Version 6.01

11 February 2025

David March © 2014

GEORGE RATHWELL

George Rathwell was born on 4 April 1866 in Ontario, Canada to John Rathwell (1837-1917) and Elizabeth Cotnam (1843-1919). His siblings were: John William (b 1867), Mary Jane (b 1870), Lydia Ann (b 1878), Samuel James (b 1882) and Joseph Edward (1884-1926). George was raised in Brant, Bruce, Ontario.

George married Florence Eveline Clarke on 10 June 1896 in Paisley, Bruce, Ontario. Florence was born on 27 March 1876 in Goderich, Huron, Ontario to George Clarke (b 1844) and Mary Jane Johnston (b 1852). Her siblings were: Hannah J (b 1869), John George (b 1871), Mary Ellen (b 1872), William H (b 1874), Ann Bella (b 1875), Prudence May (b 1878), Herbert J (b 1880), Constance Alberetta (b 1882) and Coral Alferetta (b 1982). In 1881 the Clarke family was living in Goderich and in 1891, in Paisley. By 1891 Florence's mother was a widow.

George and Florence had two children, both born in Ontario: Florence Bell (1897-1984) and Clarke Cottnam (1902-1983). The Rathwell family lived in Pilkington, Wellington, Ontario in 1901. They lived in Frobisher, Saskatchewan in 1906 and by 1911 had moved to homestead land located at 13-28-16-W3 near Rosetown, Saskatchewan. George, Florence and Clarke were still living on the homestead in 1921. By that time, Florence had married Cameron Howard Duncan and had a son. In 1921, they were living in Lacombe, Alberta. Death dates could not be found for George and Florence.

This family tree can be found on Ancestry under the title 3rd Ave Rathwell Tree.

We had no luck finding a George Rathwell living in Saskatoon around 1918. However, we did find two men of that name farming land in communities near enough to Saskatoon to make them viable candidates. Every effort to identify a middle initial for these men failed. If one had the middle initial E, he would likely be the person who signed. The George Rathwell in 3rd Ave Rathwell Tree farmed near Rosetown which is about 118 km from Saskatoon and the other candidate in 3rd Ave Rathwell 2 Tree farmed near Harris which is 81 km from Saskatoon. Without the additional information of a middle initial, it is impossible to know which man, if either, signed the quilt. If anyone has information about a George E Rathwell who lived in or near Saskatoon in 1918, we would like to hear about him.

Candidate 1

George Rathwell was born on 12 December 1867 in Navan, Ontario to Samuel Rathwell (b 1819-1903) and Mary Ann Carson (b 1829-1892). His siblings were: William (1848-1902), Maria (b 1850), John (1852-1932), Elizabeth (Eliza) (1854-1937), Samuel (1856-1893), Charles (Charlie) (1859-1928), Mary Ann (Marion) (1863-1918), Margaret (Maggie) (b 1864), Robert (1867-1936) and Lydia Annie (b 1872). George was raised in Cumberland, Russell, Ontario.

Geroge married Clara Evelyn Chamberlain between 1901 and 1911. Clara was born on 18 December 1868 in Ottawa, Ontario to William Warrington Chamberlain (1818-1905) and Clarissa Hoyt (1826-1905). Her siblings were: Elizabeth (b 1851), William Hoyt Ithamore (1851-1918), Laurinda J (1855-1920), Larance Marie (1856-1909), George (b 1856), Curtis Joseph (1859-1916), Ithamar (b 1863), Alfred (b 1870) and Albert (b 1874). Clara was also raised in Cumberland.

In 1911 George and Clara were living in 12-10-W3 in Saskatchewan. In 1916 they were in the same general area on land in 33-10-W3 near Harris, Saskatchewan. They had moved to Kelowna, British Columbia by 1921. Clara died on 10 April 1951 in Kelowna and George died in the same place on 1 February 1952. They were buried in Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery in Kelowna.

This family tree can be found on Ancestry under the title 3rd Ave Rathwell 2 Tree.

Candidate 2