RATCLIFF, Omer (Judge) - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Omer B. Ratcliff, age 72, who for 18 years was judge of the Fountain County Circuit court died Saturday night at 11:15 o'clock at the home of a brother, Alvin Ratcliff, near Williamsport. He had been in failing health since Aug 6, 1940, when he was injured in an automobile accident while vacationing with his son, Ernest. One of Indiana's best known jurists, he served as judge of the Fountain circuit court from 1918 to 1936, after having been prosecutor of Warren, Benton and Fountain Counties. He maintained his residence in Covington while he was prosecutor, and on numerous occasions he walked from Covington to Williamsport and then back to Covington in connection with the business of his office. It was his custom during that period to call his son before leaving Williamsport and outline the route he would take, so that the son could meet him halfway. Judge Ratcliff, as he was familiarly known to his many friends throughout the state, began the practice of law in Covington in 1902, after graduating from Merom College & Indiana University law school. He also held a master's degree in mathematics from IU and taught mathematics at Oskaloosa College, Oskaloosa, Iowa two years before coming to Covington. A native of Fountain County, he was born in Millcreek Township, April 24, 1869 the son of William R. and Mary E Ewbank Ratcliff, pioneer Indiana residents. He was married Dec 4, 1900 to Minnie Jones of Iowa that marriage taking place after a romance which began while he was mathematics professor at Osklaoosa Coolege. Judge Ratcliff was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the Order of Eastern Star, and an elder in the Presbyterian Church. He was also widely known for his law library, which was one of the largest privately-owned libraries in the state. Surviving besides the brother at whose home he died and the son, Ernest who resides at Clinton are: a brother, Dr. A.L. Ratcliff of Kingman and a sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Gray of Elizabeth Mississippi. The body was taken to the Curmley & Son funeral home in Covington, preparatory to the services, which were held at the Presbyterian Church in Covington at 3 o'clock Tuesday afternoon wtih Rev. Charles Serber of Dayton, officiating. Burial was made at the Mt Hope cemetery with the Masonic Lodge having charge at the grave.