Biographies
from
The History of Otsego County, New York
1740-1878
D. Hamilton Hurd
Published by Everts & Fariss, Philadelphia
RATHBONE, Levant W. - Springfield
The RATHBONE family are among the oldest and most prominent
in the town of Springfield. The great-grandfather of our subject
was the proprietor of a large tract of land, embracing about 1300 acres,
which he came in possession of and settled upon about the year
1780. This property descended to his nine children, the subject
of our sketch owning a portion of it.
William Rathbone, Jr., the father of our subject, was born on
the "Rathbone homestead," Feb 13, 1800. His mother, whose
maiden name was Jemina GREENE, was a cousin of General
Nathaniel Greene, of Revolutionary fame. He lived his entire life
on the farm deeded him by his father, obtaining his education in
Albany. He took an active part in educational matters, and for
many years was superintendent and inspector of schools. He was
also prominently identified with the official history of the town; for
several years he was supervisor, beside holding other offices of
trust. He was a man of great energy and uprightness of character.
He was possessed of high social qualities, genial and courteous,
and won the esteem of all who came in contact with him. In
business he was highly successful, and acquired a competency.
He was one of the prominent farmers of the county. He did
much toward the improvement of the stock of the county. For
several years he was president of the county agricultural society,
and was a valuable contributor to The Cultivator, published at
Rochester, N.Y., now the Country Gentleman.
He married Miss Mary CHEWGO, a native of Montgomery Co.,
N.Y., where she was born March 19, 1800. She was an amiable
and intelligent lady, and possessed in an eminent degree those
qualities of head and heart which endeared her to all who knew her.
They were blessed with four children, - two girls and two boys, -
Jacob C., Levant Williams, Dorlisca, and Augusta L.
Levant Williams Rathbone was born on the old homestead,
Dec. 15, 1824. He received an academical education. When he
attained his majority he engaged in farming, which occupation he
has since followed, in connection with the milling business established
by his father. Fully appreciated by his fellow-townsmen, he has
been called to many positions of trust. For fifteen years he was the
assessor of the town, superintendent of the poor for three years, and
supervisor two terms. Like his father, he has taken a lively interest
in educational matters, and has done much in that direction.
The Rathbone family have filled a very important part in the
history of the town of Springfield and have marked the family name
indelibly upon it. The subject of this sketch reflects credit upon
his worthy progenitors, and is in every way worthy of the honorable
position he holds among his fellow-townsmen.--
Excerpt from History of Otsego Co., NY, page 333