Person Page - 169

     She was born circa 1626.¹ She was the daughter of Thomas Rathbone and Alice Childwall.¹ She was baptized on 18 February 1626 at Prescott Parish, Ditton, Lancashire, England.¹

     He was born circa 1573.¹ He was the son of William Rathbone and Ellen (?).¹ He was baptized on 20 August 1573 at Farnsworth Chapel, Ditton, Lancashire, England.¹

     She was born circa 1832 at New York. She was the daughter of Allen Rathbun and Betsey Barber.² She died in May 1870; unmarried.²

     He was born circa 1629 at Prescott Parish, Ditton, Lancashire, England.^3,4,2 He was the son of Thomas Rathbone and Alice Childwall.² He was baptized on 8 March 1629 at Prescott Parish, Ditton, Lancashire, England.² He married Margaret Acres, daughter of Thomas Acres and Margery Houghton, circa 1654 at Prescott Parish, Ditton, Lancashire, England; their families were neighbors in Ditton.^3,1,5

John Rathbone died circa August 1702 at Block Island, Rhode Island,

In his will, John Rathbone described himself as "yeoman, being sick in body but of perfect memory." He was not too sick, however, to attend the April 8 town meeting with all five of his sons. Presumably he died early that fall, for the will was formally proved before the town clerk on October 6.

Although he listed himself as of "Block Island," the inventory of his estate indicates that he considered Newport his principal home. The contents of his "Newport House" included beds, pewter, wearing apparel, a bible and a gun. His Block Island inventory consisted entirely of livestock-- 11 cattle and 70 sheep. He apparently conducted some sort of business in Newport, since his will refers to a "shop" there. A 1702 record lists him as one of the proprietors of the Newport Town Wharf.

The date of Margaret Rathbone's death is not known. She survived her husband for at least 14 years. In July 1707, she was listed as the owner of a lot in Newport-- presumably the property left her in John's will. In March 1716, as the "widow and relick of John Rathbun, deceased," she made a deposition on Block Island regarding property she and her husband had deeded to their son, John Rathbun, Jr.

Of their five sons, three lived and died on the island-- John Jr., Thomas and SamueI. The other two, William and Joseph, moved to the mainland. During the first quarter of the 18th Century, Rathbun (as it came to be spelled) must have been the island's most common name. The census of 1708 listed 208 residents, of whom at least 58 were Rathbuns. Of the 38 freemen in 1708, seven were Rathbuns. There was a wave of migration to the mainland between 1725 and 1740, and the 1744 list of "tax 'ratables" showed only four Rathbun families remaining on the island. There are no Rathbuns living on Block Island today (the last one died in 1911), but many Block Islanders trace their ancestry to John and Margaret Rathbone..^6,3
     

Virtually all the Rathbuns, Rathbones and Rathburns in America today are descended from John Rathbone who migrated to the New World from England about 1654. He is undoubtedly the same John Rathbone who was baptized March 28, 1629, at Farnworth Chapel, Parish of Prescott, County of Lancashire, England. His father was Thomas Rathbone, a shoemaker in the town of Ditton, 11 miles east of Liverpool on the Mersey River.

The family was poor, and young John was probably put to work as a small boy either in his father's shoe shop or as an apprentice to a neighboring tradesman, He received little, if any, schooling, and remained illiterate until his death.¹

This was a period of great unrest in England. Years of civil war ended in 1653 with the beheading of Charles II and the installation of Cromwell as Lord Protector.

In 1654, Thomas Rathbone, the shoemaker, died. He left a small sum of money to his youngest son, John, who apparently used the money to take his bride to America, which was already developing a reputation as a land of opportunity. They first settled in Dorchester, Mass., where a number of Lancashire immigrants were already living. Unfortunately, the Dorchester town records for this period were destroyed by fire, and we have no records of his early days there.

John Rathbone's name first appears in American records on August 17,1660, when he was listed among 12 Massachusetts men who met at the Roxbury home of Dr. John Alcock to consider the purchase of Block Island, 12 miles off the coast of what is now Rhode Island. Alcock proposed that 16 families could share in the purchase and establish a "plantation" on the island. The 12 men at the meeting agreed to the purchase, and to send a surveyor to the island. The group, expanded to 16, later reassembled and made plans to divide the 6,720 acre island. Drawings were held to assign each of the proprietors a "great lot" in both the northern and southern sections of the island.

