Elias Ratcliff, farmer; P. O. Covington; is a son of Elias Ratcliff, Sr., a native of Surry Co., N. C., who, in 1816, came to Ohio and located in Montgomery Co. There the subject of this sketch was born March 12, 1824, and received his early education; during early life, he learned the trade of a blacksmith, in which business he continued some seven years. He has been twice married; first on Oct. 26, 1846, with Miss Mary Shaffer, a daughter of John Shaffer, a native of North Carolina; Mary Ratcliff died, leaving five children; Davis, Alonzo, Elizabeth S., Perry and Anna A. His second marriage was with Miss Susan, daughter of Joel Hutchens, a native of North Carolina; they had two children; Etta B., and Willie A. W. Mr. Ratcliff has a beautiful farm, with good improvements, and takes a great interest in raising fruit, especially small fruit.