My Genealogy Hound

REUBEN RUSK, farmer, post-office Joplin. He was born near Crawfordsville, Ind., Dec. 21, 1828. His parents, Jonathan and Nancy (Moore) Rusk, were natives of Ohio and Indiana, respectively. Subject remained in his native state until about twelve years of age; he then came with his parents to Jasper county, Mo., locating near where he now lives. In 1862 he enlisted in Company K, Sixth Kansas Infantry Volunteers, and served until the close of the war. During the war his residence had been burned, leaving his family homeless. The burning was in the night time and the mother and children gathered around the dying embers to keep warm until morning. They were taken to Ft. Scott, where they remained until hostilities ceased. After returning he engaged in farming. Mr. Rusk was married Sept. 20, 1849, to Miss Alsie E., daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (Griffith) Jackson, natives respectively of Virginia and North Carolina. From this union there have been twelve children: Martha W., born July 31, 1853; Jackson B., born June 21, 1852, died Aug. 2, 1854; Jas. Oliver, born April 5, 1854; Jonathan C., born Feb. 17, 1856, died Aug. 10, 1875; Laura R., born Sept. 18, 1858; Gilbert G., born Jan. 6, 1861; Wm. Isaac, born April 8, 1863; Lilly Belle, born June 2, 1866; Mary F., born March 28, 1868, died Jan. 11, 1869; Wilson, born Nov. 19, 1869, died July 18, 1873; Maggie A., born April 24, 1873, and one died in infancy. Mr. Rusk has a fine farm situated three miles north of Joplin; 240 acres well fenced, etc. Mr. and Mrs. R. are members of the Baptist Church.