Dr. John R. Rathmell

       
      Dr. John R. Rathmell was born in Franklin County, Ohio, August 6, 1853, and is one of eight children - three sons and five daughters - born to the union of John and Susan (Frank) Rathmell, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively. The father was a farmer and followed agricultural pursuits all his life. Our subject graduated from the classical course of Ohio Wesleyan University in 1880, and from the Starling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio, in 1883. The same year he came to Chattanooga, where he has practiced his profession ever since. As a physician he has been successful, being progressive, studious, candid and practical. Soon after coming to Chattanooga he was made secretary of the board of health, and was president of the same board in 1887. He is a member of the Chattanooga Medical Association and of the Medical Society of the State of Tennessee. In 1883 he married Miss Edith Beach of West Jefferson, Ohio, and the result of this union was one child, Maude. Dr. Rathmell is a Free Mason, being Worshipful Master for 1887 of Chattanooga Lodge, No. 199. In 1885 the degree of A. M. was conferred upon him by his Alma Mater. He and Mrs. Rathmell are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Goodspeed's "History of East Tennessee" 1887