Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain County, Indiana
(Chapman Brothers, 1893) p 476
James W. RATCLIFF, a farmer, who is identified wth the agricultural interests of Fountain
Co and has a substantially improved farm on Sec 36, Mill Creek Twp is a native of Parke
Co, 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 and is a son of Thomas
Ratcliff who was likewise born in that state was reared amid pioneer scenes and eventually
came tot his state and cast his lot with the early settlers of Ft. Co. Thomas Ratcliff
lived near Danvilel 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 fromt he Government was in a primeval condition with
the great forest trees of centrueis 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 Indiana at least it belonged to their domains and int
he 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 ont he old hom 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 aptitutde 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 Tpw, Parke Co and after marriage locate dont he 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 Co. He was of English birth, and came to this country when a boy.
He lived for some time in Dearborn Co. 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 int he public 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 purposes 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 of which he was a charter member.