I j

Justus Henry Rathbone (1839-1889)

April 1985 THE RATHBUN-RATHBONE-RATHBURN FAMILY HISTORIAN

Volume Five • Number Two • April 1985

Letter From the Editor Registration

With this issue, our Historian moves starts and a lot of frustration, I figured it for Reunion into the computer age. The articles have out. This issue's copy was written and been typed onto a computer disc and safely stored on a "floppy disc." It was Nears 150 transferred electronically to a com­ like going from a pencil to a typewriter, puterized typesetting machine. Your from a horse and buggy to an automo­ editor, at the age of 60, has entered the bile! As we go to press, nearly 150 cousins world of cursors, command modes and In view of the potential savings, we have already signed up for our family video screens. have decided to invest some of our as­ reunion next August 1-4 in Des Moines, This is how it came about: Our print­ sociation's surplus funds into our own Iowa, and we expect the total to go ers, in February, gave us some bad computor and printer. It will mean a sav­ higher. It looks like another outstanding news and some good news. The bad ings of $600 a year in publishing the reunion! news was that after four years, they Historian and countless hours of my Although we set a March 31 deadline were going to increase their charge for time, and Hazel's, in typing, pencil edit­ for reservations, there is still time to add typesetting and printing our Historian - ing, retyping and proofreading. I can more names to the list. If you have by $150 each issue, or $600 annually. also use the computer and printer for already sent us your registration form The good news was that this increase answering mail, which has become a could be avoided if we "went computer," time-consuming task. As a result, I will and check, you will be receiving an in­ and they offered to let us borrow a word­ have more time for researching the arti­ formation package within the next processing machine for a few weeks cles I write for the Historian. month. If you still haven't decided, or and teach me how to use it. Another potential money-saving ad­ have delayed sending your registration As a former newspaperman who still vantage is the possibility of maintaining form, you can still attend if you hurry. used a manual typewriter, I was some­ our own mailing list, now done by a Call or write us now if you have lost or what reluctant, but agreed to give it a try. computerized mailing firm . mislaid the reunion material sent with Five days later, after several shaky Other good news: our membership the last Historian. has reached 407, one more than the Our headquarters hotel is already total at which we ended 1984. This booked full, but there are other accom­ came from a surge of new members, modations available in the city. many of them due to the efforts of pre­ Meanwhile, we are busily making The Rathbun­ sent members, to whom we are most plans for the reunion activities. John Rathbone-Rathburn grateful. All except 27 of last year's Bowen is assembling pictures for his Family Historian is members eventually sent in their re­ slide presentation on the reunion theme published quarterly newal checks. - "The Family Moves West." Haybron by the Rathbun The next issue of the Historian will be Adams is collecting material for his sem­ the last before the August reunion in Family Association inar on genealogical research. Rev. Bill Iowa, and will be devoted to the reunion and Dorothy Rathbun will show a video at 11308 Popes Head theme - "The family moves west. " of the 1983 Block Island reunion. Road, Fairfax, Va_ Early retums indicate a good tumout for Rev.Ray Martin is ready to put together the reunion and I look forward to seeing 22030. a "Family Chorus" and is looking for many of you there. (703) 278-8512 On the back page of each issue, we volunteers with some singing ability and have been listing and thanking the experience. If you are interested, write Frank H. Rathbun members who have sent in family data, Ray at Route 2, Center Drive, Taylors, Editor & Publisher pictures, obituaries and other news­ S.C. 29687. Practice sessions will be Robert Rathbun paper clippings, and family events such conducted at Des Moines, and the Research Director as births, marriages, death, reunions Chorus will Sing at our formal dinner program Friday night. Don't forget to Hazel J. Rathbun etc. Such assistance is invaluable in our continuing task of updating the family bring your family heirlooms and anti­ Assistant Editor genealogy and making the Historian a ques for display - pictures, Bibles, Frank H_ Rathbun III valuable record for the future. Let's see documents, small antiques, anything Production Manager more names in the "Thank You" list. that has been passed down in your Janice A. Rathbun branch of the family. Business Manager Other highlights of the reunion - get­ acquainted reception, bus trip to the ISSN 0737-7711 town of Rathbun and a picnic on the shores of Rathbun "Lake.

18 Association Asks for Stamp Honoring John Peck Rathbun

Our Association has formally asked the United States Postal Service to issue a stamp honoring Captain John Peck Rathbun of the American Revo­ lutionary Navy. Captain Rathbun, whose life and ex­ ploits were outlined in past Historians (Oct. 1982 and Jan., April and July 1983), can truly be called a forgotten hero of the American Revolution. Many naval historians consider him at least the equal of John Paul Jones, who is considered the Revolution's leading Naval hero. Rathbun was Jones' lieu­ tenant for nearly a year, and his "valour and conduct" were credited for most of Jones' success during that time. After being commissioned a captain and given command of the sloop Provi­ The continental sloop Providence, commanded by Captain John Peck Rathbun, is dence , he chalked up an impressive list shown in this Francis Holman painting of a 1777 sea battle with the British ship of accomplishments, including the Mary. single-handed capture of Nassau in 1778. The Naval Committee of the Con­ tinental Congress was so impressed who hired Rathbun as a privateer com­ both times. A destroyer was named they nicknamed Providence the "Lucky mander, described him as "a man of Rathburne in 1918 and remained in ser­ Sloop." known courage." One of Rathbun's vice through World War II. She was Later, in command of the Queen of seamen who survived imprisonment in severely damaged in a 1945 kamikase France in a three-ship squadron, Rath­ England, referred to him as "the gallant attack off Okinawa, and decomissioned bun led his fellow captains in a daring Captain Rathbun. n The Eastern Navy later that year. In 1969, a destroyer es­ raid against a 60-ship British merchant Board , in recommending him for pro­ cort was named Rathbume, and is still in fleet. Using tactics of deception worthy motion to captain, termed him "a very service. of an adventure novel, the Americans active, spirited officer." The Navy Department concedes that captured 10 British ships. Two later es­ Modern writers have also recognized an error was made when the first Rath­ caped, but the remaining eight, with Rathbun's role in the first American burne was named, and contends that their cargoes, were sold for more than Navy. Naval Historian William James the second Rathbume was named for one million dollars - making the cruise Morgan in his Captains to the Northward the first, thus compounding the error. A the most profitable seagoing expedition called Rathbun "one of the most re­ Department spokesman told us that it in the entire war. sourceful and succesful captains in the would be too costly and confusing to After losing the Queen of France at Continental Navy.n Author Fred J. Cook change the name now, but promised the fall of Charlestown in 1780, Rathbun in his Forgotten Heroes of the American that when the present Rathbume is de­ turned to privateering and ended up in Revolution declared that "the name of commissioned, probably in 10 to 15 an English prison, where he died. His John Peck Rathbun stands high .. years, the Navy will give "every con­ name and exploits were virtually lost to among the many who should be res­ sideration" to naming a ship Rathbun in History for nearly two centuries. Our cued from oblivion.n Hope Rider in her proper commemoration of John Peck Historian published the first full-length Valour Fore & Aft stated that Rathbun Rathbun. account of his life and Navy career. had "one of the most dashing and dis­ In the meantime, we believe it would The few surviving references to Rath­ tinguished careers of the Revolutionary be most appropriate for the Postal Ser­ bun by his contemporaries indicate the Navy." ivce to issue a special stamp com­ high esteem in which he was held during Despite his outstanding record and memorating the Revolutionary War ser­ his lifetime: belated recognition, Rathbun has re­ vice of our cousin, Captain John Peck Esek Hopkins, the Navy's first com­ ceived little official notice. The U.S. Rathbun- a true "forgotten hero. n modore, called him a "man of courage." Navy has named two ships in his honor, We will let you know what the Postal Henry Mitchell, the Boston merchant but misspelled his name as "Rathburne" Service says about our request.

