History of Randolph County, Missouri (1920)
Author: Waller, Alexander H
Publisher: Topeka : Historical Publishing Company

Irven Ratliff, prosperous and progressive farmer and stockman, who
is the owner of a well improved farm of 300 acres in Chariton township,
is a native of Illinois. He was born in Hancock County, 111. July 16,
1865 and is a son of William and Nannie (Cozad) Ratliff. William Rat-
liff was a native of Virginia. He came to Missouri with his family in
1867 and settled near the line between Macon and Randolph counties.
Here he engaged in farming and spent the remainder of his life in that
locality. He died in 1914 at the age of 70 years. Nannie (Cozad) Rat-
liff was a native of Illinois and a daughted of Benjamin Cozad. She was
born in 1849 and now resides on her home place in Macon County where
she is the owner of a farm of 80 acres. To William and Nannie (Cozad)
Ratliff were bom the following children : Mrs. Lucy Maude Swetnam, de-
ceased; Ethel, deceased; Mrs. Mattie Reed, lives in Oklahoma; Mrs. Angle
Phipps, lives in Texas; B. C, Moberly; Velora, resides in Macon County;
Harry also resides in Macon County and Irven, the subject of this sketch.
Four children died in infancy.

Irven Ratliiff was educated in the district schools and remained at
home with his parents until he was about 20 years of age. He then went
to California and after remaining on the Pacific coast four years he re-
turned to Randolph County and here engaged in farming and stock rais-
ing. He first bought 120 acres of land and has bought more land from
time to time until he is now the owner of 300 acres. His place is well im-
proved with a good residence and one of the best barns in Chariton town-
ship which he built in 1919. It is a substantial building 34x78 feet in
dimension. Mr. Ratliff carries on general farming "and stock raising and
is also a successful breeder of pure bred Duroc Jersey hogs. He also
raises cattle and horses and feeds cattle for the market.

Mr.Ratliff was married Jan. 8, 1890 to Miss Mary S. Harlan. She
iS: a daughter of Samuel L. and Martha Elzira (MofRtt) Harlan, natives
of Randolph County and McDonald County, respectively. To Mr. and Mrs. Ratliff have been born the following children: Raymie C, born in
Randolph County, March 29, 1891 ; Rupert Earl, born July 19, 1896, served
in the National army during the World War from September, 1918 and
was discharged in February, 1919, at Camp McArthur; Leonora H., bom
June 20, 1898 is a student of Stephens College, Columbia, Mo.; Harold,
born June 18, 1905 and Howard, bom Sept. 19, 1910 and Reta and Reber
died in childhood.

Mr. RatlIff is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. He
is one of the representative and progressive citizens of Randolph County.


-Thanks to contributor Jude for sending this!