My Genealogy Hound

Hon. J. F. Ruddell. Among the citizens of Mississippi County, Ark., long and favorably identified with its social and business interests, is Mr. Ruddell, whose biography will no doubt be read by old and young, for there is always an instinctive curiosity to know the true and inner history of men who have had such a close association with the affairs of this county from primitive date. He was born in Miami County, Ohio, in 1826, being the fourth in a family of five children born to Archibald and Ann (Neal) Ruddell, who were engaged in following agricultural pursuits in the “Buckeye State.” Later they removed to Boone County, Ky., where the father remained until his death, in 1833. His widow afterward became the worthy companion of Jordan Bass, and in 1836 emigrated to Arkansas, and died at the home of our subject in 1873. J. F. Ruddell, brought up to a knowledge of farm duties, very naturally chose that occupation as his calling in life when it became necessary for him to select some permanent industry, and the experience he has since had has proven the wisdom of his judgment. He attended the common schools until 1836, then made his home in Kentucky with an uncle until 1840, after which he worked as a farm hand for several years. In 1843 he made a trip to Arkansas, but in 1847 located permanently at Osceola, Mississippi County, where he ran a trading post on the river for one year. In the fall of 1849 he came to Chickasawba Township, entered eighty acres of Government land, and after making many improvements and living on this tract for many years, he sold out and bought 160 acres at Clear Lake. Three years later he came to Blythesville, where he now has 120 acres near the village, all under cultivation, with fair buildings and a good small orchard. The land is very productive, and will readily yield one bale of cotton to the acre. He also owns eighty acres on Dogwood Ridge, twenty being under the plow. When the Rebellion broke out he joined Capt. Fletcher’s company, which was known as the Fletcher Rifles, and was in the battle of Shiloh, where he was wounded; was captured at Murfreesboro, being afterward exchanged; Chickamauga and Decatur, Ala., where he was again taken prisoner, and was kept in captivity until the close of the war. After leaving the battlefield he returned home, and again took up the implements of farm life. From 1854 to 1861 he filled the office of justice of the peace, and after returning from the war was again tendered that position, which he accepted. In 1874 he was chosen to represent his county in the State legislature, and served to the entire satisfaction of his constituents for one term. At the present time he is a member of the Tax Equalization Board, and as he has always been an active advocate of schools, he has served many years as school director. In 1850 he married Miss Nancy Mobely, a daughter of John Mobely, one of the old pioneers of Mississippi County, who came here in 1826 from Missouri. Mrs. Ruddell died in 1862, leaving five children, who are now also dead: John T., Louisa A., Charles A., Emily E. and Sarah E. In 1867 he married Amanda Mobely, a sister of his first wife, but she, too, died leaving him again a widower with two children to care for: Thomas O. (deceased), and Martha A., who is attending school at Lexington, Ky. Mr. Ruddell married his present wife, who was Mrs. Margaret Walker, in 1889. In 1888 he made a visit to relatives in Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois, but saw no country that, in his estimation, was so desirable as Mississippi County, Ark., and here he is contented to pass his declining years among his many tried and true friends.