Ratledge, Mrs. William (died 1895)

RUTLEDGE, WOLFE, RATLEDGE

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 12/28/2019 at 12:19:04

Near Castana, Ia.: George Wolfe shot and killed Mrs. William Ratledge, with whom his divorced wife was staying, shot and fatally wounded his wife, and then committed suicide.

Source:
Stevens Point Journal, The (Stevens Point, Wisconsin) December 28,1895
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[Another Northwest Iowa newspaper mention]

DOUBLE TRAGEDY AT CASTANA.
George Wolfe Takes Unerring Aim at His Wife and Sister-in-Law

CASTANA, Ia., Dec. 18.—Early last evening George Wolfe shot his wife and her
sister, Mrs. William Ratledge and then surrendered. The women are mortally
wounded. Wolfe and his wife had been parted several months, she living in
Mr. Ratledge’s family. Jealousy is the supposed cause of the tragedy, but
Wolfe refuses to talk.

Source: LeMars IA, Semi-Weekly Sentinel, Dec. 23, 1895
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FURTHER RESEARCH: WOODBURY CO. IA COURTHOUSE
MARRIAGE LICENSE
Date/Place of Marriage: 07 FEB 1894, Sioux City
GROOM: William Ratledge, age 43,
Second Marriage
Residence: Monona County IA
Occupation: Farmer
Groom's Parents: Wm. Ratledge/Mary Ford
BRIDE: Mrs. Nettie (nee' Payne) Weddel, age 26
Second Marriage
Residence: Monona County IA
Bride's Parents: Wm. Payne/Sophia Stilwell
Marriage performed by Justice of the Peace.