Richardson, Ross 1860-1930

RICHARDSON, DURKEE, RATHMAN, BIRDSELL, ALDERMAN, DAVIS, GODDARD

Posted By: S. Ferrall, IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 8/22/2015 at 13:03:04

This community was shocked early last Thursday morning, when it was learned that Ross Richardson had taken his life with his own hand, using a .32 revolver.

Mr. Richardson had retired the evening before, as was his usual custom and apparently in his usual health. Shortly before four o'clock in the morning Mrs. Richardson and daughter Marjorie heard a shot and on investigation they found Mr. Richardson's body with the bullet hole through his head. He was unconscious when found but lived for about two hours.

Ross Richardson was born November 8, 1860, near Monona, in Wagner township, and passed away July 10, 1930. He was the only son and youngest child of Eliza Durkee and Rufus Richardson.

He spent his early life on the farm and attended school in Decorah. With his parents he later moved to Elkader.

In December, 1896, he was united in marriage with Mary Ferdinand Rathman. To this union were born four children, Bessie, who died in infancy, Mrs. Charles Birdsell of Clarion, Iowa, Mrs. Ralph Alderman of Chicago and Marjorie, at home.

He leaves one sister living, Mrs. Caddie Richardson Davis, of Hitchcock, South Dakota. Two sisters, Mrs. Jennie Goddard of Decorah, Iowa, and one who died in infancy, preceded him in death.

As superintendent of the water works in Elkader for over thirty years, he rendered a service of immeasurable faithfulness and loyalty to this community. He also served as a member of the school board, as city marshal, and as Justice of the Peace. A great lover of nature, he took a keen delight in all the flowers and wild life of the beautiful hills that have always been his home.

In return for this love, nature gave him her calm placidity and strength of character and attributes that made him beloved by all. His family has lost a loving husband and father, his town has lost a good servant and neighbor and the world a kindly gentleman.

Funeral services were conducted at the late home Saturday afternoon with services conducted by the local Masonic lodge, the obituary, as reproduced above, being read by the Rev. C.H. Franke. Interment was made in the East Side cemetery in the family lot.

The bereaved family has the sincere sympathy of the entire community in the loss of the husband and father.

~Clayton County Register, July 17, 1930