1204       HISTORY OF GRATIOT COUNTY.

The post office of Rathbone, was established at the center of Lafay­ette, October 14, 1891, with Eugene M. Becker postmaster. He was followed by Charles XV. Tillotson. April 17. 1894; Lewis E. Zacharias. j u I v 29, 1897; Eugene NI. Becker. S e p t e m b e r 7, 1899~ William B. Richard­son, March 26, 1901. Dis­continued December 14, 1904. Now served by rural carrier from Breckenridge.

Two stores have been maintained at Rathbone for many rears; a great convenience to a large scope of country, contain­ing some of the best farm­ing lands in the county. One of the stores is conducted by the Rathbone Stock Company — Jesse 0. Pettit and Azor B u r c h, managed by Mr. Pettit. The other establishment is operated by Fred Patterson as proprietor. A blacksmith shop is presided over by Perry Pettit.

SMALL HAMLETS.           1205

The M. E. Church has Rev. B. J. Youngs as pastor; headquarters at Wheeler.