William Beatty Ruby (1889)

GUIBERSON, LANDIS, LOVE, MEYER, RUBY, SMITH, STEWART

Posted By: Treva Patterson
Date: 3/21/2006 at 08:55:38

Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Friday, May 10, 1889

William Beatty Ruby, born in Bedford Co., Pa. Aug. 28, 1805, died in this city, Thursday evening May 2, 1889, in the 84th year of his age.

The Ruby family tree roots itself back in colonial soil, and has been Methodist from the beginning of Methodism on the continent. His grandfather, John Ruby, was converted in Baltimore Co., Md., and was among the first Methodists in that part of the county—which was the cradle of Methodism. His wife, Constant, whom he married young, remained his companion until they both died of old age. Their two eldest children were Edward and John.

His father, John--the second son, was married in Bedford Co., Pa., to Elizabeth Love in 1799. Both were members of the M. E. church. Of this family there were seven sons & two daughters. The three oldest were John, Isaac and William B.

When William, the subject of this sketch, was 18 years old, the entire family moved to Harrison Co., Ohio. Here in 1831 he was married to Susannah Landis. Of this union there were two children, Martha and John.

In Aug. 1835 his companion died. Ann Guiberson became his second wife. There were four children from this union, Samuel G., Elizabeth, now Mrs. W. L. Meyer, Susan F., now Mrs. Stewart and Melville. With Father Ruby the family bond was close and endearing. He thought and spoke often of his ancestors and he loved his children dearly. He was again bereaved by the loss of his wife and his youngest child, Melville.

He again rebuilt his home by marriage with Elizabeth D. Smith, who has been an affectionate and dutiful companion of his old age. To use his own language he says: “It has pleased God that my companions should all be his devoted children and truly “Companions of the Lord.” To quote again from his auto-biographical notes—“My grandfather and grandmother were devotedly religious. Grandfather praised God with a loud voice, and lived a joyful Christian life. He was class leader for many years. My father and mother were both members of the M. E. church and I know not to the contrary but that they lived faithful all their days. Family worship was never given up, but regularly maintained.”

Father Ruby was converted in his 28th year, in 1833, at a camp meeting in Harrison county, Ohio, since which time he says “God has kept me.” He at once united with the Methodist church and has continued in its fellowship faithful and joyous to the close of his earthly life.

Father Ruby came to Madison Co. Oct. 19, 1852, nearly 37 years ago. He at first took a claim in the county some distance south of this city. But in a short time bought a claim of what became the Ruby homestead, just east of town, where he lived for many years. He was soon actively connected with the work of the church and with all enterprises for the welfare of the community. He was first appointed class leader, which office he held for many years; then trustee and steward. In these capacities he has been identified most intimately with the fortunes and vicissitudes of the Winterset Methodist church for 36 years. He took great interest in the building of the structure in which the Methodist congregation now worships, contributing by his means, brains and prayers to its erection, as also to the building of the parsonage.

For all these years he has not been an idle spectator, nor a grumbling sore head, but an enthusiastic co-worker. He told the writer not long since that he had often tried to have his own way in the meetings of the church board and with his brethren, because he had given his plans more thought than others—sometimes he had succeeded—sometimes he had failed—but whenever he was overruled by his brethren he fell into line and did the best he could.

As a Christian he was one of the old line—happy, outspoken, open-hearted, shouting Methodist. He believed in class meetings, love feasts, camp meetings, loud and vigorous preaching and mighty revivals. He did not object seriously in his best days to a little tilt with the leaders of other churches about the five points of Calvinism, the mode and subjects of baptism, and the like. While he was very tenacious upon some of these points—he loved the Christians of other churches dearly and would do anything in his power for their comfort. The truth is only half uttered when it is said that there is no one in the community of his age more loved and revered by old and young, than was Father Ruby.

Considering that he had lived so long beyond the period of active life, having been shut in by age and feebleness from the sight of men and children for so long, it is unusual that he has not fallen into oblivion. Far otherwise the memory of him is as green and sweet and beautiful as when he walked among us.

It has been apparent for some time that his demise was approaching. An annoying bronchial affliction troubled his last days, but he was peaceful, resigned, religious to the last, praising God aloud, within two hours of his death. Thursday evening May 2, at 20 minutes to 8 o’clock, as the setting sun reddened the western vault, he ceased to breathe, and his spirit took its flight to that bourne, whence he had been looking with somewhat of fixedness of gaze these many, many days…”Good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things. Enter into the joy of the Lord.”

The funeral services were held in the Methodist Church Saturday, May 4th, 1889, conducted by the pastor Rev. J. R. Horswell, assisted by Rev. Peck, of the Baptist Church, in the presence of a large congregation. The last touching words were spoken, and the long procession passed his bier to take the last look, and whisper their adieu to one they loved much.

Gravesite
 

Madison Obituaries maintained by Linda Griffith Smith.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen