Obituary: John Samuel Rainbow

- from the Wheeling News-Register Feb. 24, 1947.© Ogden Newspapers; reproduced with permission.

J. S. Rainbow  (1858-1947)

J. S. Rainbow Dies Today

John Samuel Rainbow, 88, one of the most prominent colored residents in the city and father of Prof. John R. Rainbow, principal of Lincoln school, died this morning at 4 o'clock in his home, 1102 Charles street. He had been ill for the past eight years and bedfast for the past year.

Born in Luray, Va., in April 1858, he was a son of the late Ruben and Lonrainey Powell Rainbow. He came to Martins Ferry, O., when a young man and for the past 60 years had been a resident of this city.

He was a member and one of the founders of the Macedonia Baptist church of this city and was chairman of the board of deacons until his illness. He was also one of he organizers of the Mount Zion Baptist association and also one of the founders of the old Folks home for colored people near Harrisville, O.

He was united in marriage to Miss Mevina Drew, December 5, 1878, who preceded him in death February 4, 1942.

Surviving are one son, Prof. John R. Rainbow, of this city; one brother, Steve Rainbow, of Cleveland, O., four grandsons, one granddaughter and two great grandchildren.

The body has been removed to the Brown funeral home. It will be taken to the Macedonia Baptist church Thursday noon, where services will be held at 1 p.m. The Rev. J. D. Yancey, pastor, will officiate and interment will be in Stone Church cemetery.

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