My Genealogy Hound

SAMUEL ROADRUCK. Upon section 1 of township 45, range 24, resides Mr. Roadruck, one of the representative agriculturists of his locality, and a gentleman well and favorably known throughout Johnson County. He is a native of Ohio, and was born in Coshocton County in 1830, being the fourth in the family of Zale and Janette (Taylor) Roadruck. His paternal grandfather, who was born, reared and married in Maryland, removed to Ohio and settled in Coshocton County, where he died at the age of one hundred and one years. He was a preacher in the Dunkard Church and a leader in hat society.

At the time of coming to Ohio, Zale Roadruck was a mere child. He was born in Maryland, removed thence to Virginia with the other members of the family, and later came west to Ohio. He was reared in the Buckeye State, where he remained until about 1835, and then, removing to Indiana, established his permanent home in Hamilton County. There the remaining years of his life were passed, and there he died in 1866. The subject of this sketch in youth had only such advantages as the common schools afforded, and these were exceedingly meager. His education in farm work, however, was not so limited, for his time was principally devoted to agriculture, and in that occupation he was thoroughly trained in youth.

Remaining with his father until twenty-four years old, our subject then began life’s struggles for himself. He entered a tract of land, and to the cultivation of this property he devoted his time until 1881, meeting with fair results in his undertakings. Accompanied by his family, he then removed to Kansas and made a settlement upon a farm, where he conducted general agricultural pursuits for about six years. Returning to Indiana, he resided for one year in Montgomery County, and thence came to Johnson County, settling upon the farm in township 45, range 24, where he has since made his home. Through his industrious efforts he has become the owner of one hundred and sixty-three acres, upon which substantial buildings have been erected, and all the improvements introduced to be found upon a model estate.

In 1854 Samuel Roadruck and Rebecca Horney were united in marriage. This estimable lady was born in Hamilton County, Ind., and died there in February, 1866. By their union they had five children, of whom the only survivor is Isaac N., who is married and lives in Kansas. The second marriage of our subject occurred in 1867, at which time he was united with Mrs. Sarah E. (Weed) Dickey, and their union was one of mutual helpfulness and happiness until they were severed by the death of the wife in 1888. Six children were born of this union, of whom four are still living, namely: William H., a resident of Kansas; George E., Charles and Samuel B., all of whom are with their father. The sons are industrious, energetic and intelligent, and stand high in the community in which they live.

The social connections of Mr. Roadruck are with the Masonic fraternity, and he is interested in everything pertaining to the order. At one time he was actively identified with the Baptist Church. He is a conscientious man, and one who brings his religious belief into the everyday affairs of life. Politically he is an advocate of Democratic principles at all times and under all circumstances, and while he has never been an aspirant for public office, he has at different times been called upon to serve his fellow-citizens in positions of trust.