19 Knights of Pythias Founded by Justus Henry Rathbone

The Knights of Pythias, one of the world's oldest fraternal organizations, was founded 121 years ago by one of our cousins, Justus Henry Rathbone. Its membership peaked at nearly 1,000,000 about 60 years ago, but today is less than 200,000. Rathbone's early years in the Knights of Pythias were filled with controversy, but by the time of his death he was held in high esteem as the recognized founder of the order. Justus Henry Rathbone was born Oct. 29,1839, in Deerfield, Onieda Co., N.Y. , the youngest child and only son of Justus Hull8 Rathbone (DavidS John' 3 2 Joshua John .') and Sarah Elizabeth Dwight. Justus Rathbone Sr. was a lawyer and church elder. Both his father and grandfather had been Baptist ministers, Justus Henry Rathbone about the time Rathbone at the age of 25, when he so religion played an important part in he was a teacher in Michigan's Copper founded the Knights of Pythias in Wash­ the family's life. His wife was descended Country in 1861 . ington, D.C., in 1864. from the famous Presbyterian leader, Jonathan Edwards. Her father, Henry Dwight, was an innkeeper who was six ison State University (now Colgate), all metic and handwriting in a little one­ feet six inches tall, weighed 365 pounds in New York. room schoolhouse. As a sideline, he and was noted for his fine Singing voice. At 18, young Justus rebelled, quit sold books, stationery and playing This mixture of ancestry strongly in­ school and "took off" for the west in cards. Rathbone was obviously a most fluenced young Justus Henry Rath­ 1857. He was more interested in singing versatile young man. bone, who was deeply religious, a fine and acting than in law or the ministry. He In May, 1861, he received word of his singer and actor, and fought a weight had learned to play several instruments, father's death in Utica, and immediately problem all his life. At age 37, standing loved to sing and had composed several set off for home. His roving days were five feet, 10 inches, tall, he weighed 230 songs. It was a day when many Ameri­ over. Rathbone settled down, and was pounds. Originally baptized as Henry cans were taking the advice of Horace married the following year to Emma Edwin Dwight Rathbone, his name was Greeley to "Go West, young man." Louise Sanger. They moved to Ger­ changed to Justus Henry by his parents Rathbone roamed the midwest for mantown, Pa. , and with the Civil War when he was 10 years old, but he was several years with a traveling theatrical then in its second year, he volunteered known as Harry. group, doing odd jobs when necessary. as a "citizen nurse" at the hospital there. Young Rathbone's mother died in Eventually he became part owner of a A year later, he was drafted into the 1851 , when he was 12, leaving him to traveling minstrel show. In 1859, the Army, became a hospital steward and the care of his father and two older sis­ company fell upon hard times, ran out of was assigned to the Surgeon-General's ters in Utica, N.Y., where the family had money and finally dissolved during a office in Washington, D.C. moved when he was a young boy. His tour of upper Michigan's copper country. It was during the following year that he father hoped Justus would become a Finding himself broke and stranded, he conceived the idea of forming a secret lawyer or minister and provided him with applied for a position as schoolteacher association of men based on the con­ an excellent education for that day. He in the little town of Copper Harbor. He cept of "brotherly love" as expressed in spent several years in a boarding easily passed the school inspectors' test the Greek legend of Damon and school, then attended Courtland Acad­ and was certified to teach spelling, Pythias. Rathbone had once directed a emy, Carlisle Seminary and finally Mad- grammar, reading, geography, arith- play based on this story, in which

20 Pythias was condemned to death for bigger. They decided to create other matic interests. His wife was pregnant, treason. His friend, Damon, offered lodges of the Knights and made plans to and in September that year, their first himself as security so that Pythias could form a Grand Lodge as the overall gov­ child was born - a daughter named visit his wife and children. When the time erning body. One of the leaders in this Mary Clark Rathbone who lived only 11 for execution came, Pythias had not movement was Joseph Plant, who months. returned and Damon was led to the Rathbone had asked to be temporary In March 1865, Rathbone was dis­ place of execution. At the last minute, chairman o~ the first meeting and who charged from the Army, left the Pythias appeared and embraced his had later been elected to the third rank­ Surgeon-General's office and found a friend. Dionysius, the emperor, was so ing office - Venerable Patriarch. position as a civilian clerk in the office of moved that he released both men and Plant seems to have been an ambi­ the Commissary-General of Sub­ asked to join in their friendship. tious fellow, and he quickly emerged as sistence. In June 1866, his wife had Rathbone worked for several months Rathbone's rival. Plant announced that, another baby girl who was named on a ritual for his proposed organization since he had chaired the first meeting, Lucretia. and completed it in January 1864. As a he should be considered the highest Meanwhile, the Knights of Pythias member of the Freemasons, he utilized ranking member of the order. Rathbone, was growing, although slowly. A Grand that organization's ritual as a guide. On who.J1ad worked so long to establish the Lodge had been established, with Plant Feb ., 15, he gathered four of his closest Knights, was understandably hurt. A as grand chancellor, and four new friends together and read them the mild-mannered man, he chose not to lodges had been formed. On April 30, ritual. They were enthusiastic and a fight Plant, but instead, on April 16, 1866, probably at the urging of friends in second meeting was called four days 1864, two months after the founding the Knights, Rathbone petitioned to re­ later, on Feb. 19 in Temperance Hall. session, he resigned from the organ­ join the order. Thirteen young men attended, all gov­ ization which had been his idea. "Officers and brothers," he wrote. "I ernment clerks between the ages of 20 The Knights of Pythias went on with­ respectfully make application for mem­ and 30. One of the participants, Abra­ out him, and Rathbone tumed his atten­ bership in Franklin Lodge #2. Having ham VanDerveer, later wrote this ac­ tion to his job, his family and his dra- been the sole originator of the Order and count of the meeting: a member in good standing of Washing­ ".. while a general conversation was ton Lodge #1, now defunct, I make this going on, Brother Rathbone sung out, application for the pure love of the order 'Lock the door.' The order was obeyed and a desire to see it prosper, and I wish and the door was locked. Brother Rath­ to devote my energies to the above pur­ bone called the gentlemen to order and pose." stated in a fitting manner for what pur­ The Knights unanimously accepted pose we were called together . . . I wish I his application and he was "heartily wel­ could recall his words, for they were full comed" back into membership. That of kindness and love.. the night was same year, he resigned his job for a very cold and the temperature un­ better position in the Treasury Depart­ comfortable, having no fire nor heat of ment's auditing division. With the back­ any kind in the hall. Some of the gentle­ ing of a U.S. senator, a congressman men were restless, but as they became and other high-ranking Federal officials, interested, they warmed up. Brother he was appointed a Class One Cleric Rathbone then asked Joseph T.K. Plant The following year, for unknown rea­ to take the chair, and D.L. Burnett was sons, he withdrew from the Franklin nominated for secretary. After thus or­ Lodge, joined the new Liberty Lodge ganizing the meeting, Brother Rathbone and then quit that lodge two years later arose and made a further statement that in May 1869, when he resigned his the purpose of the meeting was for the clerkship and moved to Boston to work organization of a secret order, having for for the Independent News Company. its object, friendship, benevolence and Two years later, the firm transferred him charity. Then the necessary oath was to Brooklyn, N.Y., where he remained read by Brother Rathbone and admin­ three years. istered to them. Rathbone was elected During these years, his wife bore to head the new organization and eight three more children - two sons, who other officers were chosen. Few, if any died in infancy, and another daughter, of us, present on that memorable occa­ Sarah. In the fall of 1873, they returned sion pictured to their minds what would to Washington, where he became a be the result. ." clerk in the War Department's corre­ Rathbone had at first envisioned an spondence division. After two pro­ organization of government clerks in Rathbone dressed for the role of Po­ motions in 14 months, he was sent to Washington, but he and other members cahontas during his early acting days, soon saw the possibility of something far possibly in Michigan. (continued on page 26)

21 Liverpool Rathbones Send Six Members to Parliament

In our last issue, we continued the story of the distinguished Liverpool Rathbones, carrying the story down to 1868, when the sixth William Rathbone was elected to the House of Commons after a long and successful business career. He found politics more to his liking than business.

William Rathbone took to politics like a "duck to water," mingling easily with the men of varied backgrounds and tal­ ents who made up the British Parlia­ ment. He was both popular and influ­ ential. As a political campaigner, he was not eloquent, but was obviously effective. One acquaintance said of him: "He was a poor speaker, but he always had something to say that was worth listen­ ing to ." In London, where he and his family lived while Parliament was in session, he developed his own style to win sup­ port for legislation he favored. He gave frequent breakfast and dinner parties for small groups of fellow members of Par­ liament in both parties, expounding his ideas and arguments. Rathbone's achievements during his 26-year career in Parliament are too numerous to be listed, but they were The sixth William Rathbone (1819-1902) near the end of his years of service in largely in such areas as tax and election 26 the English House of Commons. reform, educational improvements and programs to help the poor. By the early 1890s, when he was in working masses of England. Miss Night­ A younger brother, Philip Henry, his seventies, a hearing problem which ingale's wreath bore the inscription, "In served on the Council for 27 years until had plagued him for many years pro­ remembrance and humble love of one of his death in 1895. He was the grand­ gressed to the point that he was almost God's best and greatest sons." By his father of Basil Rathbone, the famous deaf. This made him conclude, in 1896, two wives, Lucretia Gair and Emily Lyle, actor, and of Joy Robinson, one of our to retire from Parliament. He lived an­ Rathbone had eleven children, one of English members. Joy's father, Herbert other six years, dying in 1902 at age 83. whom died in childhood. Rathbone, was also on the City Council On his death bed, he told his family: Two of the sixth William Rathbone's for many years and was Lord Mayor in "What a long life, and, on the whole, brothers also became prominent in poli­ 1913-14. what a happy one!" tics, at the local level. Samuel Greg Another of Philip's sons, Oswald, an Among the masses of flowers at his Rathbone, his partner in the family busi­ insurance underwriter, was the grand­ funeral was a wreath from Florence ness, served five years on the Liverpool father of Julian Rathbone, an inter­ Nightingale, the world-famous nurse City Council, and then was chairman of nationally known writer of spy stories, with whom he had worked for many the School Board for 18 years until his whose books are popular today in both years to improve health care for the death in 1894. England and the United States.

