Born in Germany to Johann Adam & Anna Marie (Schlee) Rath. Ran away from home at 18y and joined the German revolutionary forces who pillaged, burned and raided the province of Baden. In 1849, he left Germany amd came to the US. After joining the US Navy and serving less than a year, he moved to Jackson Michigan and became a shoemaker. In 1868, Rath applied for and was hired as a mail clerk for the Grand Rapids Division of the Michigan Central Railway, a run from Detroit to Chicago. He retired in 1900. As his pension record relects, he suffered from rheumatism, dyspepsia, cystitis and associated complicatons from his war wounds at Antietam.
Civil War Union Army Officer. He served during the Civil War in the 17th Michigan Volunteer Infantry, rising to Captain and commander of Company I. He received a wound at the September 17, 1862 Battle of Antietam, Maryland, and was briefly captured by Confederate forces at the May 1864 Battle of Spotsylvania. Towards the end of the war he was detailed as a staff officer to Major General John F. Hartranft. In the summer of 1865 General Hartranft was detailed to oversee the imprisonment and securing the Lincoln Assassination Conspirators in the Washington DC Arsenal, and Captain Rath was intimately involved in that duty up to the time of the Conspirators execution on July 7, 1865. He received a brevet of Lieutenant Colonel, US Volunteers for his service.
Father of John & Lucius Rath.
Jackson Co Death Record #822: Died 14 Feb 1920 in Jackson at 89y 3m 22d from age, born Germany, retired, parents John A & Mary Rath.
Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Michigan.
Chapman Brothers, 1890, Chicago, pp. 478-480
CHRISTIAN RATH. Until " time shall be no more" the hearts of men will not cease to beat in unison with the deeds recorded on the pages of history - to thrill with admiration of moral and physical courage, to glow with righteous indignation over tales of wrong doing and crime, or burn with sympathy for the sufferings of humanity. Standing out conspicuously on the pages of American history are the two sanguinary struggles, the Revolution and the Civil War - and as long as the Republic endures will the lives of men engaged in them be read with interest. The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch bore a part in the late irrepressible conflict, bearing a gallant share in the heat of battles and the arduous duty of campaigning, and when the dark cloud caused by the death of our first martyred President - "honest Old Abe" - hung over the land, in an official capacity was present during the terrible scenes which resulted from the death of the Executive.
In Wurtemberg, Germany, October 22, 1831, John Adam and Mary (Slee) Rath, were blessed by the birth of a son who is the subject of this biographical sketch. The parents were natives of the Fatherland, and of the Lutheran faith, in the principles of which they carefully reared their son. The lad was well educated, attending the State School six years, and leaving it at the age of fourteen to begin work at the trade of a shoemaker, which he completed about five years later.
In 1849, young Rath ran away from home and joined the Revolutionary forces under Gens. Hecker and Strube, remaining with them three months and going through Baden, plundering and burning that country. The forces were driven from the country to Switzerland, and finding himself within thirty-five miles of home, Mr. Rath returned to the parental roof, but on account of his connection with the insurgents could not remain there. He therefore fled to America and proceeding at once to Detroit, entered the United States Navy, in which he served about a twelvemonth. Tiring of naval life he left the service and removed to Jackson during the year 1850, spending about three years as a journeyman shoemaker in the employ of Robert Graham, after which he embarked in business for-himself. On May 22, 1853, he was united in marriage with Miss Eveline Henry, a native of Auburn, N. Y., who has borne him two sons - Hick L., and John A. - both of whom are now in the jewelry business at No. 225 East Main Street, Jackson.
At the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Rath belonged to Withington's Independent Company, but on account of the birth of his son John, felt compelled to remain at home when the company went to the front. The next year Gen. Withington raised a regiment and he joined Company G, as Second Lieutenant, turning his shoe-shop into a recruiting office. As soon as the regimental roster was full, they proceeded to Detroit and encamped there several weeks before going to Washington, drilling and studying army tactics. Reaching the capital they were quartered at Ft. Baker near the city, remaining there a week and continuing the drills of the comparatively new recruits, and leaving the fort to join McClellan who was marching to intercept Lee.
