For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 297
HENRY R. RUESS. Henry R. Ruess, a prosperous farmer of Wapsinonoc township, is a native of Muscatine county, born July 31, 1860. He is a son of John and Margaret ( Burger ) Ruess, both of whom were born in Germany. The father came to America in 1853 and worked for four years as a farm hand in Muscatine county. He then went to Minnesota, where he took up a government claim and lived for two years. Returning to this county, he married Miss Frances Fisher, who lived only a short time, and in 1859 he was again married, his second wife being Margaret Burger. He rented land for several years and then purchased a farm which became the home place. There were eight children in his family, of whom Henry R., is the eldest, the others being: Anna, now the wife of Walter Romaine; Frank, of Wapsinonoc township; Katherine of Iowa City; Rosalie, deceased; Frances and James W., at home; and Elizaberth, of Iowa City. The father departed this life December 17, 1908, but the mother is still living on the old homestead.Henry R. Ruess received his preliminary education in the district schools and assisted in the work of the home farm until he was twenty-one years of age, when he began farming on his own account on rented land. After several years, having carefully saved his earnings, he purchased sixty acres in Wapsinonoc township, which he cultivated to such good advantage that he was enabled to buy more land and is now the owner of a beautiful farm on two hundred and sixty acres. He has greatly improved the place by erecting buildings and planting trees, and its appearance indicates that he thoroughly understands the business to which he has devoted the best energies of his life. He makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock, although he is also very successful as a general farmer. On account of his excellent character he stands very high in the estimation of the community and his word is accepted as readily as his bond. He is a stockholder of the Citizen's Savings Bank and each year his financial resources have shown a gratifying increase.
In 1890 Mr. Ruess was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Brugman, who was born in Wapsinonoc township, in June, 1865, a daughter of John and Theresa ( Fraricks ) Brugman, both natives of Germany. The parents came to America in 1849, and after spending one year in New York state traveled westward to Scott county, Iowa, removing to Muscatine county in 1865. Mr. Brugman became one of the substantial farmers of this county and passed away in January, 1890, his wife having died in November, 1889. There were ten children in their family, five of whom are now living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ruess four children have been born, namely: Albert J., a graduate of West Liberty high school; Antoinette E., also a graduate of the high school; Louis F.; and Agnes A.
Mr. and Mrs. Ruess are faithful members of the Catholic church and Mr. Ruess is known as a public-spirited citizen who is ever ready to give his support to any worthy object that will promote the general welfare. Politically he affiliates with the democratic party. He has never cared for the honors or emoluments of public office, but has served most creditably as a member of the school board.
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