RATCLIFF, James W. - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

James Ratcliff, son of Miles and Susan Ratcliff, was born in Parke county, Ind., March 16, 1846, died Oct. 22, 1912, aged 66 years, 7 months and 7 days. He spent his boyhood days in Parke county on a farm with his parents, moving to Fountain county on the farm near Kingman before the town or railroad was built. Most of the country was then a dense forest of timber which had to be cleared away before the country could become a farming community. James did his part well in helping to clear and make this beautiful country what it is today, and with all its modern improvements. He labored hard from early morn till late at night clearing away the vast forest of timber which greeted him from every side until what once was a vast forest was converted into a fine farm. He was married to Miss Ellen Day when he was about 24 years of age, and lived with her only a short time until death claimed her as his own. He was married again to Miss Rulina Clem on Aug. 25, 1872, and to this union were born three children: Samuel Ratcliff, living in Kingman, Mrs. Ella Printy of Covington, and a younger brother, who died in infancy. He was remarried to Mrs. Mary S. Fruits in June 1906, living in Kingman where they were living at the time of his death. In the early sixties, when this country was in peril and needed men, he offered himself as one who was willing to sacrifice home and loved ones in order to fill his place as an American Citizen, but was rejected on account of his age, he being only 16 years of age. He identified himself with the Christian Newlight church about 40 years ago and has been a firm believer in the Supreme Being. He trusted his case in the hands of Jesus Christ, his Savour, who is able to save to the utmost all those who come to him in faith. He was the oldest member of the Fountain Lodge No. 24, K. of P., and was always willing to aid a worthy brother in time of trouble and sorrow. His sickness was long and protracted, lasting about three years, causing much pain and suffering , yet he bore it with patience, never mourning or complaining, but saying, Some day I'll understand it all." He leaves a wife, two children, two brothers, one sister and a host of other relatives and friends to mourn their loss. Funeral services were held at the Christian church Thursday forenoon at 10 o 'clock, Rev. J. M. McHargue officiating. The K. of P. lodge was in charge of the funeral ceremonies and conducted their usual ritualistic ceremony at the home and at the Rushcreek cemetery, where the remains were laid to rest.