The first engagement in which Lieut. Rath took part was the battle of South Mountain, which began at 2 P. M. September 14, 1862, and lasted until dusk, the Union forces being successful. During this engagement Company G lost both Captain and First Lieutenant, those officers being wounded and incapacitated for duty, and the command thus devolved upon Lieut. Rath. Two days following he was engaged in the battle of Anteitam and although wounded in the arm in a charge made on the rebel line, did not leave the company of which he was the only officer. After the battle of Fredericksburg, at which he acquitted himself with honor, he was promoted to a First Lieutenancy and transferred to Company T, of the same regiment. In the spring following the regiment moved to Newport News, Va., and thence to Vicksburg, Miss., to participate in the contest there, during which he of whom we write was promoted to be Captain. After the surrender of Gen. Pemberton to Gen. Grant, July 4, 1863, his company formed a part of the force which successfully battled with Gen. Joseph Johnston at Jackson, Miss.
The next march of the regiment was with Gen. Burnside to Louisville, Ky., whence they crossed the mountains to Knoxville, Tenn., during the fall of the same year, taking part in a number of engagements and in hard marching, living on starvation diet, as they were cut off from communication with the North and reduced to short rations. They were finally driven into Knoxville by Gen. Longstreet and were laid siege to three months, having built fortifications in which they lived day and night, not daring to show themselves above the trenches for fear of rebel sharpshooters. One Saturday night the Confederate forces made an attack and captured the Union skirmish lines, and early on the following morning moved up the hill in full force to make a general attack. About twenty yards in front of Ft. Sanders, as the trenches were called, two lines of wire had been stretched about a foot from the ground, and when the enemy's lines advanced every man in the front fell to the ground, tripping over the wires which they had not observed in their rapid onset. The rear lines, struck with astonishment, wavered, and Capt. Rath making a sally at this moment brought in three hundred prisoners. Finally a request was sent to Gen. Burnside for an armistice to carry off the dead and wounded, and this being granted the two factions which had but lately been active foes mingled freely with each other during a respite of three days from active warfare. Soon after reinforcements were brought from Chattanooga, Gen. Longstreet beat a retreat, thus ending Capt. Rath's campaign life in Tennessee.
The Ninth Army Corps, which was that to which our subject belonged, returned to the Army of the Potomac, and rendezvoused at Annapolis, Md., three weeks, drawing rations, pay, and clothing. The command next marched toward the Rapidan and on May 5 and 6, 1864, took part in that terrible struggle of the Wilderness, where Capt. Rath's regiment lost heavily. Three days later they fought at Spottsylvania, where nearly the entire regiment was captured, and where the Captain made his escape by breaking from his guards and dashing for liberty. Regaining the remnant of his regiment and taking command, he joined it with the Second Michigan, which had also lost heavily, the two depleted bodies remaining together several days. The regiment to which Capt. Rath belonged was then detailed for provost duty at Gen, O. B. Wilcox's headquarters, and held that place during the remainder of the war.
Capt. Rath now took the position of Provost-Marshal on Gen. O. B. Wilcox's staff, and participated in all the fights from the Wilderness to City Point, Va., finding Gen. Lee intrenched at Petersburg, the key to Richmond, as they approached that city. When Gen. Grant attacked and captured Petersburg, Capt. Rath continued on to Appomattox Junction, where news reached the army of Lincoln's assassination. Capt. Rath was at that time Provost-Marshal of Dinwiddie County, Va., was promoted Brevet-Major of Volunteers on the recommendation of Gen. O. B. Wilcox, and was ordered to report to General Auger's headquarters at Washington.
Repairing at once to the capital, Provost Rath presented himself to Gen. Hartranft, who was on duty at the old District of Columbia penitentiary, adjoining the arsenal, wherein were confined the Lincoln conspirators: Mrs. Surratt, Payne, Atzerodt, Harrold, Dr. Mudd, O'Laughlin, Arnold, and Spangler. Receiving the appointment of Provost Marshal under Gen. Hartranft, commander of the prison, Mr. Rath remained during the trial of the conspirators, at the conclusion of which he executed Payne, Atzerodt, Harrold and Mrs. Surratt. He remained on special duty until July, 1865, when he was promoted to Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel of Volunteers, and discharged and returning to Jackson took up his old trade of shoe-making.
