CHARLES RATHVON, of the firm of Rathvon Bros., proprietors of the Mecosta Planing Mill, was born in Welland, Ont., March 11, 1850. He is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Alward) Rathvon. The father was a carpenter and joiner, and a native of Canada; he died in 1855, in his 34th year. TYhe mother was a native of the Dominion, and died in Elgin Co., Ca., July 20, 1883, aged 54 years. Until he was 18 year old Mr. Rathvon was engaged as a farm assistant, and was after that employed with his brother in working as a bulder, in which occupation his brother had extensive interets. Four years later he went to New York and found employment as a builder at Tonawanda, where he operated four years. One summer he spent in the employment of the Government, building lake shore survey stations. His next remove was to St. Thomas, Can., and two years later he went to St. Johns, Clinton Co., Mich., and was wmployed by the St. Johns Manufacturing Co., two years. In August 1881 he came with his brother Benjamin, to Mecosta village, and engaged in contracting and building. They built a planing mill in November, 1882, and are now turning out the customary products, planing, matching, siding, ceiling, moldings, etc. They generally employ about ten men and operate considerably in contracting and building.
Mr. Rathvon was married in Welland Co., Ont., June 26, 1872, to Ida A. Hershey, daughter of George and Sarah Hershey, born at Loville, Can., in October, 1850. Of this marriage three children have been born as follows: Cora B., at Welland, April 18, 1872; Ida May, at Tonawanda, N.Y., Feb. 6, 1874, and Gracie, at St. Johns, Mich., Dec. 10, 1879. The parents attend the M. E. Church.
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