Rulon, William Kelley 1850-1927

RULON, FREEMAN, COMBS, SCOTT, ASH

Posted By: Monica
Date: 4/15/2012 at 13:57:27

I am not related and have no further information. This was in a old scrapbook that belonged to Mrs. Clara (Jones) McCartney.

1850-1927
WILLIAM KELLEY RULON

"Strange that harp of a thousand strings, Should keep in tune so long."

Those are the words of Isaac Watts, the celebrated writer of hymans. When we consider the complex organism of a human being, it is wonderful that it should continue to properly function for more than three-fourths of a century. Less surprising is it that after such a period of time, paralysis should dim the active intellect, silence the lips and still the restless body.

William Kelley Rulon was born in Elk Valley on July 20, 1850. After weeks of prostation from his home in Wood, on Feb. 27, 1927, his spirit peacefully passed to unfettered conditions of the unseen shore. He had lived 76 years, 7 months and 7 days. His birth-place and his home through the years of his life are both in Elk township, Clayton county, and now his silent form will be laid to rest in the cemetery in the beautiful valley where he first saw the light of day and beside the loved ones who have gone on before. The parents of the departed were Joseph Rulon, a native of New Jersey and Mary H.Rulon, orginally from North Carolina. He is survived by four brothers: Perry of Edgewood; George of Albany, Oregon; Charles E., who resides at Forestburg, S.D. and Frank who lives at Minot, S.D. A sister, Hester Ann, became the wife of Mr. Freeman, but passed from this life many years ago.

On July 31, 1875, Mr. Rulon was united in marriage with Miss Alice R. Combs. For nearly 20 years this happy union continued, until the relentless messenger claimed the wife and mother. Their two children were Claude J. and Erle K., now well-known business men of this community.

On Oct. 20, 1895, he was married to Anna Scott. By this union there are two children; Annie, now the wife of Emory Ash, and Jeanette who died in infancy. Mrs. Rulon survives the husband, for whom the sympathy of the community is freely given in this hour of her bereavement. Only one granchild came into the life of this man, whom fondness for children was well known. This is Burdette Rulon, son of Mr. and Mrs. Claude J. Rulon.

In addition to the immediate members of the family mentioned, there are many relatives who will at this time feel a genuine personal loss and will share in the sorrow of the occasion.

In 1887 Mr. Rulon moved to the location now occupied by the village of Wood, and where his home has continued. Here he engaged in the mercantile business, also dealing in wood, post and other products of the forest, which at that time seemed to be without limit. Many families without other means of securing money or family supplies, were saved from suffering by this man, whose business ability secured a market for the enormous crop harvested by the woodman's axe. The mercantile plant which he founded has been ably conducted by his successors, being one of the most successful country stores in Iowa. That the location was chosen with judgement and foresight is shown by continued prosperity, even after the traffic in wood practically ceased.

After Mr. Rulon was succeeded in the store by his son Claude, he did not end his activity. His successful dealing in live stock is well known, and continued to the time of the attack upon his health. The possibility that the gulf-stream of his youth, with its warmer currents, ma--extend far into more arctic regions of advanced age, was fully shown.

To a remarkable degree he showed a faculty for both concentration and relaxation. When in the line of business enterprise he gave it his best endeavor. If a change was needed, he wandered through the forest or along the stream, with the clean and appreciative spirit of the true sportman.

Never an office-seeker, he never-the-less was called by his fellow citizens to positions of importance and trust. He served as postmasterm Justice of the Peace, trustee, school director and many years was school treasurer of the county.

Mr. Rulon held membership in the Masonic and Odd Fellow fraternities. The lessons there taught appealed to his higher manhood.

As a friend an advisor his judgement was much sought. He will be missed by many and by a great number will his helpful counsel be recalled. His sincerity was unquestioned.

The one whom we write was a liberal supporter of charitable and public enterprises. Much that he did was not known to others. In his inherent modesty he did not sound a trumpet before him, that he might have glory of men. A prominent lady member of the Elk Cemetery Society, since his death, tells of Mr. Rulon's helpfulness to that organization. Time, advice and means he freely gave. His last substantial gift was on Christmas, shortly before his sickness. While not an organic member of the local church, he was one of its staunch supporters.

In a recent conversation with the writer, Mr. Rulon stated he looked upon spiritual matters much differnetly then formerly. One intimate with him speaks of a marked difference extending over the last ten years. For a long time he has been an attentive listener to the sermons of Rev. R. R. Brown, received over radio every Sunday morning. He looked forward eagerly to the time for the service. His toilet was made as carefully as though to attend a regular church service, and he expressed great satisfaction for the truths which he learned. He told a friend that when he was younger and able to go to church, he had neglected his duty. "Now the good Lord has sent it right into my room," he said with evident feeling.

The sympathy of the entire community is extended to the bereaved family. The example of true worth as shown in the life of this man, will be long and affectionately remembered. --R. J. Bixby

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Added by Reid Johnson on 8/25/2019:

Clayton County Register, Thur., 03 Mar. 1927. Elkport column.

Kelley Rulon, one of the best known men of Elk Township, died at his home in Wood, Sunday morning. Mr. Rulon has been a resident of Clayton county all of his life. He was an honorable, upright man, a kind husband and father and was beloved by all who knew him. The funeral took place Wednesday, Rev. Meyer officiating. Interment took place in Elk cemetery. He leaves many friends to mourn his loss. May he rest in peace.