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Below is a family biography included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published by Biographical Publishing Co. in 1894.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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R. J. RUSHING is the Postmaster of Pinckneyville, and in the discharge of his public duties has won high commendation, for he is ever true to the trust reposed in him, whether it be public or private. This is his native city, his birth having here occurred October 18, 1863. His father, Evan B. Rushing, was born in Bedford County, Tenn., June 17, 1827, and came to Perry County with his father, Joel Rushing, in 1833. The latter was born in North Carolina, December 26, 1799, and was a prominent citizen and honored pioneer of this county. He served as County Commissioner, and under his direction the old part of the present court house was built. He was a leading member of the Baptist Church, did much to promote its interests, and led a most exemplary life. His death occurred in Pinckneyville, July 10, 1878. His father, whose name was Joseph Rushing, was also born in North Carolina, and died in Tennessee.

Evan B. Rushing acquired his education in the public schools of Perry County, and in his early life engaged in teaching school for a time. In 1856, he was elected to the office of Circuit Clerk of the county, and thus served for two terms, during which time he read law and became thoroughly acquainted with all the branches of the profession. In 1868, he passed an examination and was admitted to the Bar. The same year he was appointed Master in Chancery, and was several times re-appointed to that office, which he continued to fill until 1888, his term of service being ended by death. He was also President of the Town Board and Trustee of the village, and in whatever office he was called upon to fill he was always found prompt, faithful and true in the discharge of his public duties. He was one of the founders of the Perry County Agricultural Society, and was recognized as one of the leading citizens of this community. He was married March 20, 1849, to Letitia, daughter of Reuben and Elizabeth (James) Kelly. She was born in Perry County, February 6, 1833, and died September 28, 1864. In their family were three children, a son and two daughters. Susie is now the wife of T. S. Campbell, a druggist of Pinckneyville, and Mary A. is the wife of F. M. Roe, a merchant of Pinckneyville.

In the schools of his native town our subject was educated. He entered upon his business career when a small boy as clerk in a store, and at the age of nineteen was proprietor of a grocery store, which he successfully carried on for five years. He was then called to public office, and served for three years as Deputy County Clerk of Perry County, which position he at length resigned to accept the position of Postmaster in November, 1893. He was appointed without opposition, and is now faithfully discharging the duties of the office. In April, 1893, he was elected Alderman from the First Ward, and is now serving in that capacity.

Mrs. Rushing bore the maiden name of Maggie Strait, and is a daughter of J. D. Strait, who was a prominent pioneer of Perry County. One child graces the union of our subject and his wife, Evan, who was born in January, 1887. Mr. Rushing has always been a Democrat in politics, and takes an active interest in everything that tends to insure the success of his party. Socially, he is a Royal Arch Mason, and is regarded as one of the most popular young men of Pinckneyville, a fact which indicates a well spent life, as he has always lived in this place.

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This family biography is one of 679 biographies included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published in 1894.  View the complete description here: The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois

View additional Perry County, Illinois family biographies here: Perry County, Illinois Biographies

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