Most of the proprietors agreed to purchase a full one-sixteenth share, two took double shares, and several, less affluent, pooled their funds and bought half-shares. Among the latter were John Rathbone and Edward Vose. Their land in the southern section lay along the southeastern coast, encompassing what is now known as Mohican Bluff. That, together with their lot in the northern tract, gave them, they thought, a total of 420 acres of land.

Within a few years, Rathbone realized that the original survey had been inaccurate. He obtained a second survey, which established that he and Vose had been shorted by 130 acres in their "great lot" in the southeastern corner. He appealed to the attorneys for the Alcock estate- John Alcock having died- and they agreed in 1671 to give him "what land shall be found wantinge. . . In some convenient place In the commonland." To make up for the shortage, Rathbone was given 60 acres near the center of the island, stretching from near what is now the town center to the ocean on the east side. That surveying error proved to be a bonanza, for the correction gave him a strategically located piece of land in what became the most valuable part of the Island.

Rathbone must have been a man of foresight. For the next few years he steadily increased his holdings on the island. In 1674, he purchased 42 acres and in 1680, he bought 12 1/2 adjoining acres.

On Oct. 10, 1680, he made the final payment for his share of the original purchase, as shown in this early land record:

"I, John Williams ... executor of the estate of John Alcock ... doe acquit John Rathbon from the payment of 30 pounds which hath been received ... 11 pounds five shillings (by) said Alcock ... and the rest by Thomas Terry and myself ... In full payment of a Two and thirtieth part of Block Island ... which said Rathbon bought of Mr. Alcock as by an account upon the Block Island Book of Accounts. . ."

This would indicate that Rathbone had made a down payment of somewhat less than 50 percent, and had repaid the balance over a period of nearly 20 years- a system similar to today's 20-year mortgage plans.

From surviving records of his land transactions, it is apparent that Rathbone's major holdings, and his home, were in the central part of the island, which very early emerged as the town center. He also retained his original tract in the south end, for in April 1680 the town officers gave him permission to erect a fence "across ye highway in ye south end of ye Island and to hang and maintain a gate for ye liberty of ye inhabitants to pass to the sea when they see occasion." For this privilege. Rathbone gave the town an acre of land.⁶ [CR][CR]John Rathbone apparently maintained a second home in Newport for a number of years. The birth of his youngest son, Samuel, on Aug. 3. 1672, is recorded in early Quaker records at Newport. In 1674, he was living in Hammersmith, In southwest Newport. In 1681, he was elected to represent Block Island as deputy to the Rhode Island General Assembly, a position he held for the next five years. He apparently remained in Newport during this time and his name appears on a Freemen's List there in 1683.

In 1685, John Rathbone was a member of the Crown Party, which supported King James' order vacating the Rhode Island colonial charter, and uniting the colony with Massachusetts Bay, New Plymouth, New Hampshire and Maine. A majority of the General Assembly voted to defy the King and continue operations under the old charter. Rathbone and 12 other delegates sent a petition to King James pledging their allegiance to the crown:

"With all dutiful respect and submission as becometh loyal sublects, and in obedience thereto, we ... doe hereby present our full and free submission and entire resignation of the powers given us in said charter, unto your Majestie's plmaure, humbly desiring ... that your Majestie will take such notice of us in the succeeding government as may best consist with your Majestie's honour and our good. . ."

Rathbone was the only one of the 13 who signed with "his mark"carefully printing "JR" for his signature. This is one of two documents (the other is his will) which show that he was illiterate, not uncommon in that day.

Sir Edmond Andros, appointed by King James as Royal Governor for the United Colonies, did "take notice" of the signers in the new government. All were rewarded for their loyalty by appointments. Rathbone was named in 1688 as a Grand Juryman on the General Quarter Sessions Court, which replaced the General Assembly as the governing body of the colony.

That same year, however, saw the overthrow of King James in the Glorious Revolution. The Grown Party was out of favor, and Rathbone returned to Block Island, his political career cut short. Less than a century later, his descendants would be fighting a later King in the American Revolution.

In July 1689, Block Island was invaded by a French privateer, looking for plunder. The invaders asked some of the islanders who was most likely to have money, and were directed to John Rathbone. The Frenchmen went to the Rathbone home, and seized John Rathbone Jr., not realizing there were two men with the same name. The younger John, then about 35 years old, was tied, stripped to the waist, and whipped by the French in an effort to make him "confess' where he had hidden his money. By posing as his father, young John enabled his parents to escape capture and possible harm at the hands of the invaders.

