RUST, H. A.

RUST, LULLING, VAN GERPEN, SCHMIDT, BUNGER, FRONING, MERLIEN, NOLTE, BAXTER, FLEENER, HOLMES

Posted By: Franklin Co. Volunteer
Date: 10/1/2004 at 13:44:01

H. A. Rust

H. A. Rust, one of the successful agriculturists of Franklin county residing on section 19, Ross township, is the owner of four hundred and ten acres of rich and productive land in Ross and Richland townships. He is likewise well known in financial circles here as president of the Chapin Savings Bank. His birth occurred in Germany on the 31st of July, 1858, his parents being H. A. and Altye (Lulling) Rust, likewise natives of that country. In 1866 they crossed the Atlantic to the United States settling near Freeport, Stephenson county, Illinois, where H. A. Rust, Sr., devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits. In 1885 he came to Franklin county, Iowa, purchasing and locating on -a tract of one hundred and thirty acres on section 19, Ross township, which is now in possession of our subject. The small frame dwelling which stood on the place when it came into the father's possession is now used as a hen house. He improved the farm and operated the same with excellent results. His wife passed away thereon January 18, 1891, and he survived her for more than seventeen years, his demise occurring on the 11th of July, 1908. They were devoted and consistent members of the German Baptist church. H. A. Rust, Sr., had lived in Franklin county for almost a quarter of a century and had won many friends within its borders. To him and his wife were born eight children, as follows: Minnie, who gave her hand in marriage to George Van Gerpen, of Butler county, Iowa; Flora, who is the widow of Carl Schmidt and resides in Iowa Falls; Rye, who is the widow of Mene Bunger and makes her home in Kansas; Christina, the deceased wife of John Froning, of Richland township; Albert, who follows farming in Richland township; H. A., of this review; Alice, the wife of H. J. Merlien, of Parkersburg, Iowa; and Anna, who is the wife of H. E. Froning, of Chapin, Iowa.

H. A. Rust of this review, was a lad of eight years when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the United States and he was reared to manhood in Stephenson county, Illinois. He was a young man of twenty-seven years when he and his wife came to this county, and after the demise of his mother he purchased the old home farm in Ross township. As the years have passed and success has attended his undertakings. He has augmented his holdings by additional purchase until he now owns four hundred and ten acres of valuable land in Ross and Richland townships. His property is well improved in every particular, and he enjoys an enviable reputation as one of the prosperous, enterprising and progressive agriculturists of the county. He was one of the organizers of the Chapin Savings Bank and now serves as the chief executive officer of the institution, ably promoting its growth and success.

While still in Illinois, Mr. Rust was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Froning, her father being Fred Froning, an early settler of Franklin county. They are the parents of eight children, namely: Allie, who is the wife of Walter Nolte, of Hampton, Iowa; Anna,. who gave her hand in marriage to Harry Baxter, of Richland township; Christine, a milliner residing at Latimer, Iowa; Lillie, the wife of Luther Fleener, of Indiana; Maud, the wife of Arthur Holmes, a farmer of Richland township; and Clara, George W. and Edna, who are still under the parental roof.

Mr. Rust gives his political allegiance to the democracy and has served as secretary of the school board. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Baptist church at Sheffield, to which his wife -and children also belong. He stands high in business and social circles of this community, and his progressive spirit and the sterling qualities of his character have won him the confidence and respect of all who know him.

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