Edward Rutenbeck

RUTENBECK, GUTH, SCHWARTZ, ROCKROHR

Posted By: Barbara Gehlsen Nugent (email)
Date: 7/26/2011 at 22:21:42

Wolfe's History of Clinton County, Iowa, Volume I, by P. B. Wolfe, Biographical Sketches

EDWARD RUTENBECK.

The subject of this sketch is of German lineage, and in his personality are combined many of the sterling qualities for which his ancestors were noted. Carl Rutenbeck, his father, was born in Westphalia, and came to America about 1854. settling at Port Byron. Rock Island county. Illinois. He removed thence a few years later to Clinton county. Iowa, where he took up eighty acres of government land, which he afterwards increased to one hundred and seventy acres. He cleared and improved a part of his land, made a good farm, and lived a quiet though eminently honorable life, being considered one of the most substantial citizens of the community in which he resided. He married, in this state, Henrietta Guth. who was probably born in Clinton county, her parents moving to this country from Germany and spending the remainder of their lives in Iowa. They reared a family of three children, all living and well settled in life, the subject of this review being the third in order of birth.

The early life of Edward Rutenbeck on his father's farm was conducive to sound, healthy growth, so that when he arrived at manhood's estate he was well fitted for the duties and responsibilities which awaited him. In the district school near his home he received his educational training, and when he planned for his future he selected agriculture as the calling most congenial to his taste, the wisdom of which choice has since been apparent in the success which he has achieved. Shortly after attaining his majority, he began his life work, and a few years later purchased a fine farm of three hundred and twenty acres in Berlin township, where he has since devoted his time and attention to general agriculture and stock raising, his present high standing among the leading farmers of the county being readily conceded by his neighbors and fellow citizens. Mr. Rutenbeck is a man of progressive tendencies and has done much to advance the material interests of his township and induce the farmers of his community to take larger and more intelligent views of their vocation. He is essentially a man of the people, with their welfare at heart, and while intent in looking after his own affairs he has not been unmindful of the affairs of others, especially his neighbors, with whom he has always lived on terms of amity, and permitted no opportunity to pass unimproved whereby their interests might have been subserved. He is a Democrat in the full sense of the word, takes an active part in political matters, and renders his party efficient services as a worker in the ranks while campaigns are in progress. He is well known in Masonic circles, holding membership with Harbor Lodge at Lost Nation, and in mingling with his fellowmen he endeavors to reduce to practice the sublime principles and precepts upon which the brotherhood is based.

Mr. Rutenbeck was married January 31. 1900, to Frances L. R. Schwartz, of Clinton county, daughter of Frederick W. and Emma (Rockrohr) Schwartz, natives of Germany and the state of Wisconsin, respectively, and among the early pioneers of Clinton county. Mr. and Mrs. Rutenbeck have been blessed with four children, two daughters and two sons, whose names are as follows: Edna Emma, Alma Louisa, Lawrence William and Arnold Albert. Mr. Rutenbeck manifests a pardonable pride in his family and spares no effort to make the home life of his children happy. This interest is by no means without avail, as they are dutiful and kind and fully appreciate all he is doing to render their lot pleasant and agreeable. The domestic circle is indeed a joyous one and the spirit of hospitality and good cheer which pervade the home makes it a favorite resort of the best social element of the community.