The Rath Of Charlie A pioneer businessman with a tie to baseball.

Charlie Rath was one of those Old West success stories that could only happen in the U.S.  Born in Germany, he came to America at the age of 11 in 1847.  He made his way west and, over the years, became a successful freighter, trader, merchant, and more in the Texas Panhandle and Kansas. He was one of the first Ford County (KS) commissioners.

An interesting connection. His son Morris later became a professional baseball player for the Cincinnati Reds when they won the World Series in 1919.