It is a matter of conjecture whether the elder Rathbone was really one of the richest men on the island, or whether his neighbors resented his recent association with the discredited Crown Party. He had, however, accumulated a considerable amount of property on the island; between 1679 and 1693, he gave 255 acres of land to his children. Family tradition relates that he did this in the hope that his descendants would remain on the island forever.

From the standpoint of land value, Rathbone's Block island investment had been a profitable one. In 1684, 210 acres were sold for as much as the entire island had cost just 23 years earlier. Our ancestors also lived through inflationary times.⁶

His will was written on 12 Feb 1702. It read:

"In the name of God, Amen. I, John Rathbone, Senior, of Block Island, also New Shoram, in the colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation in New England, yeoman, being sick in body but of perfect memory, thanks be to Almighty God, and calling to remembrance the uncertain estate of this transitory life and that all flesh must yield unto death when it shall please God to call, do make, constitute, ordain, and declare this my last will and testement in manner and form following , revoking and annulling by these presents, all and every testament and testaments, will or wills heretofore by me made and declared, by word or by writing, and this is to be taken only, for my last will and testament and none other...

"First, I give and bequeath to my son, Samuel Rathbone, the table and cubbard which stand now in his house as for are lomes [heirlooms?] to the house, and I leave my wife, Margaret Rathbone, my executrix of all my moveable and household goods, houses and chattels, cattle, sheep and horsekind, and I leave the income of my house at Newport for her lifetime, and at her decease the westward of my house at Newport, and the leanto of that end so far as the post that the door hangs on, and the shop to be left to my son John Rathbone's son John and his heirs forever; and the eastward end of said house and the rest of the leanto to be left for my son William Rathbone's son John and his heirs forever, and the yard to be equally for their use.

"And I leave to my wife for her lifetime the twenty acres of land which I bought of Henry Hall, and the running of two cows and a horse, and the end of the house which I now live in.

"And I leave that my four sons shell pay to my wife during her lifetime, forty shillings a year, that is to say, John Rathbone, William Rathbone and Joseph Rathbone and Samuel Rathbone.

"And I leave to my wife during her lifetime, my neager man, and at her disposing and at her decease to my son Thomas Rathbone for three years, and at the end of the three years to give him as good clothes as his mistress leaves him and then to set him free.

"And at my wife's decease, what household goods are left are to be equally divided among my three daughters, Sarah, and Margaret and Elizabeth, and what cattle and sheep and horsekind are left are to be equally divided between my five sons.

"And I leave that my wife shall take up all bonds and debts due to me.

"And I leave that my executrix shall see this my will performed.

"In witness whereof I have hereinto set my hand and affixed my seal in Block Island aforesaid, the twelfth day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and two. JR [His Mark].⁷

     He was born circa 1722 at Block Island, Rhode Island.³ He was the son of John Rathbun and Patience Fish.² He married Olive Perkins.³ He married Elizabeth (?).³

     He was born in 1571.¹ He was the son of William Rathbone and Ellen (?).¹ He was baptized on 4 November 1571 at Farnsworth Chapel, Ditton, Lancashire, England.¹

     He is the son of Allen Rathbun and Betsey Barber.²

     He was born on 29 November 1741 at Exeter, Rhode Island.³ He was the son of John Rathbun and Patience Fish.² He married Elizabeth Kenyon.³

     She is the daughter of John Rathbun and Patience Fish.¹

     She was born in 1589.¹ She was the daughter of Thomas Rathbone and Grace Cuppowe.¹ She was baptized on 3 March 1589 at Prescott Parish, Ditton, Lancashire, England.¹ Died in infancy.¹

     She was born circa 1594.¹ She was the daughter of Thomas Rathbone and Grace Cuppowe.¹ She was baptized on 8 March 1594 at Prescott Parish, Ditton, Lancashire, England.¹ She married Thomas Rose on 26 November 1612 at Prescott Parish, Ditton, Lancashire, England.¹

     She is the daughter of Allen Rathbun and Betsey Barber.²

     She was born in 1634.¹ She was the daughter of Thomas Rathbone and Alice Childwall.¹ She was baptized on 4 June 1634 at Prescott Parish, Ditton, Lancashire, England.¹

