My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM RURY. The name of Rury is well known and highly honored throughout Randolph County, as members of the family have been closely connected with the development of this section of Illinois. That this has been the case in the life of William Rury it needs but a mention of his name to his acquaintances to prove. He is numbered among the well-to-do and prominent farmers and stockmen of township 6, range 5, and has a high reputation as a man of thoroughly upright character.

The parents of our subject, Frederick and Mary (Braithaupt) Rury, emigrated to America in 1839, and settled in New Orleans, La., but soon afterward came to Illinois and settled near Steeleville, Randolph County, where they spent the remainder of their days upon a farm. William was born in Germany September 7, 1837, and was the next to the youngest among seven children. He was only three years old when his parents came to Randolph County, and here he has since lived. His educational advantages were limited to such training as was offered by the subscription schools of that early period. He worked upon his father’s farm until the death of the latter, in 1865. From that time he assumed the charge of the old homestead, which he has since conducted.

September 15, 1859, Mr. Rury was united in marriage with Miss Louisa, daughter of Frederick and Katherine (Hogenzuler) Rosenthal. Her parents were natives of Hanover, Germany, whence they emigrated to America, and settled in Randolph County, where the father died. Mrs. Rosenthal is still living. Eight children were born to the union of William and Louisa Rury, one of whom died at the age of six years. The others are: George; William, who married Nancy Hatcher, and lives near Steeleville; Frederick J.; Margaret, Ada, Nettie and Eddie, who reside with their parents.

In politics Mr. Rury is a supporter of Republican principles, and keeps himself well informed on the issues of the day, but has never been an office seeker, although he has served as School Director and in other positions of trust. He and his entire family are members of the German Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is one of its Trustees. When he entered upon his career as a farmer he had but a limited amount of this world’s goods, but by economy and a judicious investment of his means he accumulated property, and now occupies a position among the most substantial men of the county.