RATCLIFF, Thomas R.
Source: ?? Newspaper -- REALLY hard to read, found in the Kingman Public Library by kbz - thought about not even putting this up here but then I thought, "Hey, IF this were my ancestor, I'd be thrilled with 4/5 of an obit vs. none at all :)
Thomas Ratcliff, son of William and Margaret Ratcliff was born Aug 4, 1834 in Sugar Creek Township, Parke County, Indiana and died Jan 20, 1914 at the home of his son, Miles A. in Fountain County, Indiana aged 79 years 4 months and 26 days. He grew to Manhood on the farm on which he was born and at the age of 23 years was married on April 18, 1854 to Juliette Gray. To this union 8 children were born: William M; Erastus M; Miles A; Elmer E; Barabara J; Lurton D; Margaret S and Juliettie all of whom are still living except Elmer E, who died in childhood. His wife Juliette, died March 17, 1875 and April 18, 1876 he was married to Mary Jenne and to this union were born these children: Anna G; Richard F; .... united with the Christian Church in .... His youthful life was spent during the pioneer days of this county and he was an active and ardent and persistent worker in the ? and arduous task of ... virgin timber that ... covered the land .... homestead...... can't read a bunch of this -- it's lengthy -- while only having the limited and meager school advantages of the day and to many now seems very crude indeed, he nevertheless obtained by hard work and cooperation of his fellowmen, comprehensive and progressive spirit that looked to the upbuilding and development of the country. He for 9 years filled the responsible position of Commissioner of his county with great credit and with marked (sorry, rest is gone)
Source: Kingman Star Friday, January 30, 1914
THOMAS R. RATCLIFF, son of William and Margaret Ratcliff was born Aug. 24, 1834, in Sugar Creek Twp., Parke Co, Ind., died Jan. 20, 1914 at the home of his son, Miles A. in Fountain Co, Ind., aged 79 years, 4 months and 26 days. He grew to manhood on the farm on which he was born and when 23 years of age was married on April 18, 1857 to Juliette Gray. To this union 8 children were born: Wm. M., Erastus M., Miles A., Elmer E., Barbara J., Lurton D., Margaret S., and Ettie, all of whom are still living, except Elmer R., who died in child hood. His wife, Juliette, died March 17, 1875 and April 18, 1876 he was married to Marry Jeune. To this union were born 4 children, Anna G., Richard F., Etherl and Carrie, all of whom are living. He united with the Pleasant Grove Christian church in 1873.
His youthful life was spent during the pioneer days of this county, and he was an active, ardent and persistent worker on the heavy and arduous task of removing the virgin timber, that so bountifully covered the land to carve out a homestead and establish a home. Being blest by nature with a strong and vigorous constitution
and an indomitable will that apparently laughed at all opposition, to the accomplishing of any results that hard labor could produce. With this spirit he had the happy faculty of enlisting the interest and cooperation of a faithful family of children that ably assisted in the accumulation of much property, and earned for themselves the enviable reputation widely known as a family of wonderful and honorable workers.
While only having the limited and meager school advantages of that day, and to many now seems very crude indeed, he nevertheless obtained by hard work and cooperation of his fellow men, a comprehensive and progressive spirit, that looked to the upbuilding and development of the country.
He for 9 years filled the important and respon-sible position of commissioner of his county with great credit, and with marked care and attention to the physical and financial needs of the county.
Since the death of his wife, Mary, he has found a home with his children, part of the time in the state of Texas, and the balance in this state, and for the last year of his life with his son, Miles. Unfortunately his mind during the last year lost its balance, no doubt largely the result of the hard labor passed through in earlier days, and so necessarily became a heavy care and constant charge to his son Miles, who though largely handicapped by afflictions in his own family, willingly accepted what fell to his lot, and patiently and kindly rendered the attention his needs demanded, and so justly is entitled to the blessing that God has promised to the child or children that honor and obey their parents.
And so another of the faithful men, who played an important part in the development of this goodly land, a rich heritage to the present generation, and whose life was always in close touch with natures wonderful mysteries, and hence in close touch with natures God, has passed out of this life, leaving as a comfort and inspiration to his children and friends, as expressed to friends, an abounding hope and trust in the mercy and grace of a kind heavenly Father.
Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Levi Woody from the home of Miles Ratcliff Thursday at 10 o’clock, after which the remains were taken to the Kachatt cemetery for burial. -S
Source: Kingman Star Friday, January 23, 1914
THOMAS R. RATCLIFF, one of the pioneer residents of this community, died at the home of his son Miles A. Ratcliff east of here Tuesday night, after a lingering illness. He was 79 years of age and is survived by seven children. Funeral services were held at 10 o’clock Thursday. Obituary will be published next week. -s -- note: the above obituary is likely it and hopefully will find it soon to nab the rest