RATCLIFF, Robert F.

RATCLIFF, PIKE, FREEMAN, GILLETTE, ROLLINS

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 6/14/2006 at 21:12:38

"Fairfield Tribune", Wed., Nov. 27, 1912, Pg. 7, Col. 4

AGED PIONEER DIES... Robert F. RATCLIFF, aged 87....

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"Fairfield Daily Journal", Wed., Nov. 20, 1912, Pg. 2, Col. 2

ROBERT RATCLIFF died this morning at 3 o'clock at the Jefferson County Hospital after an illness of some time. He suffered a stroke of apoplexy several weeks ago and since then has been steadily failing. Mr. RATCLIFF had made his home in Fairfield since 1850.

He was born in Williamsburg, Virginia, February 9, 1825, and two years afterwards moved with his parents to Harrison County, Ohio. In 1846 he located in St. Charles, Mo., and taught school for a year, after which he returned to Ohio. In the spring of 1849 he removed to Van Buren County, Iowa, and the following year came to Fairfield. Mr. RATCLIFF followed teaching until 1854 when he was elected Clerk of the District Court, which office he held until 1861. In that year he was elected Mayor of this city, which office he filled with credit to himself and the community.

Mr. RATCLIFF was married on March 18, 1849, to Martha Helen PIKE of Maysville, Kentucky. She died on July 10, 1862, leaving five children, one of whom, Fritz A., has since passed away. Mr. RATCLIFF was married a second time on Oct. 10, 1863, to Mrs. Margaret A. FREEMAN whose death occurred Feb. 1, 1911.

Mr. RATCLIFF studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1851 but did not begin his practice until 1861. He was a public spirited man and in the declining years of his life liked to relate stories of the early pioneer days in Fairfield and Jefferson County.

Mr. RATCLIFF is survived by four children: Wallace H. and Bruce S. both of this city, Mrs. Virginia E. GILLETTE of Nelestone (?), Montana, and Mrs. Helen ROLLINS of Brooklyn, New York.... The remains were taken to the Bruce RATCLIFF home on East Adams Street and the funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. A. F. Newell will conduct the services and the members of the I.O.O.F. lodge are especially invited.

[Also posted to the Van Buren County Obituaries board]

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.