The remains of George Rathman, the private of Company E who died at Pablo Beach with typhoid fever, arrived last Sunday in charge of Captain Van Deusen and were placed in Germania hall from which place the funeral was held Tuesday afternoon and interment made in the Blair cemetery with military honors, the salute being fired by six of his comrades and taps being blown by John E. Shafer. Mr. Jacob Hauck, of Omaha, delivered a very beautiful funeral address and told of the many manly traits of the deceased, and how his memory would be respected and cherished as one of the heroes of the Spanish-American war, although he had not participated in a single battle. But he was a hero, nevertheless, and had given his life in the service of his country, whose flag he willingly died for. The funeral was attended by a large number of friends and relatives who extend sympathy to the bereaved family.

Corporal Guy Glover, of Company E 3rd Nebraska, came over from Arlington Tuesday to attend the funeral of his comrade, George Rathman. Guy informs us that Whit Lewis, another comrade who is home on a furlough was sick and unable to come over. He also informs us that Will Roberts, a member of the 2nd Nebraska who has been suffering with typhoid fever, is improving and able to sit up.

#2 Kennard Enterprise 14 Oct 1898

Death of Geo. Rathmann

Last Wednesday afternoon John Rathmann received a telegram from Panama Park, Fla., announcing the sad death of his brother George Rathmann.

At the call for volunteers George enlisted at Blair, Third regiment, Co. E. When he left with his Co. for the South he was the very picture of health. As a soldier he was one of the best drilled in the whole regiment. As a man he was well liked by all. He was taken down with typhoid fever about two weeks ago, and the last letter received from Panama reported him on the mend. But last Wednesday the dark cloud of sorrow fell upon the bereaved parents, and in the heart-rendering grief they can only bow in submission to the inscrutable will of an all wise Father.

George was well known in Kennard and counted his friends by the score. He leaves a father and mother, five brothers, three sisters and a sweet little six-year-old daughter to mourn his death.

We extend to the bereaved family our deepest sympathy in this their sad hour of bereavement.

The funeral will take place at Blair Sunday.

#3 Omaha World-Herald Fri. October 14, 1898, p. 14

PRIVATE RATHMAN DIES

Special Dispatch to the World-Herald

Lincoln, Neb. Oct. 13—A telegram from Colonel W. J. Bryan of the Third regiment today announces the death of George Rathman of Company E, at camp near Jacksonville. The muster rolls show that Rathman came from Blair and mustered at Fort Omaha. The report as to the number of sick shows 135 in the hospital and forty-three in quarters. Lieutenant William F. Schwind, quartermaster of the Third, who came home on a furlough, is lying sick at his home in this city, threatened with typhoid fever.

Note: his tombstone is spelled Rathmann

Additional information: Veteran of Spanish-American War; Buried Blair Cemetery, B 16 - L 9 - S 1 ; Owned by George D. Rathmann; Wife, Ettie; died Oct. 11, 1893 at age 33 ; B 16 - L 9 - S 2

~~~ Obituaries courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~

FindaGrave # 8556321