     She was born circa 1725.² She was the daughter of John Rathbun and Patience Fish.² She married Elisha Reynolds.²

     He was born in 1570.¹ He was the son of William Rathbone and Ellen (?).¹ He was baptized on 26 November 1570 at Farnsworth Chapel, Ditton, Lancashire, England.¹

     She is the daughter of Allen Rathbun and Betsey Barber.²

     He is the son of Allen Rathbun and Betsey Barber.²

     He was born circa 1595 at Ditton, Lancashire, England.^4,3 He was the son of Thomas Rathbone and Grace Cuppowe.³ He was baptized on 9 January 1596 at Prescott Parish, Ditton, Lancashire, England.³ He married Alice Childwall on 13 April 1616 at Prescott Parish, Ditton, Lancashire, England.^5,3 He died on 7 February 1654 at Ditton, Lancashire, England.³
     

He was described in his will as a shoemaker of Hough Green, Ditton.³

     He was born circa 1566 at Ditton, Lancashire, England.^2,4,3 He was the son of William Rathbone and Ellen (?).³ He was baptized on 28 December 1566 at Ditton, Lancashire, England.³ He married Grace Cuppowe, daughter of John Coppowe, on 13 October 1588.³ He died on 7 November 1623 at Prescott Parish, Ditton, Lancashire, England.^2,5

     He was born circa 1621.¹ He was the son of Thomas Rathbone and Alice Childwall.¹ He was baptized on 10 January 1622 at Prescott Parish, Ditton, Lancashire, England.¹ He died after 1654.¹

     He was born before 1538.^3,4,2 He married Ellen (?) circa 1560.² He died circa 6 June 1587 at Ditton, Lancashire, England, England.^3,5 He was buried on 8 June 1587 at Farnworth Chapel, Lancashire, England.⁵

     He was born in 1562.¹ He was the son of William Rathbone and Ellen (?).¹ He was baptized on 18 October 1562 at Farnsworth Chapel, Ditton, Lancashire, England.¹ He died young.¹

     He was born circa 1577.¹ He was the son of William Rathbone and Ellen (?).¹ He was baptized on 1 February 1577 at Farnsworth Chapel, Ditton, Lancashire, England.¹ He married Isabella Bucks on 27 August 1605 at Farnsworth Chapel, Ditton, Lancashire, England.¹

     He was born circa 1591.¹ He was the son of Thomas Rathbone and Grace Cuppowe.¹ He was baptized on 14 August 1591 at Prescott Parish, Ditton, Lancashire, England.¹ He married Margaret Johnson.¹

     He was born in 1632.¹ He was the son of Thomas Rathbone and Alice Childwall.¹ He was baptized on 8 November 1632 at Prescott Parish, Ditton, Lancashire, England.¹ He died in February 1633.¹

     She was born on 16 March 1811 at Fort Ann, Washington Co., New York.¹ She was the daughter of Charles Brown Rathbun and Sarah Dolly Carr. She married Elijah Brown Rathbun, son of Samuel Rathbun and Mary Reynolds, on 9 November 1843 at Whitehall, Washington Co., New York.^1,2 She died on 28 March 1889 at Fort Ann, Washington Co., New York, at age 78.¹

     He was born at McDonough, Chenango Co., New York.¹ He was the son of John Gates Rathbun and Almira Philley.¹ He married Anna Shoemaker.¹

     She is the daughter of Allen Rathbone and Ruth E. Gates.³

     She was born on 6 May 1806 at Granville, Washington Co., New York.¹ She was the daughter of Charles Brown Rathbun and Sarah Dolly Carr.¹ She married Stephen W. Christian.¹
     Alice Ann Rathbun and Stephen W. Christian resided in 1850 at Noble, Branch Co., Michigan.¹

     He was born in April 1780 at Exeter, Rhode Island.² He was the son of Gideon Rathbun and Ann Nichols.⁴ He married Betsey Barber circa 1803 at Rhode Island.² He died on 8 August 1871 at McDonough, Chenango Co., New York, at age 91.²
     Allen Rathbun moved to at Norwich, Chenango Co., New York, in 1805.⁵ [CR][CR]Allen Rathbun moved to at McDonough, Chenango Co., New York, before 1830.⁵