Autographed carte de visite

Cousin of Major Henry R. Rathbone, who was in the presidential box at Ford's Theater, on the night of the Lincoln assassination!

(1821-?) Born in Albany, N.Y., he was educated at Albany Academy and the Collegiate Institute at Brockport. In 1845, he built a foundry in Albany which became one of the largest in the world. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Rathbone was commissioned Brigadier General in the New York National Guard, and appointed commandant of the Albany Depot of Volunteers. From this depot he sent 35 regiments to the front. He was appointed Adjutant General of New York by Governor John A. Dix. An ardent philanthropist, he was one of the founders of the Albany Orphan Asylum, serving on their board of trustees for many years. He was also a trustee of the University of Rochester where he helped to establish the Rathbone Library. John was the first cousin of Major Henry R. Rathbone, U.S. Army, who was an invited guest of the Lincoln's in the presidential box at Ford's Theatre, on the night of April 14, 1865, when President Lincoln was assassinated by actor John Wilkes Booth. Major Rathbone attempted to corral Booth, and suffered a very serious knife wound in the arm while struggling with Booth!

Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 4 1/4 card. Standing view in uniform with rank of brigadier general. Signed in ink on the front mount, Jno. F. Rathbone. No back mark. Light age toning, staining, and minor edge wear. Very scarce.