In the winter of 1868, Capt. Rath made an application for the position of mail agent on the Michigan Central Railroad, and at once receiving the appointment retained the position until 1885. He was then transferred to the Grand River Valley Route, where he still remains. Although on the shady side of life, he is hale and hearty, giving promise of living to a green old age, and is an entertaining companion, being especially pleased to talk over his war experiences with any who are interested in the personal recollections of men who bore a part in those trying scenes. He has the confidence and respect of those with whom he associates, and is looked upon as one of the most worthy citizens of Jackson.
Civil War Union Army Officer. He served during the Civil War in the 17th Michigan Volunteer Infantry, rising to Captain and commander of Company I. He received a wound at the September 17, 1862 Battle of Antietam, Maryland, and was briefly captured by Confederate forces at the May 1864 Battle of Spotsylvania. Towards the end of the war he was detailed as a staff officer to Major General John F. Hartranft. In the summer of 1865 General Hartranft was detailed to oversee the imprisonment and securing the Lincoln Assassination Conspirators in the Washington DC Arsenal, and Captain Rath was intimately involved in that duty up to the time of the Conspirators execution on July 7, 1865. He received a brevet of Lieutenant Colonel, US Volunteers for his service.
Father of John & Lucius Rath.
Jackson Co Death Record #822: Died 14 Feb 1920 in Jackson at 89y 3m 22d from age, born Germany, retired, parents John A & Mary Rath.
Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Michigan.
Chapman Brothers, 1890, Chicago, pp. 478-480
CHRISTIAN RATH. Until " time shall be no more" the hearts of men will not cease to beat in unison with the deeds recorded on the pages of history - to thrill with admiration of moral and physical courage, to glow with righteous indignation over tales of wrong doing and crime, or burn with sympathy for the sufferings of humanity. Standing out conspicuously on the pages of American history are the two sanguinary struggles, the Revolution and the Civil War - and as long as the Republic endures will the lives of men engaged in them be read with interest. The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch bore a part in the late irrepressible conflict, bearing a gallant share in the heat of battles and the arduous duty of campaigning, and when the dark cloud caused by the death of our first martyred President - "honest Old Abe" - hung over the land, in an official capacity was present during the terrible scenes which resulted from the death of the Executive.
In Wurtemberg, Germany, October 22, 1831, John Adam and Mary (Slee) Rath, were blessed by the birth of a son who is the subject of this biographical sketch. The parents were natives of the Fatherland, and of the Lutheran faith, in the principles of which they carefully reared their son. The lad was well educated, attending the State School six years, and leaving it at the age of fourteen to begin work at the trade of a shoemaker, which he completed about five years later.
In 1849, young Rath ran away from home and joined the Revolutionary forces under Gens. Hecker and Strube, remaining with them three months and going through Baden, plundering and burning that country. The forces were driven from the country to Switzerland, and finding himself within thirty-five miles of home, Mr. Rath returned to the parental roof, but on account of his connection with the insurgents could not remain there. He therefore fled to America and proceeding at once to Detroit, entered the United States Navy, in which he served about a twelvemonth. Tiring of naval life he left the service and removed to Jackson during the year 1850, spending about three years as a journeyman shoemaker in the employ of Robert Graham, after which he embarked in business for-himself. On May 22, 1853, he was united in marriage with Miss Eveline Henry, a native of Auburn, N. Y., who has borne him two sons - Hick L., and John A. - both of whom are now in the jewelry business at No. 225 East Main Street, Jackson.
At the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Rath belonged to Withington's Independent Company, but on account of the birth of his son John, felt compelled to remain at home when the company went to the front. The next year Gen. Withington raised a regiment and he joined Company G, as Second Lieutenant, turning his shoe-shop into a recruiting office. As soon as the regimental roster was full, they proceeded to Detroit and encamped there several weeks before going to Washington, drilling and studying army tactics. Reaching the capital they were quartered at Ft. Baker near the city, remaining there a week and continuing the drills of the comparatively new recruits, and leaving the fort to join McClellan who was marching to intercept Lee.
The first engagement in which Lieut. Rath took part was the battle of South Mountain, which began at 2 P. M. September 14, 1862, and lasted until dusk, the Union forces being successful. During this engagement Company G lost both Captain and First Lieutenant, those officers being wounded and incapacitated for duty, and the command thus devolved upon Lieut. Rath. Two days following he was engaged in the battle of Anteitam and although wounded in the arm in a charge made on the rebel line, did not leave the company of which he was the only officer. After the battle of Fredericksburg, at which he acquitted himself with honor, he was promoted to a First Lieutenancy and transferred to Company T, of the same regiment. In the spring following the regiment moved to Newport News, Va., and thence to Vicksburg, Miss., to participate in the contest there, during which he of whom we write was promoted to be Captain. After the surrender of Gen. Pemberton to Gen. Grant, July 4, 1863, his company formed a part of the force which successfully battled with Gen. Joseph Johnston at Jackson, Miss.
