Polly Tower Heacock Ratcliff

RATCLIFF AND ALL VARIATIONS, GRIFFIN, HINKLE, SOWDERS, RUSH, SKINNER, HASTINGS

Posted By: Kate Jackson (email)
Date: 4/13/2006 at 16:15:50

On Monday morning last, at the home of her son, J.M. Ratcliffe, Esq., died Mrs. POLLY RATCLIFFE, aged eighty years, eight months and eight days. Among the last of her generation, she had “ -Lived to be /The last leaf upon the tree,” that, in its time, had vibrated an sighed and sung to the shifting winds of adversity and prosperity - not those that blew to her only, but she was a shelter to those oppressed by the burden and heat of the day.” Throughout her life. She was generous, whole-souled and helpful, in the days before old age had weakened her, and everybody had a friend in “Aunt Polly.” She, with her husband, some years deceased, came to Iowa county among the pioneers, and located in Marengo twenty-seven years ago. Her family are all men and women now, and she leaves them and a large circle of warm friends to mourn her loss. The funeral occurred Tuesday morning, services being conducted at the house by Rev. I.A. Bradrick, of the M.E. Church. (Marengo Republican Newspaper, January 12, 1881)