22 One of Philip's daughters, Ethel, mar­ tional Committee for Rescue from Nazi Eleanor Rathbone, a member of ried Sir Rowland Whitehead and is the Terror. Her Quaker ancestors would the British Parliament for 17 years, great-grandmother of two of our Associ­ have been proud of Eleanor and her was a fascinating woman whose ca­ ations's English members-Peter Rath­ work. reer was outlined in a 1950 bi0g­ bone Whitehead and Victoria-Augusta Even before her death, another family raphy written by one of her friends, Rathbone Whitehead. member had joined Eleanor in Parlia­ Mary D. Stocks, who used many di­ After William Rathbone's tenure in the ment. John Rankin Rathbone, her great­ rect quotes from Miss Rathbone's House of Commons, from 1868 until nephew (son of William the eighth), was writings and speeches in telling her 1896, there were no more of the family in elected in 1935, aged 24, joined the life story. Space does not permit a Parliament until 1923, when his cousin Royal Air Force at the outbreak of World wide sampling, but a few will give (and son-in-law) Hugh Reynolds Rath­ War II and was killed in action during the some idea of her character and bone, served one two-year term. Battle of Britain in 1940. philosophy: Then, in 1929, William's daughter, He was succeeded in Parliament by In a 1925 speech, after Parliament Eleanor, became the second woman his wife, Beatrice, for a short time, and had given women the right to vote ever elected to Parliament (the first was then in 1971 , his son, John Rankin Rath­ (after a long battle In which Eleanor Lady Nancy Astor in 1919). Eleanor bone Jr. was elected to the House of had been an active participant), she Rathbone was a remarkable woman Commons, and is today still a member. told a women's group - -At last we whose career was as impressive as her In addition to members of Parliament, have done with the boring business father's. the Liverpool Rathbones have con­ of measuring everything that women tributed many other valuable citizens to want, or Is offered them, by men's English society - attorneys, educators, standards .. . women need to fulfil journalists, architects, artists and busi­ the potentialities of their own natures nessmen. Two descendants today still and adjust themselves to the cir­ oversee the activities of the ancient cumstances of their own liVes." Rathbone Brothers firm in Liverpool. Although descended from gener­ Another Rathbone descendant be­ ations of Quakers and then Uni­ came famous in another way. Hugo tarians, she was surprisingly indiffer­ Ponsonby Rathbone, born in 1895, at­ ent to religion. In writing instructions tended Oxford, joined the Students' for her funeral, she commented: -My Socialist Party, and later was a founding own feeling Is that whether the soul member of the British Communist Party. survives the body - and of that I am He was a prolific writer; a book he wrote not sure - my body Is not me and of on India was published in Russia. He no more importance than a cast-off quit the Communist Party at one point, garment. 00 not take this to mean Eleanor Rathbun but rejoined in 1956. Hugh was a great­ that I am un-Chrlstian. I do not think I (1872-1946) grandson of Richard Rathbone, son of am. But Christianity seems to me a the fourth William. guide for life, but is rather vague The Rathbone estate at Greenbank Born in 1872, she attended Liverpool about the after-life. . ." and Oxford universities, and in 1909 at was inherited by Hugh Reynolds Rath­ In 1937, as England and France the age of 37, she became the first bone, the member of Parliament in debated how to deal with Hitler's woman ever elected to Liverpool City 1921 -23, who had married Emily Evelyn growing demands, she was' worried Council, serving for the next 25 years. Rathbone, daughter of the sixth William. about the future. "The balance of She was elected to the House of Com­ After William's death in 1902, they lived power in Europe is being steadily mons in 1929 as an Independent, repre­ at Greenbank for many years. Hugh was shifted to our disadvantage. . •• senting the English universities. She active in the affairs of Liverpool Univer­ When Freedom has been sub­ served until her death 17 years later. sity, which he served for many years as merged allover Europe, will ourfree­ An active and effective member of treasurer. He and Emily donated much dam survive? Or ... will the point be Parliament, she is noted primarily as the of the Greenbank land to the university, reached at which we will fight, but­ author of Britain's 1945 "family allow­ and after his death in 1940 the rest of the ance" system - the foundation of Eng­ estate was given to the university by his what Is only too likely - fight alone?" family allow­ land's entire welfare system. wife and children in accordance with his The BI1tIsh system of She was a leader in many national wishes. Greenbank House was occu­ ances was Inaugurated In 1945, and organizations, including the League of pied by the British Admiralty during the Eleanor Rathbone Is given major Nations Union, the Children's Nutrition Second World War. In 1953-64, it was credit for Its adoption. -at was her Council , the Family Endowment So­ made into a clubhouse for the college's victory,· wrote Mrs. Stock, · con­ ciety, the Parliamentary Committee on staff and students. Fittingly, the univer­ ceIved '" her brain, brought to birth Refugees and the Committee on Span­ sity had been established in 1882 by her J*8Istence and ~ by ish Relief. During the Second World largely through the efforts of the sixth .. vehamence.· War, she was vice-chairman of the Na- William Rathbone.

23 Family's First Names Show Many Changes in 400 Years

Analysis of the given names of our The 1700s saw a religious revival in Walter Clark Rathbun and Benjamin family members over the years is an America and a strong leaning toward the Hall Rathbone - all born before 1780. interesting study of changing traditions. Bible as a source of given names for In families with no sons, a daughter The parish records at Farnworth children. Our family records show such would sometimes give her maiden Chapel, where our early English an­ familiar Biblical names as Aaron, Abel, name to her first son as a given name so cestors worshipped in the early 1500s, Amos, Abiather, Ebenezer, Elijah, that the name would not be forgotten. In show a strong preference for the male Isaac, Lazarus, Levi, Moses, Nathaniel, early Rhode Island and Connecticut given names of John, Thomas, William, Nehemiah, Obadiah, Solomon and Za­ records, our surname can sometimes Richard and Henry. All except Thomas chariah. Among girls' names we find be found as a given name - Rathbun come from famous English kings - many Marys,Charitys, Hannahs, Re­ Barber, Rathbone Northrup and Rath­ John of Magna Carta fame, William the beccas and Sabras. This era also bun Greene are three examples. Conqueror, Richard the Lion-Hearted Some Rathbun men were given their and Henry VIII, who founded the Church mother's family surname as a first name of England. The name Thomas is from - Adams Rathbone, Clark Rathbun, Thomas a Becket, archbishop of Can­ Updyke Rathbun, Eldred Rathbun, Ol­ terbury, who was martyred in 1170 and ney Rathbun, Tibbets Rathbun, Ran­ became a national hero. Among the The name John has been som Rathbone, Pearson Rathbun and most common female names for our popular in our family for four Martin Rathbun, to name a few. family in the Farnworth Register are centuries. But how would you By the early 1800s, middle names Alice, Margaret or Margery, Catherine, like to carry the name Strange had become customary and the old Bib­ Elizabeth, Ellen and Sarah. Harmon Griffin Rathbun? Or lical names less common. Our an­ Our immigrant ancestors, John and Demornington Rathbun? Or cestors, along with their con­ Margaret, followed these traditions after temporaries, turned to political, military migrating to the new world. They named Epaphroditus Rathbun? and religious leaders as name sources. their first three sons John, Thomas and These are some of the unusual George Washington, our first presi­ William, and their daughters Sarah, names given to early members dent, was especially popular. Dozens of Margaret and Elizabeth. Their other of our family. Rathbuns, Rathbones and Rathburns sons were Joseph and Samuel. were named for the "Father of our coun­ These children largely followed the try." Probably the first to be so named same tradition. Among John and Mar­ was George Washington Rathbun, born garet's known grandchildren were five in 1775 to Job" Rathbun (Benjamin3 Jo­ Thomases, four Johns, four Elizabeths, seph2John '), who was known simply as three Margarets and two Sarahs. brought such names as Delight, Desire, "WaShington. " The next generation showed a similar Experience, Freelove, Mercy, Tem­ We also had our share of Thomas preference, with nine Johns, nine Tho­ perance and Thankful. Jefferson Rathbuns, Benjamin Franklin mases and six Williams, but new names The 1700s also saw a new develop­ Rathbuns and John Adams Rathbuns. were beginning to appear - Jonathan, ment - the beginning of middle names. Oddly, there have been no Abraham Joshua, Benjamin, Job and Samuel be­ It became a fairly common practice, for Lincoln Rathbuns, but other presidents' ing the most common. example, for wives to give their fathers' names have been used in our family - By the late 1700s, it is more difficult to names to their sons. John Peck Rath­ William Henry Harrison, Millard Fill­ find a pattern, but the name John ap­ bun, Naval hero of the American Revo­ more, Martin Van Buren and Ulysses S. pears over and over in all the spreading lution, was named for his maternal Grant, for example. Others have been branches of our family. Interestingly, the grandfather, as was Valentine Wight­ named for Napoleon Bonaparte, Horatio name John was handed down in a direct man Rathbun, Revolutionary-era minis­ Nelson, Patrick Henry, Gen. Winfield line continuously from father to son for ter and civic leader. Other early family Scott and the poet William Cullen nine generations. This long tradition members with middle names were Wil­ Bryant. ended in 1873, with the death in McLean liam Harris Rathbun, Joseph Avery Local and state heroes whose names Co. , III, of John Sebra Rathbun, aged 14 Rathbun, Abraham Borden Rathbun, have been used include New York Gov­ months, the son of JohnS Rathbun Benjamin Bagnal Rathbun, Jonathan ernor Dewitt Clinton, R.1. Governor (John7.') and Mahala McCreary. Coffin Rathbone, Paul Wilcox Rathbun, Thomas Wilson Dorr, Penn. Senator