The next march of the regiment was with Gen. Burnside to Louisville, Ky., whence they crossed the mountains to Knoxville, Tenn., during the fall of the same year, taking part in a number of engagements and in hard marching, living on starvation diet, as they were cut off from communication with the North and reduced to short rations. They were finally driven into Knoxville by Gen. Longstreet and were laid siege to three months, having built fortifications in which they lived day and night, not daring to show themselves above the trenches for fear of rebel sharpshooters. One Saturday night the Confederate forces made an attack and captured the Union skirmish lines, and early on the following morning moved up the hill in full force to make a general attack. About twenty yards in front of Ft. Sanders, as the trenches were called, two lines of wire had been stretched about a foot from the ground, and when the enemy's lines advanced every man in the front fell to the ground, tripping over the wires which they had not observed in their rapid onset. The rear lines, struck with astonishment, wavered, and Capt. Rath making a sally at this moment brought in three hundred prisoners. Finally a request was sent to Gen. Burnside for an armistice to carry off the dead and wounded, and this being granted the two factions which had but lately been active foes mingled freely with each other during a respite of three days from active warfare. Soon after reinforcements were brought from Chattanooga, Gen. Longstreet beat a retreat, thus ending Capt. Rath's campaign life in Tennessee.
The Ninth Army Corps, which was that to which our subject belonged, returned to the Army of the Potomac, and rendezvoused at Annapolis, Md., three weeks, drawing rations, pay, and clothing. The command next marched toward the Rapidan and on May 5 and 6, 1864, took part in that terrible struggle of the Wilderness, where Capt. Rath's regiment lost heavily. Three days later they fought at Spottsylvania, where nearly the entire regiment was captured, and where the Captain made his escape by breaking from his guards and dashing for liberty. Regaining the remnant of his regiment and taking command, he joined it with the Second Michigan, which had also lost heavily, the two depleted bodies remaining together several days. The regiment to which Capt. Rath belonged was then detailed for provost duty at Gen, O. B. Wilcox's headquarters, and held that place during the remainder of the war.
Capt. Rath now took the position of Provost-Marshal on Gen. O. B. Wilcox's staff, and participated in all the fights from the Wilderness to City Point, Va., finding Gen. Lee intrenched at Petersburg, the key to Richmond, as they approached that city. When Gen. Grant attacked and captured Petersburg, Capt. Rath continued on to Appomattox Junction, where news reached the army of Lincoln's assassination. Capt. Rath was at that time Provost-Marshal of Dinwiddie County, Va., was promoted Brevet-Major of Volunteers on the recommendation of Gen. O. B. Wilcox, and was ordered to report to General Auger's headquarters at Washington.
Repairing at once to the capital, Provost Rath presented himself to Gen. Hartranft, who was on duty at the old District of Columbia penitentiary, adjoining the arsenal, wherein were confined the Lincoln conspirators: Mrs. Surratt, Payne, Atzerodt, Harrold, Dr. Mudd, O'Laughlin, Arnold, and Spangler. Receiving the appointment of Provost Marshal under Gen. Hartranft, commander of the prison, Mr. Rath remained during the trial of the conspirators, at the conclusion of which he executed Payne, Atzerodt, Harrold and Mrs. Surratt. He remained on special duty until July, 1865, when he was promoted to Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel of Volunteers, and discharged and returning to Jackson took up his old trade of shoe-making.
In the winter of 1868, Capt. Rath made an application for the position of mail agent on the Michigan Central Railroad, and at once receiving the appointment retained the position until 1885. He was then transferred to the Grand River Valley Route, where he still remains. Although on the shady side of life, he is hale and hearty, giving promise of living to a green old age, and is an entertaining companion, being especially pleased to talk over his war experiences with any who are interested in the personal recollections of men who bore a part in those trying scenes. He has the confidence and respect of those with whom he associates, and is looked upon as one of the most worthy citizens of Jackson.
