In late 1849, my 2nd g-grandfather, George W. Ratcliffe (b. 1818 in Boothbay Harbor, ME) left his wife and three daughters in St. Marys, GA, to join the gold rush. Family legend has it that he went by sea - my family were all seafarers - and arrived in the area of Tuolumne, CA in 1850. As far as I know, he was never heard from again, although there are reports (legend) that he was murdered there in 1851.

I do know that his wife, Mary Gravenstine, married Samual Cribb of St. Marys some time before 1870.

I would love to find any information about him, but have been unsuccessful. If anyone else is researching him, I would like to be in touch.

Thanks,
Cheryle