Name: William R. RATCLIFF
There is controversy over what the middle initial "R" stands for. Some sources suggest "Richards" after a person by that name who was influential in the early life of his mother. Other sources suggest "Richard," which is a name used commonly in his father's line.

Father: William RATCLIFF (Mar 24 1803 - Nov 1 1878)
Mother: Abigail W. RICE (Oct 21 1809 - Dec 8 1881)

William R. RATCLIFF was born on March 17, 1832 in either Yazoo County or Amite County, Mississippi. His parents were married in Amite County, but within a few years they were living in Yazoo County, so his birthplace is uncertain.

In 1839 he and his family moved from Mississippi to Texas, eventually settling in Tyler County.

On September 22, 1853, at age 21, he married Lucy Blanche COLLIER, the daughter of James Gautney COLLIER and Elizabeth Ann "Eliza" STEWART in Tyler County, Texas.

He served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War in Company D, 11th Battalion (Spaight's) Texas Volunteers, having enlisted on June 13, 1862. He was detailed to make shoes for Confederate soldiers and was able to return home for this service.

On various censuses he was listed as a farmer.

He died on March 23, 1915 (or 1916), presumably in Tyler County, Texas, and was buried in Beech Creek Cemetery near Spurger in Tyler County, next to his wife and two of their daughters.

William and Lucy had a total of twelve children:

Elizabeth Abigail "Eliza" RATCLIFF
Charles Edward RATCLIFF
Alice Olivia RATCLIFF
John Rice RATCLIFF
William Anna RATCLIFF
Blanche Katheryn "Blannie" RATCLIFF
Lucy Donna RATCLIFF
Joseph Gautney RATCLIFF
Mary Elizabeth "Mollie" RATCLIFF
James Thomas RATCLIFF
Lalie Collier RATCLIFF
Lela Stewart RATCLIFF

Information updated on 2 November 2009 by Peter Bundgard