Biographies
from
The History of Otsego County, New York
1740-1878
D. Hamilton Hurd
Published by Everts & Fariss, Philadelphia
RAWLINGS, John H. - Butternuts
John H. RAWLINGS is a native of Burbage, Leicestershire Co.,
England, being born April 5, 1833. His father, Isaac H., was a
native of the same county, and there married Miss Mary MUNSON.
The family came to America in the year 1834, and settled in the
town of Butternuts, Otsego County. Three years later they moved
on to the farm now owned by John Rawlings.
Isaac H. Rawlings was a man of great force of character, very
industrious, and withal a model farmer. He did much to raise the
standard of agriculture in his neighborhood, and converted his farm
from an inferior to a high state of productiveness. He was a regular
attendant of the Presbyterian church. He died Aug. 8, 1870, highly
respected by all who knew him.
Mrs. Rawlings survived her husband only a few weeks; she died
Nov. 7, 1870. She was a member of the Presbyterian church, and
her death was deeply lamented by the community at large. The
memory of these parents is sacredly cherished by their only son,
John H.
John H. Rawlings is the only survivor of a family of four children,
the others having died in infancy. He was one year old when his
father emigrated to this country. His advantage for obtaining an
education were such only as the common schools afforded. Being
the only child to reach maturity, he remained with his parents upon
farm, assuming control of the same many years prior to his father's
decease.
Jan. 1, 1856, he married Miss Ann BEALE, the daughter of
William and Hannah Beale, who were also natives of Leicestershire
Co., England. She was born March 9, 1826. When she was fifteen
years of age her father, with his family, emigrated to the United
States, and settled in the town of Butternuts. She was the eldest of
a family of nine children, eight of whom are now living. She has
resided in the town of Butternuts ever since her arrival in this
country; but her parents subsequently removed to Chenango Co., N.Y.
Mr. Rawlings is a very enterprising farmer, and is extensively
engaged in the manufacture of butter and English cheese. His farm
is considered one of the best in the town, being under a high state
of cultivation. His buildings are commodious and convenient. A
view of his beautiful home can be seen by referring to other pages
in this work.
Mr. Rawlings has voted the Republican ticket since the organization
of the party. He has contributed liberally of his means and time to
the support of church and educational interests. He is a man of
undoubted integrity, and highly esteemed by his townsmen. Mr. and
Mrs. Rawlings are withal very hospitable, and are apparently enjoying
the comforts of a pleasant rural home.--
Excerpt from History of Otsego Co., NY, opposite page 113