Christian H. Rusch
From his earliest recollection Christian H. Rusch has been identified with Crawford county. He was born on a farm in this county, January 19, 1880, a son of Claus and Bertha (Jansen) Rusch, the former of whom was born in Germany and the latter in America. They were married in Crawford county, Iowa, and the father bought two hundred and twenty acres of land here, which he cultivated for a number of years. He sold that property in 1898 and purchased four hundred acres on sections 17 and 18, Morgan township, upon which he lived until his retirement in 1905. He and his wife now make their home at Schleswig.
By their union ten children have been born, namely: Christian H., of this review; Henry, who lives in Morgan township; Elizabeth, the wife of John Claussen, of Crawford county; Julia, who married Paul Kleppen, of Nebraska; and Katie, Ella, Maggie, Metha, John and Herman, all of whom are at home.
Educated in the district schools, Christian H. Rusch continued at home until twenty-six years of age. He then rented a part of his father's homestead, upon which he still resides. He makes a specialty of feeding stock and as he is a good judge of animals he is able to buy to advantage and to command fair prices for what he has to sell.
On the 27th of February, 1906, Mr. Rusch was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Claussen, who was born at Clinton, Iowa, June 24, 1882, a daughter of Henry and Katie (Witthon) Claussen, both of whom were born in Germany. They came to America about 1880 and lived in Clinton county, Iowa, for several years before coming to Crawford county, where Mr. Claussen rented land for several years and then bought one hundred and sixty acres in Soldier township. He cultivated his farm with a goodly measure of success until 1909, when he disposed of it, and he and his wife have since lived retired at Ricketts. There were ten children in their family seven of whom are now living, namely: John, of Schleswig; Dora, the wife of William Meyers, of Crawford county; Anna, who is at home; Minnie, now Mrs. Christian H. Rusch; Peter, also at home; Herman, of Nebraska; and Bertha, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Rusch have one child, Harvey, born March 23, 1911.
Politically Mr. Rusch gives his support to the democratic party but he is in no sense an office seeker as he has never cared for the honors or emoluments of public office. He prefers to concentrate his attention upon his business and the result is seen in his productive fields and well fed animals which are unmistakable evidences of prosperity. He is never backward in aiding a worthy cause and no man is more ready or willing to relieve distress or extend a helping hand to the unfortunate. He and his wife are valued members of the German Lutheran church.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.