James W. Rathbun 1838-1893 Civil War Veteran

RATHBUN, GREEN

Posted By: Dorothy Gosse (email)
Date: 5/8/2011 at 10:33:40

James W. Rathbun was born September 12, 1838, in Marion, Illinois. In 1851 he moved, with his parents, to Wisconsin. He was married on January 1, 1861, to Julia A. Green, who survives him. To them were born six children, four sons and two daughters, four of whom are still living. He enlisted in the army February 6, 1865, for one year, or during the war, and was honorably discharged on the 19th day of April, 1866. In the spring of 1877 he moved with his family to Fayette County, Iowa, where he had since lived until his death, which took place May 25, 1893. The deceased was a man known and respected by the community in which he lived. Though he had never connected himself with the church, he had taken great interest in the church nearest their home and when well was an attendant upon its services. A short time ago while the church was undergoing repairs he made a special effort, for which he will be especially remembered for many years to come. He was a believer in the Christian religion, and in each of his conversations between him and the pastor was emphatic in expressing his belief in Christianity, and could not see how anyone could believe otherwise. He suffered much at times, but always seemed hopeful. He was held in high esteem among his brothers in the order to which he belonged, as was shown by the large representation at the funeral last Sunday. When he found there was no hope for life, but a short time at most, he made arrangements for the funeral by selecting the text for the sermon from John, 14th chapter, 1st verse. One hymn he wished sung was "Watching and Waiting for Me". May the blessing of God rest upon the companion who is left after thirty-two years in the struggle of life side by side, and upon the sons and daughters who now take up life without a father's counsel.

Oelwein Register - June 1, 1893

Note - burial at Oakdale Cemetery, Oelwein, Iowa