RATHBUN, William Wilson
Commemorative and Biographical Record of Columbia, Sauk and Adams Counties, 
WI. Chicago: Ogle, 1901, p 274-275

William RATHBUN, deceased, was for over 40 years one of the most widely known 
and respected citizens of Lavalle Township, Sauk County, WI. He was a man of 
unusual energy and perseverance, and was enabled to overcome obstacles which 
might have seemed insurmountable to a person of less character and 
determination. Although almost constantly occupied in the discharge of 
extensive business operations, he found time to fulfill his duties as a 
citizen, and exerted a powerful influence in the affairs of the town and 
county, and his cousel was frequently sought by his associates concerning 
matters of both public and private interest. Mr. RATHBUN was born in 
Addison, Steuben County, NY, 29 Sep 1824, and was a son of Thomas and Nancy 
(VROMAN) RATHBUN, who became residents of Sauk County, WI, in 1855. The 
father was of Scotch-Irish ancestry.

At the age of 17 years our subject came to WI and made his home for a time in 
Madison [Dane County, WI]. For a number of years thereafter he was employed 
on the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers as raftsman, and eventually becoming 
a competent pilot; the transportation of large quantities of lumber for the 
St. Louis [MO] markets was entrusted to his care. While thus engaged he met 
with numerous adventures, and also gained a wide acquaintance and an 
extensive knowledge of business transactions. In 1855 he came to Sauk County 
[WI] and purchased the farm at the mouth of Big Creek, which was his home 
throughout the remainder of his life. He invested quite extensively in 
timber land along that stream and for a number of years did considerable 
lumbering on his own account. He conceived the idea of damming the creek 
near his residence, and, in conjunction with his father, built a saw mill, 
which he continued to operate until his death. He was also interested in a 
steam saw mill in Juneau County [WI], and shipped considerable quantities of 
lumber and cord wood.

On 23 May 1858 Mr. RATHBUN married Miss Julia A. PERRY, who was born in 
Middletown [Windsor County], VT, and in 1852 came to WI with her parents, 
Israel and Calista (MOSIER) PERRY, who first located in Whitewater [Walworth 
County, WI], but in 1857 came to Sauk County [WI]. [See also the Sauk 
County, WI, biography of Israel PERRY.] Of the four children born to Mr. and 
Mrs. RATHBUN, two sons, Adelbert and James, died in childhood, and the other 
two, William and Julia, reside on the old homestead, the former having 
succeeded to his father's business interests.

On 22 Jan 1899, while working in his saw mill, Mr. RATHBUN's clothing became 
caught in the gearing, which drew his body upon the saws, producing 
instantaneous death. This sad catastrophe was a severe shock to his many 
friends as well as his immediate family. Being a man of decided views on all 
public questions, he was naturally chosen by his fellow citizens to execute 
numerous official trusts. For a number of years he served as chairman of the 
township board of supervisors, and also filled the office of justice of [p 
275] the peace and postmaster of Lavalle. He was reared in the Methodist 
faith, but was not identified with any church after coming to Sauk County. 
For a number of years he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows. His business integrity was unquestioned, and his many excellent 
qualities of mind and heart won him the admiration and respect of all with 
whom he came in contact. To his family he was kind and considerate, and he 
was ever mindful of the comfort and well being of his friends and associates.

Contributed by Cathy Kubly