Rains Co.TX William Riley Ratliff submitted by Melissa Manuel
William Riley Ratliff was according to existing records at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., first listed on census records in 1860. Ratliff is listed as age 32, a farmer. He was born in a small Cherokee Indian settlement in central Alabama in 1825. He was married to Melissa Emmaline Allred, 28 years of age. Melissa was born 28 August 1831 and died in Wood County, Texas, 3 January 1861. (They were married in Blount County, Alabama, 22 August 1850.) William and Melissa had three children John Pickney, 9 years of age (born 24 July 1852, died 17 June 1872), Alabama 5 years of age (born 1855 death unknown), and William Benjamin, 2 months of age (born 14 May 1856, died June 1886). He was listed with a personal worth of $400.00. Ratliff listed F.S. Baird, 32 year old white male, born in Alabama as living with them. He was a teacher in the Community School and listed a personal worth of $1,500.00.
Ratliff enlisted in the Confederate Army in Quitman, Texas, on 10 May 1862, at the age of 34 for a period of three years. He was assigned to Company H 22nd Texas Infantry, Hubbards Texas Infantry. Records indicate he was at Camp Nelson, Little Rock, Arkansas, 30 June 1862, and was paroled after capture at Shreveport, Louisiana, 27 February 1863. Ratliff rejoined the army after his parol and was a member of Company B, 1st Regiment Cavalry, Texas State Troops, for six months, November - March 1863 to 1864.
Ratliff married Mary Elizabeth King in Rains County, Texas, on 6 May 1867. Mary Elizabeth was born 26 June 1849 in Benton County, Alabama. She died in Cumby, Texas, on 21 May 1935. This union produced ten children: Julia, born 1867, death unknown; Nanny O., born 1868, death unknown; Robert Joseph, born 1872, died 24 March 1904; Ira, born 1875, death unknown; James Nathaniel (Fan), born 25 January 1876, died 16 April 1954; David A. (Dave), born 3 February 1879, died 14 September 1949; May, born 11 January 1886, died 14 April Everet, born 1890, death unknown; and Nathan, born June 1892, died August 1908.
William Riley Ratliff died 16 June 1907 at Emory, Texas, and is buried with his wife Mary Elizabeth at Clifton Cemetary.
In Addition:
Information found in his Civil War service records:
It took him 22 miles to get to Quitman, Texas from where he was living.
He enlisted for 3 years
He was 35 when signed up
He mustered in May 10, 1862
December 1862 he left sick from Camp Nelson at Little Rock, Arkansas
He was issued clothing in July 27, 1863
For the months of January and February of 1864 he was absent at muster. "Remarks: Absnetion furlogh from extra duty."
He was paid a bounty of $50. Year unknown.