My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM RUCKNAGEL. Prominent among the pioneer citizens of Randolph County is the gentleman above named, who during his active life was inseparably associated with the agricultural interests of Evansville Precinct. In 1888 he became blind, but after an operation, which was performed by Dr. Hoyt, of St. Louis, he regained his sight to some extent. An honored and upright citizen, by hard work he has accumulated a handsome fortune, and now in the twilight of age rests from arduous duties with the consciousness of a life well spent.

Like many of the best residents of this county, our subject was born in Germany, his birth occurring July 7, 1821. His parents, Andrew and Christina (Hoffman) Rucknagel, were also natives of the Fatherland, where the former died in 1829. The mother emigrated to the United States in company with our subject in 1846, and departed this life in Randolph County in 1855. William, of this sketch, upon coming to the New World made his first home near Waterloo, Monroe County, this state, and there resided until 1854, when he made his advent into Randolph County and purchased the farm he now owns and occupies.

The lady whom our subject married in 1852 was also a native of Germany, and in maidenhood was known as Margaret Longhaus. She was the daughter of John and Margaret (Grown) Longhaus, who came to America in 1845 and settled near the home of our subject in Monroe County. Later, they came to Randolph County, where Mr. Longhaus departed this life in 1879, and his good wife two years previously. William Rucknagel was the youngest of six children, and received a fair education in the model schools of his native land. When locating upon the land which he now owns, and which comprises eighty acres, it was in its primitive condition, and he immediately set himself about the task of clearing away the timber and erecting a log cabin. It must be admitted that he commenced life under disadvantages, but by means of undaunted energy and great courage he has reached a high position in agricultural circles.

To Mr. and Mrs. Rucknagel have been born five children, viz.: Andrew, John, William, Jacob and Elizabeth. They are both members of the Lutheran Church and take great interest in religious matters. Our subject cast his first Presidential vote for Taylor, and although not an active politician, always votes the Republican ticket.