US Congressman. A member of the Democratic Party, he served Connecticut's 5th District in the US House of Representatives from 1979 until 1985. Born in Danbury, Connecticut, he attended the University of Connecticut from where he received his BA in 1956, and attained his law degree from Georgetown Law School three years later. A member of the Connecticut National Guard (1959 to 1965), he launched his political career in 1962, initially as a member of Connecticut's House of Representatives until 1974 (serving as house speaker from 1969 to 1973). During his tenure in Congress, Ratchford became known for his tireless work on behalf of senior citizens and children. In 1993, he was appointed by President Clinton to serve in the General Services Administration, where he remained until 2001. He died of complications from Parkinson's disease.

US Congressman. A member of the Democratic Party, he served Connecticut's 5th District in the US House of Representatives from 1979 until 1985. Born in Danbury, Connecticut, he attended the University of Connecticut from where he received his BA in 1956, and attained his law degree from Georgetown Law School three years later. A member of the Connecticut National Guard (1959 to 1965), he launched his political career in 1962, initially as a member of Connecticut's House of Representatives until 1974 (serving as house speaker from 1969 to 1973). During his tenure in Congress, Ratchford became known for his tireless work on behalf of senior citizens and children. In 1993, he was appointed by President Clinton to serve in the General Services Administration, where he remained until 2001. He died of complications from Parkinson's disease.

Bio by: C.S.