James R. Rheubottom was one of the two surviving sons of James R. Rheubottom (Senior) and Agnes E. ___. They were in Weedsport, Cayuga Co., New York at least by 1865. The hoopskirt manufacturing businesses were all in Agnes's name. James R. Rheubottom (the son) (b-Feb 1865) began showing up prominently in newspapers all across the country as early as 1885, as a bicyclist. He was racing in Boston, Massachusetts; Rochester, New York; and Cortland, New York in 1891. In 1891, James claimed his residence as Wrappinger Falls. The very last time that I can positively verify where this man was, is June 19, 1892, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Somebody (probably his creative brother) applied for and got a passport in James R. Rheubottom's name a few weeks later, on July 21, 1892, and stated that he lived in Cortland and followed the occupation of manufacturer.
I can find absolutely nothing on James R. Rheubottom to substantiate this. A January 29, 1893, newspaper blurb states that the remains of JOHN Rheubottom had been removed from the Weedsport cemetery and had been taken to the cemetery in Cortland.
Any information is greatly appreciated.
Thanks.