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| BENJAMIN F. RATHVON, senior member of the firm of Rathvon Bros., proprietors of the Mecosta Planing Mill, was born at Bertie, Welland Co., Pr. of Ont., Can., Feb. 8, 1848. He is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth Rathvon. The father was a carpenter, and died when Benjamin was seven years of age. The mother removed to Springfield, Elgin Co., Ont., where she was again married, to Reuben Johnson, a magistrate of that place. Mr. Rathvon returned to Welland County when he was 13 years of age, and was a member of the hosue hold of his uncle, a farmer, three years. He then went to Ridgeway, same county, and engaged with Eben Cutler to learn carpentering. He spent five years acquiring his trade, then went back to Springfield, where he operated as a builder three years, going thence to St. Thomas, and there followed the same occupation. In September, 1880, he came to Ionia, and connected his fotunes with those of his brother Charles, and at the end of a year they came to Mecosta village and built their planing mill, at a cost of nearly $,000. they usually employ ten men, and are doing a first-class business, with gratifying success. The combine building with lumbering interests. They expect to add machinery for making sash, doors, and also furniture. Mr. Tathvon is a member of the A. O. U. W. He was married May 29, 1871, to Emma A., daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Gilbert, orn June 15, 1850, in Southold Tp., Elgin Co., Can. Their two children were born as follows: Lewis E. O., at St. Thomas, Can., April 16, 1874; Ilau M., in Springfield, Elgin Co., Oct. 15, 1875. |