Muscatine County, Iowa Wedding Articles

In Response to the Plea: “WHO MARRIED THEM?”
HENRY R. RUESS - WILHELMINA M. “MINNIE” BRUGMAN
Submitted by Linda White, October 12, 2011

Henry R. Ruess and Minnie Brugman are my great-grandparents on my mother’s side. In my family history research I discovered a write-up of their wedding in the West Liberty Enterprise. They were in fact married at St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Liberty on January 1, 1890 by a Father Duggan of Wilton. The union of their marriage produced 4 children. One of their daughters, Antoinette, was my grandmother. She was married to Bernard Wolters and they had 4 children. One of their daughters was my mother, Geraldine. She married Robert Kaalberg and they had 6 children. I am their second daughter.

Article source: "WEST LIBERTY ENTERPRISE", West Liberty, Iowa, January 4, 1890 pg 4

MARRIAGES
HENRY R. RUESS - WILHELMINA M. “MINNIE” BRUGMAN

At the Catholic Church in this city, Wednesday, January 1, 1890, Rev. Father Duggan of Wilton, officiating: Mr. Henry R. Ruess and Miss Minnie Brugman.

The above ceremony performed in the presence of an invited audience of over two hundred people was one of the most pleasing New Year incidents we know of. At the appointed hour the bride and groom with their attendants took their places at the altar where they mutually pledged themselves husband and wife until death do them part, which is beautifully rendered in the ceremony of the Catholic Church. But few were present at the reception which took place at the home of the bride’s father, Mr. J. Brugman. Both of those young people are well and favorably known in the community. Henry is a gentleman of sterling integrity, a gentleman of worth and merit and a most worthy citizen. Miss Minnie is the daughter of an old and highly esteemed citizen and a young lady of most winsome manner, very popular among her many friends. But what words can I say, a mere stranger, to tell of the fitness of the union of these two most worthy people.

The bride was dressed in a robe of spotless white Henrietta cloth, high cut corsage, drapery and train of white satin and garnishing here and there of buds and flowers, and all enshrouded with the bridal veil. The maid, Miss Belmford, was dressed in pick of the same material. Groom and attendant, Frank Ruess in the customary black.

The wedding offerings, it was needless to say, were elegant and abundant. They were as far as known a handsome sitting room set and bed from Father and Mother Ruess; a parlor rocker, Mr. and Mrs. Romaine; set of silver table and tea spoons, W. Burger; silver set, R. Burger; plush album, Mr. Beyer; bed spread, Chas Burger and wife; case irons, Tony Brugman; set of silver knives and forks, John Brugman; one dozen napkins, E. Brugman; handsome parlor lamp, W. Wieskamp; cake stand, Miss Gold; whisk boom and holder, Miss Ketellar; pair of statues, Mrs. Stewart, and many others impossible to mention.

Thursday, amidst a select few, Father Ruess gave an infare dinner, and such a dinner. There are not enough words in my vocabulary to express it. The table was loaded with substantials, dainties, and desserts, at which Mrs. Ruess is an expert at preparing. After dinner a few hours were spent in music and song with now and then a toast from some one of the guests, and all went merry as a marriage bell. But as everything comes to an end so came the time for saying adieu to our jolly host and hostess, which was done by wishing many God bless you’s, and many returns of the day. Henry and wife go to housekeeping in their home immediately.

Written and submitted by a guest.

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