Youngest son of Quakers George and Mary Ann (Downing) Rakestraw. John left the Quaker faith as a youth.
Civil War veteran, serving as private in Company G, 15th Penna. Volunteer Militia.
Was trained as a blacksmith in Lancaster County, where he married Mary Ann Barge and started a family of three; only daughter Laura survived infancy.
Lived in Lancaster County until late 1860s, before moving to Glen Hope in Clearfield County (as did his brother Elam). John later moved his family to Altoona in 1871, residing at 1515 7th Avenue.
Was twice elected to Altoona City Council (in 1887 and 1888), representing Fourth Ward.
Was a long-time active member and vestryman of Eighth Avenue Methodist Church.
Retired as blacksmith for Pennsylvania Railroad, Jul 1, 1903.
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Civil War veteran, serving as private in Company G, 15th Penna. Volunteer Militia.
Was trained as a blacksmith in Lancaster County, where he married Mary Ann Barge and started a family of three; only daughter Laura survived infancy.
Lived in Lancaster County until late 1860s, before moving to Glen Hope in Clearfield County (as did his brother Elam). John later moved his family to Altoona in 1871, residing at 1515 7th Avenue.
Was twice elected to Altoona City Council (in 1887 and 1888), representing Fourth Ward.
Was a long-time active member and vestryman of Eighth Avenue Methodist Church.
Retired as blacksmith for Pennsylvania Railroad, Jul 1, 1903.
________________________________________________________
Youngest son of Quakers George and Mary Ann (Downing) Rakestraw. John left the Quaker faith as a youth.
Civil War veteran, serving as private in Company G, 15th Penna. Volunteer Militia.
Was trained as a blacksmith in Lancaster County, where he married Mary Ann Barge and started a family of three; only daughter Laura survived infancy.
Lived in Lancaster County until late 1860s, before moving to Glen Hope in Clearfield County (as did his brother Elam). John later moved his family to Altoona in 1871, residing at 1515 7th Avenue.
Was twice elected to Altoona City Council (in 1887 and 1888), representing Fourth Ward.
Was a long-time active member and vestryman of Eighth Avenue Methodist Church.
Retired as blacksmith for Pennsylvania Railroad, Jul 1, 1903.
________________________________________________________
Civil War veteran, serving as private in Company G, 15th Penna. Volunteer Militia.
Was trained as a blacksmith in Lancaster County, where he married Mary Ann Barge and started a family of three; only daughter Laura survived infancy.
Lived in Lancaster County until late 1860s, before moving to Glen Hope in Clearfield County (as did his brother Elam). John later moved his family to Altoona in 1871, residing at 1515 7th Avenue.
Was twice elected to Altoona City Council (in 1887 and 1888), representing Fourth Ward.
Was a long-time active member and vestryman of Eighth Avenue Methodist Church.
Retired as blacksmith for Pennsylvania Railroad, Jul 1, 1903.
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Family Members
Parents
