Josiah D. Rutan, 1848-1894

RUTAN

Posted By: Emmet County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 3/14/2009 at 06:52:16

Sudden Death of J. D. Rutan

This community was shocked today by the sad intelligence of the death of Mr. J. D. Rutan, the capable clerk of courts in this county, which occurred this morning [8 Mar 1894] about four o'clock at his residence in Estherville. He had been ailing for a few days with a cold and neuralgia in his head and face, but he was not incapacitated from his usual duties. He was in his office yesterday morning, but in the afternoon was taken much worse so that the attendance of a physician was necessary. He continued to grow worse through the night, and died, it is thought, by a stroke of paralysis.

J. D. Rutan was 44 years old, having been born April 2d, 1848. He was married at Round Grove, Livingston county, Ill., Sept 28th 1869, and moved to Emmet county in 1879 where he has continued to reside. A heartbroken wife and three sorrowing children, Orpha, Tilley and Fred survive him. He efficiency had caused his election to the office he was filling for three successive terms. He was a trustworthy, capable man in whatever position he was called upon to fill, and his taking away has caused universal sorrow.

The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at the M. E. church under the direction of the Odd Fellows.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett. Source: Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa; March 8, 1894.