RATCLIFFE, John G. 184-1912

RATCLIFFE ADAMS, KNAPP, FALBY

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 3/12/2003 at 05:37:15

John G. Ratcliffe, the veteran bridge builder, died at his home in Waukon last Saturday. He was perhaps known as widely as any man in this section.

Postville Review 7/12/1912

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Added by Joy Moore 12/8/2023:

Source: Decorah Republican July 11, 1912 P3 C7

John G. Ratcliffe Dead.
Word came to Decorah Monday of the death at his home in Waukon on Saturday last of John G. Ratcliffe, well known throughout this section as a bridge builder.

Mr. Ratcliffe was one of Allamakee’s oldest residents. He was born in West Virginia in 1844, and came to Allamakee with his parents in 1858. He helped on his parents’ farm and educated himself as a civil engineer, which calling he followed for some time. For some years he was a member of a partnership in the management of Village Creek Woolen Mill, but during the later years of his life he was engaged exclusively in bridge building. He not only did much work in his home county but held contracts for successive years in Winneshiek and secured considerable work elsewhere. On account of failing health he relinquished his activities in all lines several years ago and has lived in retirement.

Mr. Ratcliffe was twice married. His first wife was Miss Kate Adams of Winneshiek county to whom he was married in 1867. She passed away in 1867 and in the fall of 1870 he married Miss Emma Knapp of Woodstock, Ill. She passed away several years ago. He is survived by five children:--Mrs. Mary Falby, who resides in the east, another daughter (Ruby) living in Chicago, Dr. J. J. Ratcliffe of Aitkin, Minn., Ben and Miss Ruby Ratcliffe of Waukon.
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Transcriber’s Note: Find a Grave shows he was born May 17, 1844 and died July 6, 1912. He is buried in the Oakland Cemetery.