HENRY RUSER

Henry Ruser, who has lived retired in Bennett for the past two years, was long identified with the agricultural interests of Cedar county and still owns an excellent farm of three hundred and thirty-six acres. His birth occurred in Germany on the 18th of January, 1849, his parents being Peter and Lena (Loepenteen) Ruser, who were likewise natives of that country. They afterward took up their abode in Sweden, where the father followed farming as a means of livelihood. His demise there occurred about 1895, while his wife was called to her final rest about 1901.

When a youth of eighteen Henry Ruser determined to establish his home in the new world and accordingly crossed the Atlantic to the United States, locating in Scott county, Iowa, in 1867. Securing employment as a farm hand by the month, he thus worked for five years and then devoted his attention to the cultivation of rented land for a similar period. Subsequently he came to Cedar county and here also rented a tract of land for three years. On the expiration of that period he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Inland township, in the operation of which he was busily engaged until 1896, when he disposed of the property and bought another tract of three hundred and thirty-six acres. To the further cultivation and improvement of that farm he devoted his attention until 1908, since which time he has leased the property and has lived in honorable retirement at Bennett.

On the7th of November, 1874, Mr. Ruser was united in marriage to Miss Emma Stoltenberg, a daughter of John and Anna (Wiese) Stoltenberg, who were early settlers of Scott county are both nowdeceased. Our subject and his wife are the parents of six daughters and four sons, as follows: Peter, Lena, Annie, Emma, Laura, John, Minnie, Bertha, Henry and William.

Where national questions and issues are involved Mr. Ruser supports the democratic party but at local elections casts an independent ballot. He has served as school director for a number of years, has also acted as road supervisor and is now holding the office of town councilman. For a period of nine years, or until 1901, he ably discharged the duties devolving upon him in the capacity of township trustee. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church. He has never regretted his determination to come to America, for here he has found the opportunities which he sought and in their wise utilization has won a place among the substantial and respected citizens of his community.