Born in Germany to Johann Adam & Anna Marie (Schlee) Rath. Ran away from home at 18y and joined the German revolutionary forces who pillaged, burned and raided the province of Baden. In 1849, he left Germany amd came to the US. After joining the US Navy and serving less than a year, he moved to Jackson Michigan and became a shoemaker. In 1868, Rath applied for and was hired as a mail clerk for the Grand Rapids Division of the Michigan Central Railway, a run from Detroit to Chicago. He retired in 1900. As his pension record relects, he suffered from rheumatism, dyspepsia, cystitis and associated complicatons from his war wounds at Antietam.
Civil War Union Army Officer. He served during the Civil War in the 17th Michigan Volunteer Infantry, rising to Captain and commander of Company I. He received a wound at the September 17, 1862 Battle of Antietam, Maryland, and was briefly captured by Confederate forces at the May 1864 Battle of Spotsylvania. Towards the end of the war he was detailed as a staff officer to Major General John F. Hartranft. In the summer of 1865 General Hartranft was detailed to oversee the imprisonment and securing the Lincoln Assassination Conspirators in the Washington DC Arsenal, and Captain Rath was intimately involved in that duty up to the time of the Conspirators execution on July 7, 1865. He received a brevet of Lieutenant Colonel, US Volunteers for his service.
Father of John & Lucius Rath.
Jackson Co Death Record #822: Died 14 Feb 1920 in Jackson at 89y 3m 22d from age, born Germany, retired, parents John A & Mary Rath.
Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Michigan.
Chapman Brothers, 1890, Chicago, pp. 478-480
CHRISTIAN RATH. Until " time shall be no more" the hearts of men will not cease to beat in unison with the deeds recorded on the pages of history - to thrill with admiration of moral and physical courage, to glow with righteous indignation over tales of wrong doing and crime, or burn with sympathy for the sufferings of humanity. Standing out conspicuously on the pages of American history are the two sanguinary struggles, the Revolution and the Civil War - and as long as the Republic endures will the lives of men engaged in them be read with interest. The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch bore a part in the late irrepressible conflict, bearing a gallant share in the heat of battles and the arduous duty of campaigning, and when the dark cloud caused by the death of our first martyred President - "honest Old Abe" - hung over the land, in an official capacity was present during the terrible scenes which resulted from the death of the Executive.
In Wurtemberg, Germany, October 22, 1831, John Adam and Mary (Slee) Rath, were blessed by the birth of a son who is the subject of this biographical sketch. The parents were natives of the Fatherland, and of the Lutheran faith, in the principles of which they carefully reared their son. The lad was well educated, attending the State School six years, and leaving it at the age of fourteen to begin work at the trade of a shoemaker, which he completed about five years later.
In 1849, young Rath ran away from home and joined the Revolutionary forces under Gens. Hecker and Strube, remaining with them three months and going through Baden, plundering and burning that country. The forces were driven from the country to Switzerland, and finding himself within thirty-five miles of home, Mr. Rath returned to the parental roof, but on account of his connection with the insurgents could not remain there. He therefore fled to America and proceeding at once to Detroit, entered the United States Navy, in which he served about a twelvemonth. Tiring of naval life he left the service and removed to Jackson during the year 1850, spending about three years as a journeyman shoemaker in the employ of Robert Graham, after which he embarked in business for-himself. On May 22, 1853, he was united in marriage with Miss Eveline Henry, a native of Auburn, N. Y., who has borne him two sons - Hick L., and John A. - both of whom are now in the jewelry business at No. 225 East Main Street, Jackson.
At the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Rath belonged to Withington's Independent Company, but on account of the birth of his son John, felt compelled to remain at home when the company went to the front. The next year Gen. Withington raised a regiment and he joined Company G, as Second Lieutenant, turning his shoe-shop into a recruiting office. As soon as the regimental roster was full, they proceeded to Detroit and encamped there several weeks before going to Washington, drilling and studying army tactics. Reaching the capital they were quartered at Ft. Baker near the city, remaining there a week and continuing the drills of the comparatively new recruits, and leaving the fort to join McClellan who was marching to intercept Lee.
