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| S.A. RATHBUN, Pontiac, Illinois |
This photo of "S.A. RATHBUN" was located at an antique fair in southern Florida this weekend.
The photo was taken around 1900, at a photographic studio in Bloomington Illinois.
This turns out to be Silas A. Rathbun, prominent merchant and for 6 years, mayor of the town of Pontiac.
SILAS ARTHUR RATHBUN (8 Aug 1860-23 Sept 1931), son of Henry Rathbun (1825-1875), and Elizabeth Ross (1839-1886). Married Bessie A. CHASE in 1882.
1900 Census, Pontiac, Livingston County, Illinois, 202 Howard Street
RATHBUN, Silas A., head, Aug 1860, 39, born in Ill of Illinois parents, dry goods merchant
RATHBUN, Bessie A., wife, Oct 1862, 37, born in Ky of Kentucky parents
RATHBUN, Litta M., daughters, Jly 1883, 16
RATHBUN, Chase S. (Silas Chase), son, Aug 1885, 14
RATHBUN, Bessie Louise, daughter, July 1898, 2
1910 Census, same address
RATHBUN, Silas A., head, 49, now reports that his parents were born in Connecticut and Ohio, Dept. Store merchant
RATHBUN, Bessie A., wife, 48
RATHBUN, Bessie L., daughter, 12
RATHBUN, Richard H., son, 5
Eldest daughter Litta May married R.K. Gordon.
Youngest daughter Bessie Louise married Gilbert T. Howell. Son Silas Chase married Iva Edna Whitson.
This obit was carried in the Bloomington Illinois Pantagraph, 25 Sept, 1931, page 2.
(Click on any photo for a larger image.)
(Click on any photo for a larger image.)
Silas was the Mayor of Pontiac, IL and also the Mayor who brought Theodore Roosevelt in to dedicate the beautiful Soldier's and Sailor's monument in Pontiac. Amazing picture! I bet our museum would love to have this...Pontiac is kind of known for it's museums!
ReplyDeleteYes, he was quite an important fellow. I'd prefer to search for some descendant of his, and give the photograph to them (if they exist), however Historical Societies are a very close 2nd. I have sent some photos to Historical Societies and Museums in the past, and I am not adverse to doing so. But I need to exhaust any familial connection first. Thank you for your comment and for visiting the blog. -- Kathleen
DeleteyOf course! There are Rathbun's still living in the Fairbury, IL area. I wonder if any are relatives? I can do some checking! Great picture!
ReplyDelete