24 David Wilmot and Vice-President Most of our family, however, has gone names. Later came such "in names" as George M. Dallas of Penn. along like other Americans, giving their Kevin, Rebecca, David, Robin, Jason, A number of Rathbuns were named children names "in tune" with the times. Kelly, Kimberly, Heather, Brian and for two prominent ministers of the early Some have passed along traditional Debra. 1800s - Lorenzo Dow and Adoniram family names, some Biblical names and According to a recent study, the most Judson. Many parents named their chil­ some the names of past or contem­ popular boys' names in 1982 were dren for family physicians or ministers. porary heroes. Christopher, Michael, James, John and Your editor's middle name, Hugo, During the "Golden Years" of Holly­ Matthew. Leading the girls' list were comes from a Dr. Hugo Burghardt who wood, many of our family joined other Jennifer, Christine, Jessica, Sarah and was the family's doctor nearly two cen­ Americans in naming their children, es­ Amanda. turies ago in Pittsfield, Mass. pecially girls, for movie stars - Shirley, The practice of giving three names, Linda, Brenda etc. For boys there were Who can imagine what names will be common in England for many years, has Clark, Tyrone, Spencer and other stars' popular in another hundred years? never been popular in this country, but our family has had a few examples. One of the- strangest was Strange Harmon Griffin Rathbun. We have also had Job Oliver Cromwell Rathbun, Ira Peer Web­ ster Rathbone, John Quincy Adams Rathbun, Daniel Milton Graham Rath­ bun and Richard Fanning Loper Rath­ bone. When our ancestors ran out of ideas for first names, they turned to strange and sometimes unknown sources. How would you like to have one of these names which were inflicted on some of our early male cousins: Amander, Arunah, Aschael, Cor­ vando, Castine, Corydon, Demorn­ ington, Demarcus, Eri, Epaphroditus, Faxton, Flavius, Finlaw, Ferral, Jethro, Jeptha, Hercules, Emerald, Justus, LeGrand, Liberty, Melancthon, Menzo, Moshein, Nyrum, Orsemus, Onatus, Paris, Salah, Sebra, Segester, Sereno, Taskitt, Titus, Tibbetts, Vilas or Watts. Baby girls also had their share of odd names - Andalusa, Brittania, Bulina, This inscription in the ancient chapel at Shipton-on-Charwell near Oxford, England, Calista, Cinderella, Dorliska, Hila, Isa­ is probably the oldest burial marker for a member of our family. It marks the grave of a phene, Mahala, Ophelia, Salome, Sa­ John Rathbone, born about 1560, who died at Shipton March 4, 1613. Another plaque villa, Serephina, Tamasin, Tryphena, in the chapel indicates that the adjacent manor house had been owned by the Valeska and Zilpha. Rathbones since 1569. John Rathbone may have been the son of a Harry (Henry) Parents giving two children the same Rathbone (whose name appears on early records as Rabone and Rawebone as well as name has been rare in this country, but Rathbone). Harry was admitted to Oxford University in 1565, received his bachelor's our family has had some. William Pal­ degree in 1569 and a master's degree in 1572. He died in 1612 at nearby Bricenorton, mer Rathbone (1782-1862) named where he owned a sizeable estate. An even earlier Henry was a rent collector for Oxford sons John Castella and John Valleau. University from 1516 to 1546. They were called Cass and Val to avoid There is no way to determine the relationship of these Rathbones to our early confusion. ancestors in Ditton, Lancashire Co ., although there is undoubtedly some connection. Henry A. Rathbone (1803-1867) mar­ The John whose name appears on the inscription married Ann Clark, daughter of ried a French girl in New Orleans, La., Humphrey and Margaret Clarke, and a granddaughter of George West, Lord Delaware. and named each of his six daughters The coat of arms on the shield probably belongs to her family. The blank half of the Marie, in the French fashion, giving shield indicates that this Rathbone family had no recorded coat of arms. them different middle names. His After Rathbone's death, his widow, Ann, moved to London, where she married daughters were Marie Celeste Emma, Walter Wilkins on Dec.26, 1616. The manor at Shipton (called Setton on the inscription) Marie Pauline, Marie Elizabeth Stella, was inherited by John and Ann's daughter, Alice Rathbone, who married Robert Marie Laurie, Marie Louise Alice and Standard and apparently sold the estate. It is now owned by a music recording Marie Rita. company.

25 Rathbone

(continued from page 21) Acting on this authority, Rathbone Rathbone, defeated by Read's forces proceeded to organize the "Supreme on two major issues, was furious, and Order of Pythian Knighthood," and submitted his resignation from the Su­ Paris, France, in 1875 to purchase wrote rituals for its degrees. Rathbone preme Lodge the following day: "For musical instruments for the U.S. Military apparently intended the new organ­ reasons which must be obvious," he Academy. In 1879, he was transferred ization to be separate from the Knights, wrote, "I respectfully resign my position to the Adjutant-General's office, where but with membership open only to of Past Supreme Chancellor to take ef­ he was to spend the rest of his career. Knights. fect from and after this date." During all these years, he had re­ Samuel Read, the Supreme Chan­ For the next nine years, Rathbone mained a member sporadically of the cellor of the Grand Lodge, immediately refused any association with the Su­ Knights of Pythias, including a new attacked Rathbone's plan. He declared preme Lodge, although he remained lodge in Boston during his stay there, that the Supreme Lodge would not rec­ active in various local lodges. In 1876, and then another new lodge in Wash­ ognize any other degrees and secured he was pursuaded to attend the Su­ ington when he returned there. It is diffi­ adoption of a new rule barring Knights preme Lodge's annual meeting and was cult to judge his role during this time, but from joining Rathbone's order. A lengthy welcomed back into membership. A the Knights underwent a tremendous and public battle between Read and year later, the Supreme Lodge created a growth. From four lodges and 379 Rathbone came to a head at the 1869 special Founder's Medal for Rathbone, members in 1866, the order grew to 465 and gave him the title of Supreme Lec­ lodges and 54,289 members in 1869. In turer on the Origin, Rise and Progress of another five years, membership the Order. reached the 100,000 mark. The years of controversy were ended The Pythian lodges spread at a snow­ and Rathbone was finally secure in the balling rate. The first four were in Wash­ prestige and recognition of his role as ington and the next were in nearby Vir­ founder of the Knights. His old rival, ginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Joseph Plant, died in 1881, and Rath­ Jersey. In 1868, they spread to New bone performed the Pythian last rites York, Connecticut, Louisiana and Ne­ at his funeral. braska. In 1869, lodges were formed in In his role as Supreme Lecturer, Ohio, West Virginia, California, Illinois, Rathbone traveled throughout the coun­ Kentucky, Massachusetts, Indiana, try in the late 1870s, visiting lodges in South Carolina, Iowa and Georgia. The scores of states and lecturing on the movement quickly spread to each of the history and philosophy of the Knights. In United States, to Canada and the Phil­ 1878 alone, he visted 23 lodges in 11 ippine Islands. states, and in 1882 traveled as far as The reason for this amazing growth is Texas and Arkansas. In 1884, for rea­ attributed in part to the strong pressure sons unknown, he fell into "financial after the Civil War to heal the bitter feel­ straits." Friends called his problems to ings between the North and South. The the attention of the Knights' Supreme "brotherly love" concept of the Knights Lodge, and a committee was appointed was ideal to serve this purpose. Lodges Rathbone at age 35, during his years of to help him out. More than $5,000 was were formed in both Northern and contra very with leaders of the Knights raised on his behalf, enough to pay all Southern cities, uniting former "ene­ over a series of issues. his debts and give him nearly $2,800 in mies" under the Pythian banner. Doz­ cash. ens of lodges were named in Rath­ annual meeting of the Supreme Lodge. In 1887, Rathbone's problems multi­ bone's honor. After a bitter debate, Read's supporters plied. His wife became ill, and Rathbone The Grand Lodge in 1868 recognized carried the day, and Rathbone yielded. developed a severe boil, then called a Rathbone's role in establishing the or­ He agreed to turn over his new rituals to carbuncle, under his left armpit, which der, and gave him the title, "Founder and the Supreme Lodge and drop his plans continued to grow despite medical Past Supreme Chancellor" - a rank for the new order. treatment. In that day, long before the which was to qie at Rathbone's death. Another issue then arose which again development of antibiotics, treatment He had finally achieved the recognition pitted Read and Rathbone on opposing consisted of lancing and draining. denied him in the early years. Un­ sides. The meeting had received an ap­ On Dec. 31, his wife died. The two had fortunately, he was soon involved again plication for a new lodge from "a number been very close and Rathbone never left in controversy. The Grand Lodge had of colored gentlemen in Philadelphia." her bedside in the final days of her life. authorized him to "create and establish Read took the lead in opposing the re­ His daughter later wrote, "After mother's a higher degree or degrees that shall in quest, and Rathbone joined those who death we trembled for my father's rea­ no wise interfere with the ritual of the favored admitting the Negroes as mem­ son." After more than a year of continu­ order, to be entirely different therefrom bers. After another long debate, a vote ing pain, Rathbone on March 6, 1889, and to have its own grand lodge, su­ was taken, and the Negro applicants resigned his government clerkship.

