The Memphis Reveille
Memphis, Missouri
Thursday
April 21, 1927
Page 1
Column 5WM. RATHBUN DEAD
Wm. Rathbun died at the home of his son in LaHarpe, Illinois, Tuesday. The body was shipped but is being held up in Keokuk by high water. It is believed it will get through tonight. Interment will be at Lawn Ridge cemetery.
The Memphis Reveille
Memphis, Missouri
Thursday
April 28, 1927
Page 1
Column 1OLD SETTLER DIED IN
KEOKUK LAST TUESDAY
FUNERAL LAST THURSDAYWilliam Rathbun was born Sept. 16, 1855, and departed this life April 19, 1927. At the time of his death being 71 years, 8 months and 3 days of age. He was born in Scotland county, where he received his education and grew to young manhood. He was united in marriage to Bennetta Rose Padgett, Nov. 13, 1879. To this union were born nine children, two dying in infancy. His wife preceded him in death August 31, 1898. He was again united in marriage to Mrs. Pauline Bryant in the year 1900. Many years ago he confessed faith in Christ and united with the Lawn Ridge church where he remained a faithful member until the end. Until four years ago he lived practically all his life in the Lawn Ridge neighborhood, where he was favorably known, and esteemed by all who knew him. He was an honorable and upright man, who wielded an influence for good. During all of his sickness and excruciating pain, he never complained, but bore it all with Christian fortitude and love. For the past year owing to the sickness of his wife he made his home with his sons, Arthur and Orville. She preceded him in death Feb. 22, 1927. They both spent a life of service for the sake of others, and in the words of the Master, "They did what they could." He was a loving father, and affectionate husband and a good neighbor.
There is no death! the Stars go down
To rise upon some fairer shore,
And bright in heavens jeweled crown
They shine for ever more.
And ever near us the un-seen,
The dear immortal spirits tread,
For all the boundless universe,
Is life -- there are no dead.Two daughters and four sons are left to mourn and are as follows: Mrs. Blanche Kaess, Cotopaxe, Colo., Arthur Rathbun, LaHarpe, Ill., Victor Rathbun, and Mrs. Theresa Russell both of Hanford, Calif., Arville Rathbun, Plymouth, Ill., Charles Rathbun, San Diego, Calif. Only Arthur and Arville, accompanied by their wives being present at the last rites, the others being unable to come, besides ten grandchildren, one sister, Mrs. Emily Earley, Goltry, Okla., and one brother, Alfred Rathbun, of Texas, besides many other relatives and a host of friends.
The remains were brought to Memphis Thursday, April 21, on the evening train, and the funeral service was held at the Lawn Ridge Church the following day at 1 p.m. in the presence of a large concourse of sorrowing friends and neighbors, Rev. Arthur S. Olsen, pastor of the methodist church officiating. Interment was in the adjoining cemetery where he was tenderly laid to rest.
The choir sang, "In the Sweet Bye and Bye," "Rock of Ages," and "It Is Well With My Soul."
The body bearers were Bert Beard, Otis Adams, R. G. Wildman, John Hohstadt, P. O. and Bert Ludwick.
CARD OF THANKS
We sincerely wish to thank our many kind friends for their assistance to us in the death of our dear father (Wm. Rathbun) and for the floral offerings, and especially do we thank the good people of Lawn Ridge neighborhood for the many noble deeds of kindness. Words are too weak to express to you all, what we feel in our hearts.
The Children.
