Thomas Ruckman 1836-1915

RUCKMAN, MCGOWAN, COON, ALDERSON

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 8/30/2010 at 22:24:04

Taps Sound for Aged Veteran
Thomas Ruckman of Superior Laid to Rest in Oak Hill Cemetery Saturday.
Was a Veteran of Civil War
Deceased was a Member of Post Here and Will be Missed by Old Comrades

One by one they are called home and it will not be long until the last veteran answers the final summons.

June 24, 1915, Thos. Ruckman departed this life after a lingering illness. He bore his suffering patiently. Mr. Ruckman was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, March 16, 1836. He was united in marriage to Miss Amanda McGowan, Jan 1, 1868. About sixteen years ago Mr. Ruckman and family moved here from Illinois and until about eight years ago reside on a farm near town; since that time they have lived in Superior.

In 1862 he offered his services to his country and remained in the army until the close of the war, being in some of the hardest battles. He was a member of Company E. 4th corps, 100th Illinois regiment, army of the Cumberland. As all our beloved veterans, he loved the stars and stripes. Never was an opportunity offered but the flag he so dearly loved was placed in his yard. Only last flag day he asked his daughter, Nettie, to place the flag in his yard. The stars and stripes were placed around his casket, knowing it would be his wish.

The writer calls to mind an occasion when Mr. Ruckman was asked to speak to a company of children about the war, but when he came to speak of the flag he broke down, saying, “The dear old flag I cannot talk about.” He was a member of the G.A.R. Post at Estherville and was always present until his health failed him.

Mr. Ruckman was a man who loved his country, his state and his home town. For six years he was mayor of Superior and performed his duty to the best of his ability. A man who loved his fellow man, and if he had not words of praise to offer he kept silent. He always kept posted on all subjects and it was a pleasure to converse with him. Until his health failed him he was always at church and was also interested in the work of the church. When the church was raising money he was one of the first to contribute and at the beginning of each conference year he began paying his subscription to the pastor’s salary. Mr. Ruckman’s death removes from our midst one of our best citizens and he will be greatly missed by all.

Funeral services were held at the church Saturday, June 26th, at 10 a.m. conducted by Rev. Watson, who paid due respect to the departed. The church was filled with sympathizing friends. The church was decorated with flowers and the stars and stripes. The body was laid to rest in Oak Hill cemetery at Estherville by the side of his wife who preceded him four years ago. He leaves to mourn his departure 4 sons and 2 daughters, Chas Ruckman of Arkansas, Fred Ruckman of Mt. Vernon, S.Dak., Harry and Tom of this place, and Mrs. Jas. Coon of Estherville, and Miss Nellie Ruckman of this place, one brother in Montana, also thirteen grandchildren, besides many other relatives and friends.

We extend sympathy to the bereaved relatives. Those from a distance attending the funeral were Chas. Ruckman of Arkansas, Fred Ruckman of S. Dak., Mr. and Mrs. Alderson and family of Fenton, a nephew of the deceased, Mr. and Mrs. Branford of Estherville, E. J. Schmidt and daughter of Spirit Lake. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, June 30, 1915)

Thomas Ruckman, eighty years of age, a veteran of the civil war and a pioneer settler in Emmet county, died at his home in Superior last Wednesday after an illness of over a year during which he has suffered from Bright’s disease and dropsy. The deceased is survived by a daughter and five sons. Funeral services were held Friday. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, June 30, 1915)