My Genealogy Hound
Below is a family biography included in the book, The History of Lewis County, Missouri published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1887. These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary. Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more. There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.
* * * *
W. L. C. Ratherford was born in East Tennessee, October 24, 1836, and was left an orphan when an infant. His mother’s maiden name was Lucinda Rogers, and otherwise he was left with no knowledge of his parents. After his father’s death his mother came to Jefferson County, Ill., and he came to Lewis County in the fall of 1855. He soon after came to Deer Ridge with G. F. Baltzell. Since then he has been engaged as a mechanic, and with fair success. He was married to Elizabeth Seaman of Knox County, Mo., on June 10, 1858. Elizabeth Seaman was the eldest daughter of Harrison and Louisa A. Seaman, of Knox County, Mo. W. L. C. Ratherford and Elizabeth Ratherford’s children are Ida L., Harrison S., Lizzie E., John L. and William W. Our subject served in the militia for several weeks, and has served as justice for ten years, and school direct or for thirteen years. He is a Mason, a member of the grange, and a member of the Anti-Horse-Thief Association. His ancestry is Scotch-Irish.
* * * *
This family biography is one of 293 biographies included in the Lewis County, Missouri portion of the book, The History of Lewis, Clark, Knox and Scotland Counties, Missouri published in 1887. For the complete description, click here: Lewis County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps
View additional Lewis County, Missouri family biographies here: Lewis County, Missouri Biographies
Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.