The first engagement in which Lieut. Rath took part was the battle of South Mountain, which began at 2 P. M. September 14, 1862, and lasted until dusk, the Union forces being successful. During this engagement Company G lost both Captain and First Lieutenant, those officers being wounded and incapacitated for duty, and the command thus devolved upon Lieut. Rath. Two days following he was engaged in the battle of Anteitam and although wounded in the arm in a charge made on the rebel line, did not leave the company of which he was the only officer. After the battle of Fredericksburg, at which he acquitted himself with honor, he was promoted to a First Lieutenancy and transferred to Company T, of the same regiment. In the spring following the regiment moved to Newport News, Va., and thence to Vicksburg, Miss., to participate in the contest there, during which he of whom we write was promoted to be Captain. After the surrender of Gen. Pemberton to Gen. Grant, July 4, 1863, his company formed a part of the force which successfully battled with Gen. Joseph Johnston at Jackson, Miss.
The next march of the regiment was with Gen. Burnside to Louisville, Ky., whence they crossed the mountains to Knoxville, Tenn., during the fall of the same year, taking part in a number of engagements and in hard marching, living on starvation diet, as they were cut off from communication with the North and reduced to short rations. They were finally driven into Knoxville by Gen. Longstreet and were laid siege to three months, having built fortifications in which they lived day and night, not daring to show themselves above the trenches for fear of rebel sharpshooters. One Saturday night the Confederate forces made an attack and captured the Union skirmish lines, and early on the following morning moved up the hill in full force to make a general attack. About twenty yards in front of Ft. Sanders, as the trenches were called, two lines of wire had been stretched about a foot from the ground, and when the enemy's lines advanced every man in the front fell to the ground, tripping over the wires which they had not observed in their rapid onset. The rear lines, struck with astonishment, wavered, and Capt. Rath making a sally at this moment brought in three hundred prisoners. Finally a request was sent to Gen. Burnside for an armistice to carry off the dead and wounded, and this being granted the two factions which had but lately been active foes mingled freely with each other during a respite of three days from active warfare. Soon after reinforcements were brought from Chattanooga, Gen. Longstreet beat a retreat, thus ending Capt. Rath's campaign life in Tennessee.
The Ninth Army Corps, which was that to which our subject belonged, returned to the Army of the Potomac, and rendezvoused at Annapolis, Md., three weeks, drawing rations, pay, and clothing. The command next marched toward the Rapidan and on May 5 and 6, 1864, took part in that terrible struggle of the Wilderness, where Capt. Rath's regiment lost heavily. Three days later they fought at Spottsylvania, where nearly the entire regiment was captured, and where the Captain made his escape by breaking from his guards and dashing for liberty. Regaining the remnant of his regiment and taking command, he joined it with the Second Michigan, which had also lost heavily, the two depleted bodies remaining together several days. The regiment to which Capt. Rath belonged was then detailed for provost duty at Gen, O. B. Wilcox's headquarters, and held that place during the remainder of the war.
Capt. Rath now took the position of Provost-Marshal on Gen. O. B. Wilcox's staff, and participated in all the fights from the Wilderness to City Point, Va., finding Gen. Lee intrenched at Petersburg, the key to Richmond, as they approached that city. When Gen. Grant attacked and captured Petersburg, Capt. Rath continued on to Appomattox Junction, where news reached the army of Lincoln's assassination. Capt. Rath was at that time Provost-Marshal of Dinwiddie County, Va., was promoted Brevet-Major of Volunteers on the recommendation of Gen. O. B. Wilcox, and was ordered to report to General Auger's headquarters at Washington.
Repairing at once to the capital, Provost Rath presented himself to Gen. Hartranft, who was on duty at the old District of Columbia penitentiary, adjoining the arsenal, wherein were confined the Lincoln conspirators: Mrs. Surratt, Payne, Atzerodt, Harrold, Dr. Mudd, O'Laughlin, Arnold, and Spangler. Receiving the appointment of Provost Marshal under Gen. Hartranft, commander of the prison, Mr. Rath remained during the trial of the conspirators, at the conclusion of which he executed Payne, Atzerodt, Harrold and Mrs. Surratt. He remained on special duty until July, 1865, when he was promoted to Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel of Volunteers, and discharged and returning to Jackson took up his old trade of shoe-making.
