RATCLIFF-John - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

John RATCLIFF, a wealthy retired farmer of Sugar Creek Township, Parke County is one of the most energetic and enterprising men who have advanced its interests. He is the son of Thomas and Mary Cashatt Ratcliff and was born in Chatham County NC Jan 4, 1810. The former parent was reared in NC among strangers, his father having died when he was very young. Being thrown on his own resources, Thomas learned the hatter's trade when a mere lad, which he continued to follow a number of years. On reaching his maturity, he married Miss Mary, a daughter of John and Margaret Cashatt. To our subject and wife were born the following children: William, deceased; John; Hannah, deceased the wife of Robert Tunning; Dorcas, deceased, the wife of Jesse Cashatt; Elizabeth who married John King; Margaret, wife of John McPherson; Miles; and James. Soon after his marriage Thomas Ratcliff abandoned his trade and gave his attention to farming. He emigrated to Ohio about 1813 and settled in Highland County where he farmed successfully until coming to Indiana. He came here in 1829 and entered land from the government in Fountain County near Kingman where he resided until his death. He was a veteran of Revolutionary fame, distinguishing himself in several engagements, and was an influential member of the United Brethren Church of this township. The original of this notice remained with his parents until his first marriage, which was celebrated in the year 1830. The lady of his choice was Mary, the daughter of Walter and Elizabeth Bowman Clark. Mrs. Ratcliff was the mother of six children: William; Walter; Elizabeth; Mary; Thomas and Marshall. After the death of his first wife he married Miss Anna Marshall, who survived but a short time. After her decease he was married to Mrs. Martha J. Walden, a daughter of Asa and ELizabeth Slaughter Wilson. This lady was formerly the wife of Sanford Brent. At the beginning of his career our subject entered 80 acres of Government land where he now lives. It was then far different from the prairies of the present day, and he had all the work he could do to bring it to anything like a right condition. Having a fine practical knowledge, and being naturally a business manager, from time to time he was enabled to purchase more land, and after he entered another 40 acres of timber land he set about clearing a place where he could erect a house. For a time, in connection with his farm pursuits, he operated a small distillery, which helped him somewhat financially, and he is now the proud possessor of 200 acres of attractive and well-tilled land. Besides being an indulgent father, he is also a liberal supporter of his family, and has given a portion of his estate to his children. Mr. and Mrs. Ratcliff are much esteemed, both on account of the sterling qualities, of their character and their social position. Their family is among the best in the county, and in all that means true home life they are in the front rank. As a citizen, man and friend, our subject is universally regarded by those who know him worthy of their respect. His political sympathies are with the Republican Party and have been since he came to understand the political institutions and principals of his country. He is a member of the Christian Church of this place.