Rich, Charles (1819-1873)

RICH

Posted By: Anne Hermann (email)
Date: 3/7/2008 at 16:14:12

Maquoketa Weekly Excelsior
May 29, 1873

Died.

RICH – At his home in this city, on Monday morning, after a short illness, Charles Rich, aged fifty-four years.

Charles Rich was a man of much more than ordinary influence, and his going from this community leaves a void few men can fill. He was a self made man, in the true sense of the expression, having by his own labor, earned the money that paid his tuition at school. A brief summary of the leading events of his life may be of interest to his friends, and of value to the young, as showing what a determined effort will do toward overcoming great difficulties, and conquering under the most adverse circumstances.

Mr. Rich was born in Richville, New York, September 9th, 1819. His father, for whom the town was named, resided there more than seventy years. Charles worked on the farm until he was twenty-one years of age, receiving only such education as the meager facilities of a district school in a new, sparsely settled country afforded. Being studious and anxious to learn he had however gained sufficient knowledge to qualify him for a teacher, and for three years, after arriving at his majority, he taught school winters, and during the summers attended the Gouvernuer Wesleyan Seminary. Such was his progress, that at the age of twenty-four years, he was appointed Superintendent of Common Schools of St. Lawrence county, to fill vacancy, and at the general election following was elected to fill the office another term. When his term of office expired Mr. Rich entered the Burlington (Vt.) University where he remained four years, graduating, and receiving the degree of A. B. Upon leaving school Mr. Rich entered upon the study of law with Hon. Edwin Dodge, Judge of St. Lawrence Co. He was admitted to practice September 1st, 1851. On the 17th of the same month he was married to Eliza E. Hunt, the wife who now bears a grief of almost crushing weight. Mr. Rich devoted himself to his profession and won reputation so rapidly that in 1854 he was a candidate for Surrogate of St. Lawrence county, and though defeated, he ran two thousand ahead of his ticket.

In 1857 Mr. Rich believing that the great west, and particularly growing young Iowa, offered wider fields for labor and usefulness, emigrated to our city, arriving on the 19th of May, and since that time he has been identified with, and one of this people. His entire talent, finished education, vast legal knowledge, immediately gained for him a high place in the legal profession and gave him an extensive practice. So rapidly did his reputation spread that in 1838 he was a candidate for a member of the State Board of Education. In 1839, and for the last time, he consented to be a candidate for an elective office, and ran for the Probate Judgeship of this county. For many years past Mr. Rich had devoted himself entirely to his chosen profession, allowing nothing to distract his attention, and he has always been a very hard worker; perhaps no other man in our midst devoted so many hours to labor. He was a student to the last, and we believe his brother members of the bar will accord to him the honor of having been one of the best read lawyers in Jackson county. He was successful in practice and before the Supreme Court, for two years past; his efforts have been crowned with very marked and flattering success.

As a citizen Mr. Rich entertained large views; was public spirited and was ever ready to contribute his share for the public good. His fine social qualities endeared him to a large circle of acquaintances, who will miss his ready wit and flow of good humor. From what we know, we believe that it was in the family circle, around the home altar, that Charles Rich showed his richest, noblest qualities. We have always heard him spoken of as one of the kindest and most indulgent of men, affectionate, gentle and forgiving. Few men endeared themselves to those with whom they were associated as did Mr. Rich. A wife and five children are suddenly thrown into to deepest sorrow, by this death. The sorest affliction that can befall a family is the taking away of the husband and father leaving to strangers those who need protection, sympathy, counsel and advice. No words can express the sympathy that is extended to the family. No acts of kindness could convey the feelings which actuate all who know the family. This whole people feels a loss, and know the weight that must oppress the stricken family.