preme lodge, etc. n were rejected 24 to 13. (to be continued)

26 Genealogy: The Fifth Generation in America

132. EPAPHRODITUS' RATHBUN HARVEY M., born Feb. 28,1818; no (By Prudence) (Simeon' Benjamin3 Joseph2 John'), further information. LOVICA MARY, born Feb. 22, 1826; bom Aug. 12, 1780, at Salem, Conn., AMANDA M., born Aug. 21, 1819; married Myron Webb. and moved as a young man to Spring­ unmarried in 1870. No further infor­ ELIZA M., born March 1, 1828; mar­ field, N.Y. He was married about 1807 to mation. ried Anson Biddlecom. a wife whose name is not known, and CALISTA J., born April 28, 1822; mar­ MARY ANN, born in Nov. 1830; died who died by 1820. He married about ried Franklin Gilman Feb. 4, 1849. unmarried April 20, 1903. 1821 Harriet Simpson, born in 1787, ROYAL ANSON, born Aug. 30, 1825; ANN MOSELLE, born Sept. 5, 1832; parentage unknown. He died Feb. 5, married (1) Pamela Nettleton; (2) Eliza­ alive in 1850, no furhter information. 1845, at Springfield. Harriet died Jan. beth Rafenburg. EBENEZER HAMILTON, born March 12, 1871, and is buried at Franklin, N.Y. HARRIET S., born Nov. 11, 1828; 15,1837; married Florence A. Dingley. unmarried in 1900. HELEN FRANCES J., born Jan. 8, CHILDREN CHAUNCEY WHITLEY, born July 1, 1842; married Willis Philbrick. 1832; married (1) Mary Evans; (2) Mollie GEORGE C. , born April 4, 1845; died (By first wife) Danport. unmarried March 21, 1866. CORNELIUS MORTIMER, born Feb. 8, 1808; married Jane Delamater. 135. SALAH JONES' RATHBUN (Sim­ 134. STRICKLIN H.' RATHBUN JOHN, born about 1816; married eon' Benjamin3 Joseph2 John'), born (Simeon' Benjamin3 Joseph2 John'), Sally __. Oct. 4,1792, at Salem, Conn., and mar­ born March 13, 1786, at Salem, Conn. ried Nov. 15, 1818, at East Hartford, He married March 13, 1809, Millie Ellis, (By Harriet) Conn., Mary Barber, born Dec. 21, born July 25, 1789, parentage unknown. WILLIAM, born May 15, 1822; mar­ 1796, parentage unknown. He served in They moved shortly after their marriage ried Sarah Ann Grime. the War of 1812 and became a pros­ to Oneida County, N.Y. and then to ALFRED, born Sept. 7,1823; married perous tea merchant at Hartford. Mary Richland in Oswego County. He served Agnes Bogie. died Sept. 19, 1829, after childbirth, and in the War of 1812 and was listed as a HANNAH MORGIANNA, born April he married on July 11, 1832, Sophia B. deserter after the Battle of Sackett's 13, 1825; married Henry HamiitonB Hills, born April 11, 1805, parentage Harbor. Millie died Nov. 13, 1824, and Rathbun (Samuels Simeon' Benjaminl unknown. He died in 1876 at Sprague, he married on June 12, 1825, Prudence Joseph2 John'). Conn. Her death date is not known. Twitchell, born March 27, 1803, daugh­ CHILDREN ter of Sawin and Prudence (Drury) or (?) 133. RODNEY' RATHBUN (Simeon' Mary (Bailey) Twitchell. She died Aug. (By Mary) Benjamin3 Joseph2 John'), born June 3, 1857, and he died July 26, 1863, in AUGUSTUS, born July 15, 1819; died 23, 1782, at Salem, Conn., and married Hartford, Conn., where he had either unmarried Nov. 11, 1840. August 31, 1805, Ruth Redfield, born gone to Ivie or was on a visit. EDWARD, born Sept. 17, 1·822; mar­ July 1,1787, parentage unknown. They ried Hannah Miner. moved to Vernon, Conn., where he died CHILDREN MARTIN MARION, born March 24, August 31, 1862, and Ruth died on Feb. 1824; died unmarried June 11 , 1857. 15,1861. (By Millie) SON (Name unknown), born Sept. SALLY ANN, born Oct. 4, 1809; mar­ 24, 1829; died Oct. 7, 1829. CHILDREN ried __ Lewis. AVIS SAMANTHA, born Jan. 19, (By Sophia) SOPHIA P., born Aug. 31, 1806; mar­ 1812; amrried Chester Hibbard Jan. 1, ALBERTUS SALAH, born Nov. 11, ried Joseph Matthewson. 1834. 1834; died unmarried Oct. 4, 1859. LUCY F., born Oct. 31, 1808; married MORGAN STRICKLIN, born May 6, MARY ELIZA, born May 28, 1839; Horace Ingram Dec. 31, 1829. 1814; married Electa8 Rathbun (Russells died Feb. 6, 1849. EMILY AVIS, born Sept. 20, 1810; Job' Benjamin3 Joseph2 John'). MYRA SOPHIA, born Sept. 4, 1840; married Harlow Grant on June 4, 1834. FANNIE M., born June 15,1816; mar­ died unmarried Sept. 6, 1876. ELIZA AVIS, born March 3, 1813; ried William Dobie Oct. 6, 1843. FREDERICK HAMILTON, born July married (1) Noble Sackett; (2) John SALAH ALWIN, born in Oct. 1819; 21, 1843; married Mary E. Smith. Dunham. married Catherine Champlin. WEALTHY M., born July 29, 1815; ELVIN M., born Feb. 23,1822; appar­ married William Wood on June 1, 1837. ently died young. (continued on page 28)

