Biography - DAVID S. RUDE
David
S. Rude was born in Worthington, Massachusetts, December 11, 1812. His
parents, Alpheus and Hannah Rude (nee Taylor), were of the good old
Puritanic stock who have contributed so much to make all New England revered
for steadfastness and morality. The family sought for and found a new home
in Lewis county, Virginia, in 1819. Here the subject of this sketch was
reared. In 1835 he left his home to try his fortunes in Illinois, and for
two years worked for wages, receiving for his labor seven and eight dollars
per month. During the winter he got out cord-wood, receiving twenty-five
cents per cord for cutting. He husbanded his resources and entered land. In
1837 he returned to Virginia to marry the girl of his choice, Purtania
Brake, which he did October 20, same year. His bridal tour was a tedious
journey back to Illinois, to the broad acres he had predetermined should
become his home. Two years after he identified himself with the Methodist
Episcopal church, of which he was ever after a most zealous, faithful
member. For nearly forty years he was the circuit steward, and for much of
the time he was a class-leader and Sunday-school superintendent. To him were
born three sons, Edwin L.; Albert and Randle, all living, and one daughter,
who died in infancy. Mr. Rude did well in life, being one of the best
farmers of his neighborhood. He died January 28, 1879. His widow lives on
the old homestead. She was a native of Virginia, where she was born November
8, 1821. Her parents were John B. and Rachel Drake.
Mr. Rude was an active man of business, a devoted husband, a fond father and a model citizen.
Extracted 12 Aug 2017 by Norma Hass from 1883 A Combined History of Edwards, Lawrence, and Wabash Counties, Illinois, page 218.
