1. John RATHMAN. Born on 6 Apr
1788 in Berks Co, PA.[1] John
died in Berks Co, PA on 17 May 1870; he was 82.[2]
Occupation: Farmer.
1850 Federal Census for Brecknock Township, Berks County, PA,
taken 9th of August, 1850, by enumerator Jacob M. Becker, written
page no. 4, printed page no. 378B, dwelling no. 21, family no.
26 & 27:
Sam'l Rathman, age 32, farmer, value of real estate owned $2000,
born in Pa.
Kesiah Rathman, age 25, born in Pa.
William Rathman, age 34, cooper of flour barrels, born in Pa.
Maria Rathman, age 32, born in Pa.
Margaret Rathman, age 6, born in Pa.
Elbina Rathman, age 11/12, born in Pa.
Rachael Rathman, age 6, born in Pa.
John Rathman, age 62, born in Pa.
Peter Rathman, age 22, cooper of flour barrels, born in Pa., person
over 20 unable to read & write
Catharine Rathman, age 56
From Page 980 of the book, "History of Berks County, Pennsylvania"
by Morton L. Montgomery: "HOWARD C. RATHMAN, a representative
citizen of Berks county, Pa., who is well-known as an educator
in Brecknock township, where he conducts a five-acre truck farm
during the summer months, was born Jan. 6, 1868, in Brecknock
township, son of Samuel and Catherine (Griffith) Rathman. John
Rathman, grandfather of Howard C., was born in Cumru township,
where for the major portion of his life he was engaged in farming.
He died May 17, 1870, in his eighty-third year. He married Catherine
Hoffert, and to them were born these children: Jacob, of Spring
township; Henry, of Brecknock township; David, of Reading; William
of Brecknock township; Samuel; and Peter, who lived with his brother
Samuel and died unmarried. Samuel Rathman was born in Cumru township,
Oct. 21, 1818, and died May 5, 1893. For some years he worked
at the trade of carpentering, but for forty years he carried on
huckstering and produce dealing, being so engaged at the time
of his death. He was a Democrat in political matters, and was
one of the first school directors of Brecknock township, helping
to establish the public school system in the district. He was
one of the early delegates to county conventions, and was well
and favorably known throughout the district. He was the organist
of Allegheny Reformed Church for more than thirty years. Mr. Rathman's
144-acre farm, in Brecknock township, near Knauer's, is still
in the family name. In 1844 Mr. Rathman married Catherine Griffith,
born in 1828, daughter of John and Polly (Brendel) Griffith, and
to them three children were born: Marguerite, deceased, wife of
Peter Shupp; Elbina, m. to Adam Kern, a farmer on the Rathman
homestead; and Howard C., who was born eighteen years after his
youngest sister. Howard C. Rathman was reared upon the farm, and
at the age of fifteen years he learned the carpenter's trade,
which he followed for two years. In 1885 he entered the Keystone
State Norman School, attending four terms. He began his teaching
career the same year that he entered the..."
On 21 Oct 1805 when John was 17, he married Catherine HOFFERT.[3] Born in Jan 1781 in Berks Co,
PA.[4] Catherine died in Berks
Co, PA on 22 Jun 1843; she was 62.[5]
They had the following children:
| i. | Jacob. Born on 5 Nov 1806 in Berks Co, PA.[6] Jacob died in Berks Co, PA on 26 Jul 1843; he was 36.[7] | ||
| ii. | Henry. Born on 27 Jul 1812 in Berks Co, PA.[6] Henry
died in Berks Co, PA on 10 Nov 1884; he was 72.[8] On 11 Feb 1845 when Henry was 32, he married Sarah TROSTEL.[9] Born on 16 Dec 1825 in Berks Co, PA.[6] Sarah died in Berks Co, PA on 6 Feb 1900; she was 74.[10] |
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| 2 | iii. | William (1815-1852) | |
| 3 | iv. | Samuel (1817-1893) | |
| v. | David. Born in 1822 in Berks Co, PA.[11] David
died ? . On 26 May 1846 when David was 24, he married Eliza SCHWARZ.[12] They became engaged in By Rev. J. Miller. |
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| 4 | vi. | Peter (1826-1853) |