Josiah D. Rutan 1848-1894

RUTAN, BARNET, BREWER

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 12/7/2010 at 23:26:56

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 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 thought 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 2nd, 1848. He was married at Round Grove, Livingston county, Ills., 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. His 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. (Northern Vindicator, Estherville, IA, March 8, 1894)

Cut Down
Clerk of Courts Rutan Stricken at His Home
The entire community was shocked and grieved this morning to hear of the sudden death of one of the country’s most respected and well known citizens – J. D. Rutan. Mr. Rutan had been ailing of late but was able to attend to the duties of his office until noon, yesterday when he complained of not feeling well and did not return to work. The family were not alarmed thinking it only an attack of the grip, and they retired as usual last night. This morning at about six he was found dead in bed. The shock to the devoted wife and children is a terrible one and Mrs. Rutan is seriously sick from the effects of it and all members of the family are almost prostrated with grief.

Mr. Rutan was born in Plainfield, N.J. April 2nd, 1848, and was married Sept. 28, 1869 at Round Grove, Illinois. Fourteen years ago the family moved to Armstrong Grove township, this county and engaged in farming. Mr. Rutan’s ability as a clerk and accountant was soon found out and he was elected to the office of clerk of courts, seven years ago last fall and so faithfully did he fill that office that he has been three times re-elected, the last time without opposition. He had a pleasant home in this city and was greatly devoted to that home. His sufferings from a chronic hip disease must have been constant and at times agonizing, but he never complained. He was a good citizen and a model husband and father. He leaves a wife, two daughters, Mrs. Orphia Barnet, Mrs. Tillie Brewer and son Fred aged 16 to mourn his loss. The funeral services will be held Sunday under the auspices of the Odd Fellows’ society of which the deceased was an old and prominent member.

The sorrowing family may be assured of the sincere and heartfelt sympathy of all in their great affliction. (Emmet County Republican, Estherville, IA, March 8, 1894)