Richardson, Rufus 1818 - 1892

RICHARDSON, DURKEE, DAVIS, GODDARD, PARKER, CAMPBELL, GIBSON

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 2/11/2023 at 14:17:34

Elkader Register, Thur., 05 May 1892.

Again we are called upon to chronical the death of an old settler of the county and a good citizen. The death roll of 1892 contains the names of some of the oldest and most highly respected citizens, and now we are to add another honored name to the already long list - Rufus Richardson - who passed from the busy scenes of life to rest eternal on Monday evening, after a long sickness.

For more than a year it has been evident to Mr. Richardson's friends that he was rapidly failing, and a few months ago his powers of life were so exhausted that he was compelled to keep within his house and his failure has been rapid until the dread summons removed him from among his loved ones. His death, like his life, was peaceful, gently sinking into the last sleep, surrounded by his family.

Deceased was a native of Vermont, having been born at Mendon, Rutland County, September 10th, 1818, consequently he was 73 years, 7 months and 23 days of age at the time of his death. He spent his boyhood and early manhood in and about Mendon, assisting his father in the care of the hotel and attending school. Later he was proprietor of a stage line, and for some time carried mails and passengers over the country in the old fashioned four horse stage coaches.

July 21st, 1840, he was united in marriage to Eliza Durkee, who survives him. After their marriage they settled at Sherburne, Vermont, and opened a hotel, where for fifteen years they attended the wants of travelers through that part of the state. While residing here, if we mistake not, Mr. Richardson was elected a member of the Vermont legislature, serving three terms.

In February, 1856, Mr. Richardson and family started for the great west, stopping for a few months to visit with friends in Illinois, after which they came direct to Clayton County, locating first in the then new village of Monona, where they resided one year, managing a hotel, known as the Egbert House. From Monona they removed to a farm in Wagner township, where they resided until the spring of 1874, when they removed to Elkader, purchasing the residence property on the east side where the family now reside. To Mr. and Mrs. Richardson were born three daughters and one son. Of these one daughter died shortly after coming to Iowa; the others, Mrs. W. H. Davis, of South Dakota; Mrs. C. N. Goddard, of Decorah, and Ross living at home, together with their aged mother are left to mourn the death of a fond and indulgent father and loving husband. His only other relatives living are three sisters, Mrs. W. F. Paker, of Woodstock, Vermont, Mrs. A. B. Campbell, of Rutland, Vermont, and Mrs. Isaac Gibson, of Holland, Vermont.

During the thirty-six years that Mr. Richardson resided in this county he has enjoyed the acquaintance and confidence of all with whom he has come in contact. He was a kindhearted man, whose aim was to "do unto others as he would that they should do unto him," and as a result of this practice through life he was greatly honored by all, and his death will be sincerely mourned by those who knew him. The family have the heartfelt sympathy of our citizens in their deep affliction.

The funeral takes place this morning. Services will be had at his late residence at 8:30 o'clock, Rev. J. D. Perry officiating, after which his remains will be taken to Wagner township for burial beside those of the daughter who has preceded him to the home beyond the grave.