27 Genealogy

(continued from page 27) 138. WILLIAM' RATHBUN (William· 140. BENJAMIN5 RATHBUN (William· 3 1 3 EMMA M., born May 26, 1846; mar­ Job Joseph2J 'ohn ), born Jan. 28, 1778, Job Joseph2John1), born May 10, 1788, ried Henry Brewer. in New London, Conn., and moved as a at New London, Conn., and moved as a LUCINDA ELLA, born Dec. 22, 1849; young man to Warren, Herkimer Co., young man to Howard, N.Y. He married died July 22, 1850. N.Y. He married about 1799 Hannah there in 1817 Margaret Walker, born Page, born about 1780, possibly a Jan. 2, 1800, parentage unknown. He daughter of Isaac and Abigail (Barnes) served in the Steuben County militia, 136. CHARLES' RATHBUN (Simeon· Page. He lived for a few years in How­ rising to captain in 1815 and major in 3 Benjamin Joseph2John1) born Nov. 28, ard, N.Y., then moved to Grand Island 1817. In January 1834, he and his family 1794, at Salem, Conn., and moved as a near Buffalo, where he drowned in 1835 left Howard for the "west," stopping first young man to Williamstown, N.Y., while crossing the Niagara River, ac­ in Michigan and then in 1836 settled at where he married Nov. 17, 1818, Electa cording to Cooley. The death date of his Jefferson Grove, Ogle County, III. He Appleby, born June 10, 1801 , parentage wife is not known. died there on Sept. 13, 1840, and his unknown. He served in the War of 1812 wife in 1875. and was described as five feet, ten inches tall, with dark brown hair and CHILDREN grey eyes. He died at Williamstown CHILDREN June 29, 1869 (or 1872). Electa died ?L YONS, born about 1815; (Cooley May 10, 1889. listed no children, but the 1820 census BENJAMIN WALKER, born Jan. 27, indicates they had a son. Lyons was 1818; married Mary King. CHILDREN living in Buffalo in 1840). No known mar­ MARGARET, born Nov. 20, 1819; riage. married Charles Royce on Nov. 11 , WILLIAM ALBON, born Oct. 14, 1839. 1820; married Eliza B. Stevens. LOUISA, born Aug. 10, 1821 ; married CHARLES born Jan 2, 1823; mar­ lo, Elijah Cooley on March 12, 1842. ried Lucy A White. 139. JOB BEEBE5RATHBUN (William· MARY born about 1822; married Reu­ NANCY lo , born Jan. 20, 1826; mar­ Job3 Joseph2 John1), born May 20, 1784, ben Pritchard on Jan. 5, 1840. ried William M. Gardner, Dec. 12, 1846. at New London, Conn. , and moved to JERUSHA, born Feb. 20. 1824; mar­ JULIA A , born about 1836; married Steuben Co., N.Y., about 1809. Cooley ried Joshua B. Wright on Sept. 24, 1843. Samuel Cooper Oct. 15, 1857. reported that he was "a lively lad in his WILLIAM HARRIS, born Feb. 18, RANDOLPH A , born Aug. 8, 1838; youth .. his sending a challenge to fight 1826; married (1) Sarah F. Hanna, and married (1) Mary Ballard; (2) Ellen M. a duel was the cause of him emigrating." (2) Maria Smith. Potts. In Steuben County, he settled in Fre­ SARAH, born Feb. 20, 1828; married mont Township, where he was the first Hiram D. Wood on April 3, 1843. resident and erected the first permanent 137. JOSHUA' RATHBUN (William· DOROTHY, born Sept. 19, 1829; house in the spring of 1812. The settle­ Job3 Joseph2 John1), born Sept. 20, married (1) Andrew J. King on Jan. 4, ment was known as Job's Corners. He 1775, at New London, Conn., and mar­ 1846, and (2) Richard Beers on Sept. married at Howard on Oct. 11 , 1818, ried Aug. 27, 1797, at Colchester, 16, 1854. Frances Brown, born March 24, 1791 , Conn., Eunice 5 Rathbun (Job· DANIEL W. , born June 2,1833; mar­ daughter of Mason and Frances Brown. Benjamin3 Joseph2 John1). They moved ried Mary Jane Hedges. He died at Fremont Feb. 13, 1856. His soon after their marriage to Warren, ELIZA JANE, born Feb. 13, 1835; wife died Aug. 21 , 1880. Herkimer County, N.Y.; a few years later married Orren Stacy on Feb. 16, 1856. to Otsego County, and then about 1808 ALMIRA, born Aug. 9, 1837; married to Howard, Steuben County. He died CHILDREN David S. Huston in 1859. there on Nov. 17, 1826, from injuries suffered when a timber fell on him while JERUSHA BEEBE, born Jan. 15, helping to raise a beam to a new build­ 1821 ; died July 30. 1824. 141. CORNELIUS5 RATHBUN ing. Eunice died at Howard on Aug. 13, FRANCES BROWN, born Jan. 4, (William· Jobl Joseph2John 1), born Jan. 1854. 1823; married John Chubbuck on Feb. 1, 1792, in New London, Conn., and 7, 1847, and died Nov. 24,1847. moved as a young man to Howard, N.Y., CHILDREN WILLIAM MASON BROWN, born where he married in January 1817 Dec. 14, 1825; married Sarah A Potter. SON (name unknown), born about Clarissa5 Rathbun (Job· Benjamin3 'Jo­ JERUSHA BEEBE, born Feb. 14, 1799; died young. seph2 John1), born about 1795. He 1827; married John Chubbuck, her sis­ AMIZIAH RILEY, born March 3, 1801 ; served in the Steuben County militia, married __. ter's widower, on Jan. 17, 1848. rising to lieutenant in 1815 and captain JOB BEEBE, born June 18, 1829; ELIZABETH W. , born Aug. 27, 1804; in 1817. He moved to Canada about married Alice M. Buck. married Eben Bartholemew. 1822 and then in 1853 to Ionia County, DORCAS E., born July 6,1832; mar­ SON (name unknown), born about Mich., where he died in 1862. His wife's 1810; died young. ried Edward Spencer in 1855. death date is not known.

28 CHILDREN CHILDREN 145. THOMAS' RATHBUN (Thomas"" Samuel2 John'), born Jan. 25, 1767, in CORNELIUS, born April 14, 1823; LUCINDA, born Dec. 14, 1784; mar­ Lisbon, Conn. He served in the Revolu­ married Jean H. Weir. ried __ Justin. tionary Army and was wounded in ac­ DEBORAH, born June 19, 1825; mar­ ELIZABETH, born Feb. 16, 1786; tion. After the war he moved to Wash­ ried John Reed on June 26, 1847. died May 16, 1853, unmarried. ington County, N.Y., and was married in HARRIET, born Dec. 8,1827; married JAMES, born March 8, 1787; married Argyle Township Aug. 27, 1788, to James Wallington on April 10, 1846. Sarah Harris. Elizabeth . They moved SARAH, born Oct. 1 , 1831; married LUCY H. , born May 6, 1788; married by 1790 to Greenfield, Saratoga William Prout in 1849. William H. Chamberlain. County, and sometime after 1810 to CLARISSA JANE, born Nov. 3, 1833; CHESTER, born Feb. 10, 1790; mar­ Tioga County, Pa. He died at Elkland, in married John Prout. ried Mary Perrigo. Tioga County, on Feb. 7, 1822. His wife, RANSOM, born Nov. 6, 1836; married THOMAS, born April 24, 1791; mar­ whose parentage is unknown, died Sarah Richmond. ried Sophrona Page. there March 1, 1845. JOHN, born Aug. 21, 1792; married Sarah Potter. 142. SAMUEL' RATHBUN (Samuel· CYRUS, born April 30, 1796; married Thoma~ Samuel2 John'), born about (?) Polly , and possibly Olive CHILDREN 1773 in Lyme, Conn., and married about 1796 Sarah , born about RUTH, born about 1788; died by GEORGE WASHINGTON, born Oct. 1778, parentage unknown. They moved 1820. No known marriage. 3 , 1797; died in 1853, no known in the 1790s to Bloomfield, Ontario Co., PRISCILLA, born about 1791 ; died by marriage. N.Y., and later to Ogden. He served in 1820. No known marriage. ASA, born March 27, 1800; married the N.Y. state militia in the War of 1812. SAMUEL, born Feb. 28, 1793; mar­ Clarissa Huntington. About 1824, they moved to Pittsfield, ried Jane Vroman. RUTH (twin), born March 27, 1800; Lorain County, Ohio, where he died AARON, born about 1795; died by alive in 1850, no known marriage. about 1845 and his wife about 1863. 1820. No known marriage. NELSON, born June 8, 1802; died ELIZABETH, born about 1797; de­ April 29, 1807. CHILDREN scribed as an "idiot"; died sometime after 1839, presumably unmarried. DANIEL, born Sept. 22 , 1797; married THOMAS, born in 1799; married Olive Bascom. 144. AARON' RATHBUN (Thomas4-3 Nancy Vroman. LAURA, born about 1798; married (?) 2 Samuel John'), born July 29, 1764, at , ESTHER, born about 1802; alive in Joseph True. Lisbon, Conn., and married there Sept. 1820; no further information. GEORGE, born about 1800; married 16, 1792, Deborah Rose, born Oct. 21 , MARY (POLLY), born about 1804; Sally Ann Wait. 1768, daughter of Peter and Sarah married __ Finch. HORACE, born about 1802; alive in (Gates) Rose. He died at Lisbon on Oct. ELMIRA, born about 1806; married 1817, no further information. 25, 1815, and she on Sept. 16, 1841. (?) Daniel W. Walker on Oct. 27, 1834. SAMUEL LORD, born about 1804; ORSEMUS, born Dec. 20, 1811 ; mar­ married Louisa Roberts. CHILDREN ried Betsey Cook. LUCRETIA, born about 1806; alive in ANGELINE, born about 1813; alive in 1817, no further information. CLARISSA, born April 23, 1793; mar­ 1820; no further information. CLARISSA, born about 1813; married ried Mason Dyer on June 3, 1820. Orrin Chalker on May 24, 1830. SALLY, born Aug. 6, 1795; married HULDAH, born about 1815; no further Dills Morse on June 6, 1824. THOMAS, born Feb. 20, 1798; mar­ information. 146. ERASTUS' RATHBUN (Thomas·.a ried Sarah Howland. WILLIAM BUTLER, born about 1817; Samuel2 John'), born April 5, 1777, at ELIAS, born March 30, 1800; married married Abigail Dibble. Lisbon, Conn., and married there Oct. 7, Elizabeth Campbell. ELVIRA M., born about 1820; married 1800, Lydia Tubbs, born in 1781 , par­ PATRICK, born April 15, 1801; mar­ Seth M. Root on Nov. 6, 1840. entage unknown. He served in the ried (1) Elmira Frost, and (2)' Margaret Conn. militia in the War of 1812, and Wilkinson. moved about 1815 to Luzerne County, 143. ASA' RATHBUN (Thomas"" Sam­ AARON, born July 29, 1804; married 2 Pa. He was a stone mason. He died uel John'), born Sept. 19, 1756, at Can­ Julia E. Jenks. terbury, Conn., and married April 29, Dec. 8, 1829, at Tunkhannock, Wyom­ DEBORAH, born Aug. 24, 1806; mar­ 1784, in NOrwich, Conn., Ruth Kimball, ing County, Pa. Lydia later moved west ried Joseph B. Lewis on Dec. 18, 1828. bom Feb. 8, 1759, daughter of Daniel with some of her children and died Oct. AMELIA, born Jan. 18, 1809; married and Abigail (Wood) Kimball. Asa served 3, 1853, in Jackson County, Iowa. (1) Amos Brayley on Dec. 9, 1829, and in the Revolutionary Army; his dis­ (2) Edwin Cady in 1864. charge was signed by George Wash­ JEMIMA, born Jan. 27,1811; married ington. He died Dec. 2, 1812, at Lisbon, Elisha Olin on March 1, 1841. Conn., and his wife on Aug. 17, 1847. (continued on page 30)