In the winter of 1868, Capt. Rath made an application for the position of mail agent on the Michigan Central Railroad, and at once receiving the appointment retained the position until 1885. He was then transferred to the Grand River Valley Route, where he still remains. Although on the shady side of life, he is hale and hearty, giving promise of living to a green old age, and is an entertaining companion, being especially pleased to talk over his war experiences with any who are interested in the personal recollections of men who bore a part in those trying scenes. He has the confidence and respect of those with whom he associates, and is looked upon as one of the most worthy citizens of Jackson.
Civil War Union Army Officer. He served during the Civil War in the 17th Michigan Volunteer Infantry, rising to Captain and commander of Company I. He received a wound at the September 17, 1862 Battle of Antietam, Maryland, and was briefly captured by Confederate forces at the May 1864 Battle of Spotsylvania. Towards the end of the war he was detailed as a staff officer to Major General John F. Hartranft. In the summer of 1865 General Hartranft was detailed to oversee the imprisonment and securing the Lincoln Assassination Conspirators in the Washington DC Arsenal, and Captain Rath was intimately involved in that duty up to the time of the Conspirators execution on July 7, 1865. He received a brevet of Lieutenant Colonel, US Volunteers for his service.
Father of John & Lucius Rath.
Jackson Co Death Record #822: Died 14 Feb 1920 in Jackson at 89y 3m 22d from age, born Germany, retired, parents John A & Mary Rath.
Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Michigan.
Chapman Brothers, 1890, Chicago, pp. 478-480
CHRISTIAN RATH. Until " time shall be no more" the hearts of men will not cease to beat in unison with the deeds recorded on the pages of history - to thrill with admiration of moral and physical courage, to glow with righteous indignation over tales of wrong doing and crime, or burn with sympathy for the sufferings of humanity. Standing out conspicuously on the pages of American history are the two sanguinary struggles, the Revolution and the Civil War - and as long as the Republic endures will the lives of men engaged in them be read with interest. The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch bore a part in the late irrepressible conflict, bearing a gallant share in the heat of battles and the arduous duty of campaigning, and when the dark cloud caused by the death of our first martyred President - "honest Old Abe" - hung over the land, in an official capacity was present during the terrible scenes which resulted from the death of the Executive.
In Wurtemberg, Germany, October 22, 1831, John Adam and Mary (Slee) Rath, were blessed by the birth of a son who is the subject of this biographical sketch. The parents were natives of the Fatherland, and of the Lutheran faith, in the principles of which they carefully reared their son. The lad was well educated, attending the State School six years, and leaving it at the age of fourteen to begin work at the trade of a shoemaker, which he completed about five years later.
In 1849, young Rath ran away from home and joined the Revolutionary forces under Gens. Hecker and Strube, remaining with them three months and going through Baden, plundering and burning that country. The forces were driven from the country to Switzerland, and finding himself within thirty-five miles of home, Mr. Rath returned to the parental roof, but on account of his connection with the insurgents could not remain there. He therefore fled to America and proceeding at once to Detroit, entered the United States Navy, in which he served about a twelvemonth. Tiring of naval life he left the service and removed to Jackson during the year 1850, spending about three years as a journeyman shoemaker in the employ of Robert Graham, after which he embarked in business for-himself. On May 22, 1853, he was united in marriage with Miss Eveline Henry, a native of Auburn, N. Y., who has borne him two sons - Hick L., and John A. - both of whom are now in the jewelry business at No. 225 East Main Street, Jackson.
At the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Rath belonged to Withington's Independent Company, but on account of the birth of his son John, felt compelled to remain at home when the company went to the front. The next year Gen. Withington raised a regiment and he joined Company G, as Second Lieutenant, turning his shoe-shop into a recruiting office. As soon as the regimental roster was full, they proceeded to Detroit and encamped there several weeks before going to Washington, drilling and studying army tactics. Reaching the capital they were quartered at Ft. Baker near the city, remaining there a week and continuing the drills of the comparatively new recruits, and leaving the fort to join McClellan who was marching to intercept Lee.
The first engagement in which Lieut. Rath took part was the battle of South Mountain, which began at 2 P. M. September 14, 1862, and lasted until dusk, the Union forces being successful. During this engagement Company G lost both Captain and First Lieutenant, those officers being wounded and incapacitated for duty, and the command thus devolved upon Lieut. Rath. Two days following he was engaged in the battle of Anteitam and although wounded in the arm in a charge made on the rebel line, did not leave the company of which he was the only officer. After the battle of Fredericksburg, at which he acquitted himself with honor, he was promoted to a First Lieutenancy and transferred to Company T, of the same regiment. In the spring following the regiment moved to Newport News, Va., and thence to Vicksburg, Miss., to participate in the contest there, during which he of whom we write was promoted to be Captain. After the surrender of Gen. Pemberton to Gen. Grant, July 4, 1863, his company formed a part of the force which successfully battled with Gen. Joseph Johnston at Jackson, Miss.
