Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1909-09-09
ANOTHER VETERAN GONE.
Charles Rathbun Dies Suddenly
Monday Night.

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Probably the greatest shock that has
come TO this community was Monday
night when the word was passed from
one TO another that Charles Rathbun
had died suddenly about nine o'clock.
Probably no man was better known in
Webster and none so well liked as Mr.
Rathbun He was Of modest and
retiring disposition, yet OF strong moral
character, and one whose force had
made hi M power for good in all the
communities where he had lived. 1t
can truthfully be said that he had not
single enemy in the world On the
other hand, there was not person who
knew him who did not welcome his
presence and appreciate his personality
which was always sure TO radiate hope.
fulness and good cheer. There were no
morosenes, remorse or revenge in his
disposition He saw only the bright
side of this life and loved to show to
others the many blessings which sur
round them. Up to the very hour OF
his demise he was an example that a
life of constant employment is one OF
happiness Monday was spent in help
ing to thresh on his sons farm south
of this city, and many of our people
will long remember his smile of recog-
milton as he went to and from his home
in this city. He arrived home in the
evening, and shortly after complained
OF pain In his side and prepared for
bed. Mrs Rathbun soon noticed that
something serious was the matter and
at once sent for their son, James. He
Immediately called Doctors j. l.. Har-
ris, H. J Herman, III. A. and p. ID.
Peabody, but Charles Rathbun had
passed beyond human aid aud trust
ing and confiding soul soon went to
join its maker. A happy home has
been bereft of an affectionate and atteD-
tive husband and kind and loving
father, and the world has lost one of the
noblest works of God--an honest, indus
trious man. The funeral was held at
the family residence in this city on
Wednesday and the large attendance
bespoke the high esteem in which the
the deceased had been held in this COM
munity. The floral tributes were many
and beautiful The services were con-
Quoted by the members of the Christian
Science church, of which he had been
member, the choir rendering beautiful
music and Rev. l.. L. Lane preached an
eloquent sermon full tribute, love and
sympathy. The remains were taken to
Groton this morning where they were
inferred in the Groton cemetery beside
those of his daughter who died some
years ago. Peace be to his ashes and
may God comfort and console the men,
bers of the bereaved family is the hope
and prayer of all Webster people.
Charles Rathbun was born in Mil
waukee, Wis, March 20, 1S47. AT an
early age he moved with his parents to
Sparta, Wis. When the war of rebel
lion broke out, although but fourteen
years of age, he offered his services to
and was accepted by his country. After
short term of service he was returned
home disabled, but as soon as recovered
again enlisted and served with distinc-
ton to the close of the war. Returning
to Sparta at the close OF the war he was
married there in 1867 to Miss Charlotte
Riggs. To this union two children were
born, one daughter, Addie, who died
sixteen years ago In Groton, and one
SON, James @. Rathbun, of this city. In
1882 the family moved to q farm near
Groton, where they made their home
until 1895, then moving to Andover,
then coming to Webster, where they
have since resided in, 1899. He
was engaged actively In business with
his SON during his residence here. The
deceased was member of the G. A. r.
and Odd Fellows. At an early age he
united with the Methodist church and
was devout member until two years
ago, when he plighted his faith with
Christian Scientists and became men,
Der Of that church in this city and was
such at the time of his demise. Charles
Rathbun was never i'll and his death |
was terrible shock to his wife and son,
who survive him, and to the community |
of which he was an honored member.
Ole w. AckersoD Dies