RATCLIFF-James W. - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

James W. RATCLIFF, a farmer, who is identified wth the agricultural interests of Fountain County and has a substantially improved farm on Sec 36, Mill Creek Twp is a native of Parke County, this state and was born March 15, 1846 on the fine old farm that his father imrpoved and still occupies. The latter, Miles Ratcliff is a native of Ohio, a son of Thomas Ratcliff who was likewise born in that state was reared amid pioneer scenes and eventually came to this state and cast his lot with the early settlers of Fountain County. Thomas Ratcliff lived near Danville awhile after coming to Indiana prior to locating in this county on the place where Thomas J. Ratcliff now lives. He was the first white man to settle in this section and the land which he took up from the Government was in a primeval condition with the great forest trees of centuries growth standing upon it. He bent his energies to clearing it and putting it under cultivation and in time made of it a productive farm. He bought other land and at the time of his death had a large property. The old farm was once a part of the hunting grounds of the Indians at least it belonged to their domains and in the name of the little creek that runs across it is preserved the memory of one of the aboriginies who still lingered here when Mr. Ratcliff appeared upon the scene and was known as Indian Green the stream being called Green. Miles Ratcliff grew to a stalwart, self reliant manhood on the old home place in this township. His educational advantages were very limited in his boyhood, his schooling being confined entriely to 30 days' attendance in the subscription school of the times. He was naturally of a bright mind, however with a special aptitude for mathematics and he can today solve any problem in the old Ray's Artithmetic a mental feat which would be difficult for many of the scholars of our modern schools to perform. Mr. Ratcliff married the daughter of an old settler of Sugar Creek Township, Parke County and after marriage located on the farm that he has ever since occupied. It comprises 300 acres of good farming land and by dint of hard and unremitting labor he has brought it to a fine condition. Mr. Ratcliff's first wife bore the maiden name of Susanna EUBANK and she was a daughter of LC Eubank, who was a prominent pioneer farmer of Parke County. He was of English birth, and came to this country when a boy. He lived for some time in Dearborn County before settling in Sugar Creek Twp, Parke Co, where the remainder of his life was passed. For his second wife Mr. Ratcliff married Miss Jane ANGEL of Putnam Co, and to them were born 3 children: Sarah C; Susan A and Miles A. Six children were born of the first marriage of whom five are living; Mary Ann, James W. Jacob W, Jonathan A and Charles A. Louisa was the name of the one that died. Mr. Ratcliff is actively identified with the religious interests of his community as one of the leading members of the Christian Church. In politics he is an unswering adherent of the Democratic party. He was Justice of the Peace 10 years and in every way he has been faithful to his duties as a citizen, and in all his relations iwth others, as husband, father, neighbor and friend. The subject of this brief sketch was reared under wholesome home influences and obtained a practical eduation in thepublic schools of his native county. He remained with his fathe runtil 24 assisting him in the management of his farm and he then took possession of the farm he still owns in Mill Creek Twp, his father having bought and deeded the place to him and his sister and he purchased his sisters' interest in it. It comprises 200 acres of land of great fertility and the soil is well tilled and the buildings are ample and well built, including a large and well appointed frame residence erecte din 1887. Mr. Ratcliff is thoroughly practical in carrying on his farming operations, using sound sense and good judgment in whatever he does and readily adoping new methods where advisable. He makes it a point to have only stock of the best grades and his horses for general purpo ses are the best in the county. Mr. Ratcliff was first married March 25, 1871 to Miss Ellen, daughter of Ambrose DAY. Her father was formerly a prominent farmer of MIll Creek Twp, but is now living in retirement at Veedersburg. After his marriage our subject borught his bride to this place, but their wedded life was of brief duration, as she died Dec 24, 1871. Mr. Ratcliff's marriage to his present wife was solemnized Aug 25, 1872. Her maiden name was Rulana CLEM and she is a daughter of Sam Clem an early settler of Warren co. and now a resident of Danville, Ill. Two children complete the pleasant and attractive home circle of our subject and wife: Samuel M, who has recenlty been graduated form the public schools and Nettie Ellen. Mr. and Mrs. Ratcliff are deservedly held in high estimation throughout the community as they possess in a full degree those qualities of head and heart that win respect and confidence. The Christian Church finds in them valued members, who give with liberalit and cheerfulness of their means to help carry in on successfully. Mr. Ratcliff's politics are of the Democratic order. He has held the office of JP and is a Notary Public. He was prominently identified with the IOOF [Independent Order of Odd Fellows] of which he was a charter member.