From the 1885 History of Steuben County, Indiana

pages 589-590

Valentine W. Rathbun, one of the early settlers of Steuben County, Ind., was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., July 6, 1826, a son of Valentine W. and Roxanna (Smith) Rathbun, natives of the New England States, his father born in 1792 and his mother in 1795. In 1831 his parents moved from Cayuga to Huron County, Ohio, thence in the fall of 1841 to Erie County, and in the spring of 1842 to Steuben County, Ind., and settled in Scott Township. The mother died in Scott, Aug. 28, 1858. She was a member of the Free-Will Baptist church and a sincere Christian. She left a family of eight children -- Niles, Nancy L., Phidelia J., Valentine W., Joseph S., Roxanna P., Hannah and Charlotte. In 1859 the father married Isabella Hamilton, and to them were born five children -- Mary D., Emma L., Nettie, Minnie I. and Homer R. Mr. Rathbun died May 16, 1876. He was a Drum Major in the war of 1812; in politics was a Whig and Republican. Valentine W. Rathbun, Jr., remained with his parents till manhood, receiving a good education for the early days. He was married June 4, 1851, to Paulina Hardy, a native of Cayuga County, N. Y., born Sept. 23, 1823, a daughter of Ephraim and Annis (Coburn) Hardy, natives of the New England States. Mr. and Mrs. Rathbun have five children -- Ginevra A.,wife of Samuel Davis of York Township; Albert Henry, married Catherine Kinsley; Charles D., of Iowa; Walter M., married Harriett Merrifield; Oscar Bradley died in infancy. Mr. Rathbun was in limited circumstances when he began life but has by his industry and good management acquired a good property. He owns 261 acres of land, 186 acres under cultivation, valued at $50 an acre. When the war broke out he was examined but was refused on account of disability. He was appointed recruiting officer and assisted in raising volunteers for the service. He has been Justice of the Peace sixteen years, and Trustee one term. In politics he is a Greenbacker, and his religion is as Thomas Payne's, who said "This country is my home, and to do good is my religion."

Submitted by Kim Davoli

E-mail: davoli82@juno.com