For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 317
JOHN W. RUESS---John W. Ruess, well know as a successful farmer of Muscatine county, had many friends who deeply regretted his departure when on December 17, 1908, he passed away. He was eighty-three years of age at the time of his death and his remains were interred in the Catholic cemetery at West Liberty. He was a native of Germany, born November 16, 1825, and a son of Thomas Ruess, who was also a native of the fatherland. John W. Ruess received his early education in the public schools of Germany and even as a boy became acquainted with the value of work. He continued at home until twenty-eight years of age, and, having decided that conditions were more favorable in a new country than could possibly could be expected in one of the old countries of Europe where competition is very keen, he crossed the Atlantic ocean to the United States, landing in New York city in 1853. That was nearly sixty years ago and the great west presented attractions which the newly arrived emigrant could not resist. He came to Muscatine county, Iowa, and for four years worked for Mr. Barnes. He then went to Minnesota, where he took up a government claim, upon which he lived for two years. Not finding his surroundings as agreeable as he desired, he returned to Muscatine county and rented a farm, applying himself with such diligence that later he became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres, now the family homestead.In 1859 Mr. Ruess was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Burger, who was born in Prussia, Germany, November 10, 1835. She came to America with her parents in 1852, when she was seventeen years of age, landing at New Orleans. The travelers were conveyed by water to St. Louis and then proceeded to Muscatine county, where Mr. Burger entered eighty acres of government land.. Subsequently he removed to Iowa City and operated a lime kiln. In 1858 when the great gold excitement was sweeping the country he yielded to the impulse and with an ox team and wagon crossed the plains to Pike's Peak, taking with him his family. It required six weeks to make the trip. The mothr died after reaching Pike's Peak, and the father departed form this life later in Kansas. There were eight children in their family, six of whom are now living. To Mr. and Mrs. Ruess eight children were also born, namely : Henry R., of Wapsinonoc township; Anna M., wife of Walter Romain of Iowa City ; Frank. R., of Wapsinonoc township; Katherine, now engaged as a dressmaker at Iowa City ; Rosalie, deceased ; Frances A., at home ; James W., on the home farm ; and Elizabeth A., wife of Louis Hoffelder, who is engaged in the dry goods business at Iowa City. The son James W., who has charge of the farm makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock and is highly successful in this business. Politically, he gives his support to the democratic party but he has never sought the emoluments of office, preferring to devote his attention to business affairs.
For fifty years, John W. Ruess was a resident of Muscatine county. He was a man of unusual energy, great industry and of good business ability. His interests were centered in his farm and his family. He was a patriotic citizen and a valued member of the community, assisting in the promotion of all worthy objects. Mrs. Ruess still resides on the old homestead. She and her children are valued members of St. Joseph's Catholic church of West Liberty and have many friends in Wapsinonoc and adjoining townships.
Back to Biographical Index Page