, making it the first time two brothers served in the State Senate at the same time.

http://www.genealogypitstop.com/Barth/ralphwemmons.rtf
Biographical Sketch - Ralph W. Emmons
Source:
History Of Columbiana County, Ohio - Harold B. Barth
Historical Publishing Company 1926

Ralph W. Emmons, state representative, is well and favorably known in Columbiana County. He was born at East Rochester, April 27, 1887, and is the son of David and Mary Alice (Whiteleather) Emmons.

David Emmons, Civil War veteran, deceased, was a prominent merchant of East Rochester for 40 years, and also served as postmaster. He and his wife are deceased and are buried in Moultrie Cemetery, West Township. Mr. and Mrs. Emmons had four sons and one daughter, Mary A., deceased; Ralph W., the subject of this sketch; and V. D., and E. F. Emmons and Frank A. Emmons of Alliance living at Akron, Ohio. V. D. also is a state representative from Summit County, Ohio. This is the first time in the history of Ohio that two brothers were members of the same legislature.

Ralph W. Emmons attended the public schools of West Township and at an early age was connected with the Alliance (Ohio) Leader as a reporter. He later was employed in the Keplinger Hotel. Since 1906 Mr. Emmons has been station agent for Pennsylvania Railroad at East Rochester. He was elected to the state legislature in 1924. Mr. Emmons has also served as township clerk for six terms, clerk of the board of education for 14 years and as a member of the legislature as author of the Act which provides for the (1) distribution of hunting licenses, (2) act providing for a Municipal Court at East Liverpool, Ohio, (3) act establishing the first State park in Eastern Ohio, known as Guilford State Park, west of Lisbon, Ohio. All of the above three bills became laws. Also introduced bill requiring the teaching of character culture in the public schools. This bill was favorably commented upon by almost one hundred newspapers in twenty-eight different states. He has been a member of several of the major committees, such as highway, election and military affairs. He also served as secretary to Joint Senate and House Public Works and Building Committee, Special Committee sent to Philadephia in regard to Sesqui-Centennial; also Special Committee sent to Harrisburg, PA, to study operation of Pennsylvania gas tax law.

On April 23, 1895, Mr. Emmons was married to Miss Charlotte M. Tomlinson, the daughter of John and Mary Tomlinson, of West Township. They have three children: Wallace McKinley, Cecil L., and Genevieve.

Mr. Emmons is a Republican and a member of the Christian Church. He has an extensive acquaintance in Columbiana County and is well liked.