The next march of the regiment was with Gen. Burnside to Louisville, Ky., whence they crossed the mountains to Knoxville, Tenn., during the fall of the same year, taking part in a number of engagements and in hard marching, living on starvation diet, as they were cut off from communication with the North and reduced to short rations. They were finally driven into Knoxville by Gen. Longstreet and were laid siege to three months, having built fortifications in which they lived day and night, not daring to show themselves above the trenches for fear of rebel sharpshooters. One Saturday night the Confederate forces made an attack and captured the Union skirmish lines, and early on the following morning moved up the hill in full force to make a general attack. About twenty yards in front of Ft. Sanders, as the trenches were called, two lines of wire had been stretched about a foot from the ground, and when the enemy's lines advanced every man in the front fell to the ground, tripping over the wires which they had not observed in their rapid onset. The rear lines, struck with astonishment, wavered, and Capt. Rath making a sally at this moment brought in three hundred prisoners. Finally a request was sent to Gen. Burnside for an armistice to carry off the dead and wounded, and this being granted the two factions which had but lately been active foes mingled freely with each other during a respite of three days from active warfare. Soon after reinforcements were brought from Chattanooga, Gen. Longstreet beat a retreat, thus ending Capt. Rath's campaign life in Tennessee.
The Ninth Army Corps, which was that to which our subject belonged, returned to the Army of the Potomac, and rendezvoused at Annapolis, Md., three weeks, drawing rations, pay, and clothing. The command next marched toward the Rapidan and on May 5 and 6, 1864, took part in that terrible struggle of the Wilderness, where Capt. Rath's regiment lost heavily. Three days later they fought at Spottsylvania, where nearly the entire regiment was captured, and where the Captain made his escape by breaking from his guards and dashing for liberty. Regaining the remnant of his regiment and taking command, he joined it with the Second Michigan, which had also lost heavily, the two depleted bodies remaining together several days. The regiment to which Capt. Rath belonged was then detailed for provost duty at Gen, O. B. Wilcox's headquarters, and held that place during the remainder of the war.
Capt. Rath now took the position of Provost-Marshal on Gen. O. B. Wilcox's staff, and participated in all the fights from the Wilderness to City Point, Va., finding Gen. Lee intrenched at Petersburg, the key to Richmond, as they approached that city. When Gen. Grant attacked and captured Petersburg, Capt. Rath continued on to Appomattox Junction, where news reached the army of Lincoln's assassination. Capt. Rath was at that time Provost-Marshal of Dinwiddie County, Va., was promoted Brevet-Major of Volunteers on the recommendation of Gen. O. B. Wilcox, and was ordered to report to General Auger's headquarters at Washington.
Repairing at once to the capital, Provost Rath presented himself to Gen. Hartranft, who was on duty at the old District of Columbia penitentiary, adjoining the arsenal, wherein were confined the Lincoln conspirators: Mrs. Surratt, Payne, Atzerodt, Harrold, Dr. Mudd, O'Laughlin, Arnold, and Spangler. Receiving the appointment of Provost Marshal under Gen. Hartranft, commander of the prison, Mr. Rath remained during the trial of the conspirators, at the conclusion of which he executed Payne, Atzerodt, Harrold and Mrs. Surratt. He remained on special duty until July, 1865, when he was promoted to Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel of Volunteers, and discharged and returning to Jackson took up his old trade of shoe-making.
In the winter of 1868, Capt. Rath made an application for the position of mail agent on the Michigan Central Railroad, and at once receiving the appointment retained the position until 1885. He was then transferred to the Grand River Valley Route, where he still remains. Although on the shady side of life, he is hale and hearty, giving promise of living to a green old age, and is an entertaining companion, being especially pleased to talk over his war experiences with any who are interested in the personal recollections of men who bore a part in those trying scenes. He has the confidence and respect of those with whom he associates, and is looked upon as one of the most worthy citizens of Jackson.