29 Genealogy

(continued from page 29) 148. HENRY' RATHBUN (Thomas··3 JULIET, born July 6, 1813; died un­ Samuel2 John'), born Sept. 9, 1780, at married after 1860. Lisbon, Conn., and married at nearby REBECCA, born March 2, 1816; died CHILDREN Bozrah on Feb. 10, 1805, Elizabeth Sept. 19, 1829. Loomer, born Aug. 21 , 1778, daughter LYDIA born about 1802; no further PHILETUS, born April 1, 1818; mar­ information. of Ebenezer and Edna (Eames) ried Marinda Waldon. CHILD (Name Unknown), born in Loomer. They moved by 1810 with his LYDIA, born May 29, 1820; married brothers, Erastus and William, to Lu­ 1804; died Dec. 16, 1805. Deacon John Waldo on March 1, 1846. LAURA, born about 1806; no further zerne County, Pa, and by 1820 to Che­ SARAH GATES, born May 27,1822; information. mung, Tioga County, N.Y. He is listed married George Robinson on March 21 , there in the 1825 census with 25 acres ELIZA, born Nov. 9, 1808; married Dr. 1843. of land, nine sheep, five cows and three Albert Conklin in 1828. hogs. They were living in Bradford MARY ANN born March 10, 1810; (to be continued) County, Pa., in 1830, but back in Che­ married John C. Wendell on Jan. 4, 1829. mung in 1840, where his wife died by 1850. He was a shoemaker, listed twice NELSON, born March 18, 1812; mar­ ried (1) Louisa Gaylord, and (2) Amanda in the 1850 census - with his son, Corrections Nehemiah, in Bradford County, Pa. , and (Rhodes) Button. with his son, Philetus, in Southport, N.Y. EMELINE, born about 1814; no fur­ His death date is not known. George Rathbun, identified as a pos­ ther information. sible son of Alfred5 Rathbun (Job' Ben­ NANCY ANN, born about 1817; mar­ jamin3 Joseph2 John') in our Jan. 1985 ried (1) John V. Tanney, and (2) John CHILDREN issue (page 14), has been identified as Manley. NEHEMIAH, born in 1806; married (1) an English-born immigrant to the United AMANDA, born about 1819; married Clarissa , and (2) Anna M. Henry Robbins. States in 1850. He is not a descendant JOHN, born about 1825; married of John and Margaret of Block Island. ?ESTHER, born about 1808; alive in Our thanks to Rob Rathbun. Hannah L. Bowman. 1850. PHILETUS, born about 1814; married Abigail Rowley. The baptism date of John Rathbone/ WILLIAM C., born Oct. 23, 1816; mar­ bun, our immigrant English ancestor, 147. WILLIAM' RATHBUN (Thomas4-3 ried (1) Sally Ann Jackson, and (2) Mary 2 was March 8, 1629, in the Farnworth Samuel John'), born Oct. 3, 1778, at E. Sechrist. Chapel, Lanc. Co., England. The date Lisbon, Conn. , and married at nearby HENRY, born about 1822; married Bozrah on June 3, 1802, Edna Loomer, Matilda __. was incorrectly reported as March 28 on born July 20, 1774, daughter of Eb­ page 4 in our first issue (Jan. 1981), enezer and Edna (Eames) Loomer. although correctly listed on pages 9 and They moved by 1810 to Luzerne 11. Our thanks to a sharp-eyed new County, Pa., and by 1820 to Elmira, 149. ELIJAH' RATHBUN (Thomas··3 member, Jay Peterson. N.Y. , where he died in June 1850 from Samuel2 John'), born June 14, 1783, in "bleeding of the lungs." Edna was living Lisbon, Conn, and married Sept. 9, in Elmira in 1850. Her death date is not 1804, Bathsheba Rose, born Jan. 27, In the "Reunions Held" article on page known. 1787, daughter of Peter and Sarah 15 of our last issue (Jan. 1985), Ellen (Gates) Rose. He served in the War of Lucinda (Rathbun) Cline was errone­ 1812, but decided to remain in Con­ ously listed as Ellen Sharp. In the same necticut when his three older brothers CHILDREN article, the name Coates was incorrectly moved to Pennsylvania. He was a spelled Coats. WILLIAM, born May 1, 1803; married stonemason. He died at Lisbon on Nov. Caroline Hunter. 26, 1861 . His wife had died on Oct. 16, MARY, born about 1805; unmarried in 1846. Mary Bodycoat was the mother, not 1850. the wife (Answers-Vol. 4, No.4) of ANN, born June 15, 1807; married CHILDREN Arthur E. Rathbun. This was a correc­ Charles Tubbs. ELIJAH, born April 16, 1805; married tion of an earlier answer in Vol. 3, No. 1 JOHN, born about 1815; married Me­ hitable _ _ . Frances Partridge. (not No.4). LOUISA, born Feb. 15, 1807; married ?GEORGE, born about 1818; married Anna Eliza __. John Lyon on Feb. 16,1826. ALMIRA, born Dec. 14, 1809; married ?WATERMAN B. , born about 1822; In Geneology (Vol. 4, No. 4) the father James H. Johnson on Nov. 1, 1835. of WilliamS Rathbun (No . 100) was married (1) Sarah , and (2) Lydia __. MARY, born Feb. 12, 1811 ; married Obadiah Rathbun, not Obadash, which Jedediah Lovett on Jan. 7, 1835. was a typographical error.

