5. Howard C. RATHMAN. Born on
6 Jan 1868 in Berks Co, PA.[19] Howard
C. died in Berks Co, PA on 16 Jan 1940; he was 72.[19]
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..."
Howard C. married Ellen S. UNKNOWN. Born on 28 Apr 1864 in
Berks Co, PA.[6] Ellen S. died
in Berks Co, PA on 1 Mar 1943; she was 78.[6]
They had one child:
| i. | Charles H.. Born on 2 Aug 1899 in Berks Co, PA.[6] Charles H. died in Berks Co, PA on 14 Jul 1941; he was 41.[6] |