Biographical Sketch of William D. Rusk, St. Joseph, Buchanan County, MO

>From "History of Buchanan County, Missouri, Published 1881, St. Joseph
Steam Printing Company, Printers, Binders, Etc., St. Joseph, Missouri.
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William Dougherty Rusk, born in Woodford County, Kentucky, on June 15,
1850, came to Missouri at an early age with his parents, who settled
in St. Joseph.  He was a member of the first class graduated from the
St. Joseph High School, the other male members of the class being Dr.
William R. Hall, Assistant Surgeon U.S.A., and W. P. Hall, Jr., late
Prosecuting Attorney for Buchanan County.  Soon after graduating he 
went to New England for the purpose of pursuing an extended course of
study, a purpose, however, which he was compelled to forgo by an 
affliction of the eyes, for which the most eminent oculists he could
consult told him nothing could be done, and which for a time threat-
ened him with permanent blindness.  In 1871, not yet being able to 
use his eyes, he was appointed teacher of mathmatics in the St. Joseph
High School, a position for which he was eminently fitted by reason not
only of his natural aptitude and fondness for that branch, but also of 
the thorough and comprehensive course of study he had given it.  But he
soon discovered qualities far more important to the teacher of the 
young than the possession of knowledge or even the ability to impart it,
the rare faculty of arousing in others a thirst for wisdom.  An unvary-
ing modesty of manner, united with a quiet firmness, secured for him 
at once the respect and obedience of his pupils, who could not fail to
be more honest and frank from their association with one whose every
word and act gave evidence of the most unselfish honest of purpose.
As soon as his eyes would permit, he resumed a systematic course of
reading and study, which he has since pursued with an assiduity and
ardor equalled only by his earnest and conscientious discharge of the
laborious duties of teacher.  His own habits of study have doubtless
done much to inspire his pupils, for it is pleasanter to drink from a
running stream than a stagnant pool, however deep the latter may be.
Upon the resignation of the former principal of the school, Mr. Rusk
was appointed to fill the vacancy, and the success crowning his efforts
in that arduous and responsible position proves the widom of the
appointment.  He has shown not only unusual executive ability, but also
an appreciation of the fact that the art of education is as yet in its
infancy, and a commendable desire and readiness to make every practi-
cable endeavor to leave the ruts which it is often easier to follow,
than it is to originate and develop new and improved methods of inst-
ruction.  He is especially interested in devising how to make the 
public school system more potent in the formation of manly character.
It is to the interest of every community to see that the profession of
teaching be made sufficiently remunerative to retain, if possible,
such instructors within its ranks from which they are continually en-
ticed by the more promising rewards offered by other professions and
callings.

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