Industry
15
About 1875, a 32-wagon train of settlers arrived here from Georgia. Jesse H. Ratcliff (1844-1920) built a sawmill about 1885, drawing more people. A post office opened in 1889 with Ratcliff as postmaster, and the town soon had several stores. Professional men included Drs. H.L. McCall and Jake Jackson. Sold in 1901 to Louisiana & Texas Lumber Co., then to Central Coal & Coke Co., the sawmill became a vast complex. It operated until 1917, when it closed. The community survived by turning to logging or other enterprises, although many residents moved away. The Ratcliff schools consolidated with Kennard in 1955.
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