Lee Kitchner Rathbone, son of Jay Guy (1994-1944) and Allie M. (Allen) (1891-1953) Rathbone, was born 27 April 1920 Mason, Ingham County, Michigan. Lee graduated from Okemos High School in 1937. He married Helen Jeane (or Jean) Howarth, a 1938 alumni of Okemos High School, on 28 October 1939 in Alaiedon Township, Ingham County. Lee was a farmer and employed by General Motors. He died 16 April 1988 Lansing, Ingham County. Helen, born 19 February 1921, died 17 March 2010 in Michigan.
Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Sunday 19 December 1948
'RATHBUN PLACE' WAS ESTABLISHED 1836
Rathbones have lived on the present "Rathbone place," three miles south and one-half mile east of Okemos in Alaiedon township, since 1836.
The farm is currently being operated by Lee Rathbone, who took it over when his father, J. G. Rathbone, died several years ago. Mrs. J. G. Rathbone now lives in Okemos.
The original 240-acre farm was purchased from the government in 1836 by William Rathbone. And old family history relates how he made three trips to this area before buying the land, coming here from a farm in Ohio.
William Rathbone's son Samuel took over the farm in 1843 and assisted other members of the family in selecting homes in this area. These farms have since been sold outside the family.
PLANS TO REBUILD BARNS
The barns which are now used on the Rathbone farm were constructed by Samuel Rathbone about 1850. They are not in the best of condition, but Lee Rathbone plans to rebuild them when construction costs drop a little. He says the timbers are still in good condition, and he plans to use the old frames in the new structure.
The original house on the farm, also constructed about 1850, burned in 1929 and has been replaced.
Orville Rathbone, Samuel's son, inherited the farm in 1863 and operated it until 1890, when the present operator's father took over. The Rathbone farm now totals 170 acres, but only 100 of it was included in the original 240-acre plot. Earlier members of the family sold off 140 acres. The Rathbones more recently purchased 70 acres from an owner outside the family and also operate an additional 30 acres which they rent.
DIVERSIFIED CROPS
The farm always has been of the diversified nature. Lee Rathbone now grows wheat, corn, oats and other field crops and keeps an assortment of livestock including cows, hogs and sheep. He is active in community work, and has served on the township AAA committee for seven years.
A sixth generation Rathbone will take over operation of the farm if Mr. Rathbone has his way. His son, Ward, is only five years old now, but he helps his father with the chores and is rapidly becoming a "tractor jockey."
Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Tuesday 19 April 1988
RATHBONE, LEE K.
MASON
Age 68, died April 16, 1988. Born January 27, 1920 in Mason, Mr. Rathbone was the son of the late Jay and Allie Rathbone. He was a lifelong resident of Mason and lived on a Sesquicentennial Farm. He was employed by General Motors for 28 years, retiring in 1982. Surviving are his wife, Helen J.; daughter, Lora Lee Ion of Louisville, KY; son and daughter-in-law, Ward Jay and Maureen Rathbone of Olympia, WA; 5 grandchildren, Carrick Lee Ion of St. Louis, MO, Wendy Ann Ion and Todd William Ion, both of Louisville, KY, Marissa Leigh Rathbone and William Rathbone, both of Olympia, WA; and sister, Marion Purdue of Clare. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, 2:30 p.m. at the Gorsline-Runciman East Chapel, East Lansing. Interment will be in Leek Cemetery.