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Page 10 text:
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An Apprrriatum nf (Haptaut Ip. uL iKatltff {Irraiftrut nf iltmrb nf Sruatrra nf fKiaataat i (Cnllntr O COMPRESS the history of my father’s life into a few pages of your Annual A is impossible. His life has been too pregnant with possibilities and achieve- ments to so confine it. An ivory miniature of rare beauty and worth is still treasured among the “heir- looms” of our family. This miniature was painted in England about 1780, A. D., and is the portrait of Dr. Thomas Wilson, M. D., accredited “Court Physician” in the time of George IV, born on the Isle of Wight, this same courtly gentleman being the great grandfather of Captain Ratliff. The picture is most pleasing and is wonderfully preserved, a tribute alike to the painter’s skill and to the handsome appearance of the subject. “A Sketch in Miniature” is all that I can attempt with my pen in lieu of the painter’s brush. My father, W. T. Ratliff, was born in the town of Raymond, Miss., September 16, 18-55, and now resides within a mile of his birthplace. Being deprived in infancy of both parents he grew to young manhood under the strict tutelage of his maternal grandmother, daughter of the aforesaid Dr. Thomas Wilson. In behalf of this lady he it said no more cultured and beautifully educated woman ever lived in Mississippi than Mrs. Isabella Wilson Spencer. When British possessions were swept away she became herself an educator of no mean gifts, at a time when neither railroads nor schools were plentiful in Mississippi. So, under the training of frugal habits and self restraint, my father grew to young manhood, and at the age of seventeen years we find him entering Mississippi Col- lege. His experience was much like that of other students. Among other acts of his college life he made plea to the Faculty for permission to organize the Hermenian Society, setting forth the many advantages to be gained from having two debating societies instead of one. The glorious record of the Her- menian Society for the past fifty years amply attests the prophetic wisdom of her enthusiastic founder. To merit the good will and confidence of his fellowmen, and then with un- swerving devotion to duty to discharge the trust placed in him — this is his creed. His long service to Mississippi College is signally marked by this spirit.
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Page 11 text:
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Doctor J. B. Gambrell says of him: “I have often thought Captain W. T. Ratliff, of Raymond, Miss., the most all-round useful layman I have ever known. In the upbuilding of Mississippi College Captain Ratliff has been for more than a veneration one of the very strongest factors. For more than thirty years he has been President of the Board of Trustees, and to him more than to anybody else not in the Faculty is due the splendid position of that worthy Institution. In the time of the College’s deepest troubles, when every day was a fight for its life, Captain Ratliff gave to the College unstinted support. Amid the troubles through which it was passing His wisdom was invaluable. “For many years he had a very lucrative business and there never was a day he would not divide his last dollar with the College. Some men save their money until toward the close of life and give it in a lump sum. Captain Ratliff acted with a great deal more wisdom. He gave his money just when the College had to have it to live. He gave when the money counted most for the College. No man knows this better than the writer (Dr. Gambrell); for side by side we stood during the years of reconstruction in Mississippi and fought for the life of the College along with others. With consummate skill Captain Ratliff kept things together and kept things going. He was a friend of every man and every thing connected with the College. Speaking to a friend recently in Fort Worth, Texas, Doctor Gambrell again paid this tribute to my father: “I consider that Mississippi never produced a finer character. Some men are great in politics, he was; some are great religiously, he was and still is; some gain distinction as soldiers, he did. As an all-round good citizen none can surpass him. He represents what is great and good in every depart- ment of life. The sweet atmosphere of his home is simply delightful. His courage and fidelity to the objects of his affection have never been questioned. His record as a Baptist is simply inspiring and can be considered as second only to his loyalty to Mississippi College during the many years of turmoil and doubt. I am glad to have such a friend.” Thus with a master hand does Doctor Gambrell put the finishing touches on our “ Miniature. ” In all of the years of service to the College my mother has encouraged and sanctioned my father’s efforts. May the golden watch and chain presented by the Faculty and Senior Class of Mississippi College to Captain Ratliff on the occasion of his Golden Wedding give him so “ strong a hold on time ” that he may be “ linked ” with the future of the College for many years yet to come, is the prayer of his daughter. Mrs. Alma Ratliff Gray. 9
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