30 DIED - Feb.18, 1985, Irma Elizabeth (John7 Ruels Davids Edmund' John3-2" ) Rathbun, 88, of D~catur , Mich. A and William Payne Haybron. Obituaries teacher in South Bend, Ind. , until her DIED - Feb. 15, 1985, at Mary Esther, retirement in 1959, she was an early Fla. , Mrs. Ida Marie (Stickney) Rathbun, member of our association. She was the aged 61 , after a lengthy battle with can­ daughter of JohnB Rathbun (William7 cer. She was the wife of Robert Ray­ DIED - Dec. 5, 1984, at Spring Valley, DanielBWilliam SDaniel ' Joshua3 John2.') monds Rathbun (RobertS Clarence7Guys Minn., Wilbur G. Rathbun, 86. He was and Laura (Blackford) Rathbun. Amiziahs Job' Benjamin 3 Joseph2 the last surviving child of Byron7 Rath­ John'), one of our members. Surviving, bun (Gamaliel6 WaiterS Thomas4-3·2 DIED - Dec. 19, 1984, at Flint, Mich., in addition to her husband, are a son, John') and Hannah (Haslam) Rathbun. Mrs. Margaret (Rathburn) Norman, five Craig; three daughters, Darra Keeton, He is survived by his wife, Hazel; three days after her 67th birthday and several Deirde Vento and Robin Rathbun, and daughters, Lucille Kimball, Phyllis hours after undergoing heart surgery. A two grandchildren. Brackenbury and Evelyn Rathbun ; two charter member of our association, she sons, Victor and Jerry, and several was the daughter of James E. 9Rathburn DIED - March 8, 1984, at Bismarck, grandchildren. (RoswellBDavid 7Lew isBDavid s Edmund' N.D., Helen F. (Rathbun) Carter, aged John3-2.'). She is survived by a daughter, 97. She was the widow of Rev. Charles DIED - Dec. 23, 1984, at Westerly, Mrs. Lynne Carb; three grandsons, and H. Carter, and the daughter of GeorgeS R.I. , Helen S. Rathbone, 79, widow of a brother, James Rathburn. Rathbun (Levant' Williams8-S Benjamin4-3 Herbert C.9 Rathbone (William6 Henry7 Joseph2 John') and Fannie (Wyckoff) Martin6 Joshuas" Jonathan3 John2.' ). DIED - Nov. 25, 1984, Elmer George Rathbun. She is survived by three She was the daughter of John H. and Adams, 74, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He daughters, three sons, 23 grand­ Helen (Lewis) Stedman. She is survived was the father of Kenneth Haybron children, 24 great-grandchildren and by a son, Herbert C.; two daughters, Adams, one of our members, and the one great-great-grandchild; a brother, Janice V. Rathbone and Eleanor R. widower of Violet Cecelia Haybron, a Oliver N. Rathbun, one of our members, Grinnell, and four grandchildren. daughter of Martha Ann6 Rathbun and a sister, Mary Lybeck. Queries Answers New Data WANTED - Information on Jerrauld Vol. 2, No.2 - Freeman Rathbun born Joshua Rathbun who was tentatively Raymont Rathburn, born March 21, in August 1851 was Harmon Freeman7 placed as a son of Nathaniel' Rathbun 1888, in Oklahoma; married Florence Rathbun (JonathanB AmosS Jonathan' (NathanieP John2.') in Vol. 4, No. 2 (April Guthrie on March 18, 1915, in Win­ John3-2.') and Lucy Ann Stow. He ap­ 1984, page 27), was instead Nathaniel's nemucca, Nev. , and had seven pears as Harman in the 1860 census, younger brother. He was born about children-Wayne G. Stanley R; Leo­ but as Freeman in later censuses. 1740, rather than our estimated 1750. nard T. , Florence G. , Rita May, Charles Proof of this relationship is found in the G. and Jene Dene. town council records of Exeter, R.1. On Jan. 8, 1750, shortly after his father's WANTED - Information on Michael Vol. 3, No. 2 - Sidney Rathbun, born in death, Nathaniel deeded land to his "in­ and Catherine (Downing) Rathbun, fant brother, Joshua." Both Nathaniel 1853 in New York and living in Wash­ whose son, Ellis, was born in Oct. 1840 and Joshua moved to Berkshire Co., tenaw County, Mich., in 1900 was a in Pa. Ellis married Sarah Albany and Mass., where Joshua was killed in 1787 Rathvon, a German family not con­ moved to Moline, ilL, where he died in during the Shays Rebellion. 1908. They had children named William, nected to ours. Reuben, Edward, Amelia, John, Viola Helen J. (Rathbun) Swanson, who and Joseph. died June 4, 1984, at Eau Claire, Wisc. , (Vol. 4, No. 4, page 64), was the daugh­ WANTED - Information on Milton Vol. 3, No. 4 - Charles A. Rathbun, ter of Royal E .7 Rathbun (RoyalS Rathbun, born about 1824 in Maryland, born in 1847, who married Florence Gil­ RodneyS Simeon' Benjamin3 Joseph2 married Mary Watson in 1847 at Dun­ bin (or Gilbert) was the son of Samuel John') and Nettie Anderson. bar, Fayette Co., Pa. , and was killed in B.7 Rathbun (Daniel6 WilliamS Daniel' the Civil War. They had children named William3-2 John') and Joanna C. Vanden. Pamela, daughter of JosephS Rath­ Benjamin, Walter and Margaret. Milton bun (Jonathan' John3-2.' ) marrried as her possibly had brothers named John and second husband, Robert Harper. Her Jacob, who also served in the Union sister, Polly, married secondly Thomas Army. Allar on March 9, 1837.

31 People Our VERA RATHBUN, ofTopeka, Kan., one of our members, was feted on her 80th birthday last August at a family reunion attended by 48 of her 54 children, grandchildren and great granchildren. The celebration, held at the home of her daughter, Patti Garrett, near Lawrence, Kan., wason Aug. 18, four days after her Guy E,; Rathbun birthday. It was also a celebration for her MorrIs, N.Y. great-grandson, Christopher Rathbun, who was four years old that day. The Col. James P. Rathbun youngest descendant present was '88aUfbrt, S.C. Christopher's sister, Kimberly, aged 19 PhIlIp D. Rathbun months. A highlight of the day came Raytown, Mo. when Vera dashed merrily with one of :Robert E. Rathbun her great-grandchildren under a water Woodstock, III. sprinkler set up to help the youngsters Torn O'Neal Roy Rathbun combat the hot weather. Among those Bend, Ora. Streator, III. present were Vera's son, Bruce, one of Walter L Rathbun Jr. our members, and his wife, Suzue, the Rumson, N.J. grandparents of Christopher and Kim­ (Rathbun) Reichoff berly and their brother, Andrew. Vera is LucIlle PaItaoe Jean l..eeIburg. FIB. Waupun, Wlsc. the widow of William Harley Rathbun (1902-1971), a son of Daniel8 Rathbun Jay A. PeIInDI'I MaryVanEpps (William7 Daniel8 Williams Daniel· Nogales, ArIz. LaIoIIa, Cal. Joshua3 John2.') and Josephine Rink. ClIfton Raabe FlOrence Vulgamore Meaa. ArIz. Fowler, Colo. Cheater FIaIhIUt BernIce Wartham FLORENCE RATHBUN of Lake San Bryan, 0N0 OelweIn, Iowa Marcos, Cal., was hospitalized in Janu­ ary with a broken hip, but is now back on her feet again. She is the wife of EmmettS Rathbun (Charles8 James7 Paris8 JobS Gideon· John3-2').

ELIZA RATHBONE has been named Births Thanks assistant curator of the Phillips Col­ lection, a prestigious art gallery in BORN - March 20, 1985, Tessa Marie WE THANK the following members who Washington, D.C. She had been as­ Rathbun, first daughter of Dr. Philip E. have sent in family records, pictures and sistant curator of 20th century art for the and Margaret (Panella) Rathbun, of St. other material in recent months - Dion past eight years at the National Gallery Charles, III. She has three brothers: Gardner, Marlin Rathbun, Eileen of Art. She is the wife of Andrew Ham­ James, Andrew and Todd. Dr. Rathbun, Owens, Philip D. Rathbun, Frank E. ilton but uses her maiden name for pro­ the son of our member, J. Corbett'O Rathbun, Charles Murray, Beatrice St. 9 8 fessional purposes. She is the daughter Rathbun (J . Corbett George Corbett7 Onge, Rosma Limbeck, Dorothy Hla­ 8 S 4 3 2 of our member, Perry T.S Rathbone Gideon Tibbets John - Thomas dick, Carson Hunt, Jean Grace, Jim (Howard8 Peter7 Elijah8 Mosess Joshua· John'), is assistant chief of radiology at Chivers, Beverly Gillette, Fran Collord, Jonathan3 John2-'). Delnor Hospital in St. Charles. Jay Peterson, Helen M. Rathbun, Mrs. Emmett Rathbun, Mildred Rathbun, BORN - Feb. 23, 1985, at Halifax, Robert E. Rathbun, Fred C. Rathbun, CYNTHIA A. RATHBUN and Leonard Nova Scotia, Heather Inez Rathbun, Jean Waddell, LaPrelle Weatherford, A. Pierson were married Oct. 13, 1984, daughter of Hugh and Jane Rathbun. Sharon Jahn, Dolly Rathburn, Jeanette at Long Beach, Cal. Cynthia is the Hugh and his father, George Maurice'o Busboom, Florence Vulgamore, Paula S S 8 daughter of Robert E.'o Rathbun (Merle Rathbun (George - Joseph7 Charles8 Boone, Rev. Jim Petteys, John Bowen, Arthurs George7 Gideon8 AlienS Gideon' AmosS John· Jonathan3 John2-' ) are both Roy and Anna May Rathbun, Col. John3-2') and Joyce (Darr) Rathbun. members of our association. James P. Rathbun and Loren Marvin.

32