Umatilla County OR Archives Biographies.....Rugg, Alfred H August 8, 1831 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/or/orfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Carlene Still crstill@oregontrail.net July 28, 2006, 6:19 am Author: Colonel William Parsons Page 337, 338 ALFRED H. RUGG This esteemed pioneer and representative citizen of Umatilla county has been a potent factor in its development and advancement commensurate with his fine ability and excellent financeering, which have been demonstrated brilliantly during his time within its precincts, while his integrity and industry are no less manifest. He was born in Heath, Franklin county, Massachusetts, to David and Eunice Rugg, natives of the same state, on August 8, 1831. His father served in the war of 1812. In his native state our subject grew to manhood, acquiring meanwhile a good education from the common schools and assisting his father on the farm. In November, 1852, he was married to Miss Diantha H. Nims, in Charlemont, Massachusetts, who died one year and thirteen days after their nuptials. He operated his father’s farm as tenant and worked for wages until three years later, and then came with him to Wisconsin. The latter settled in Winnebago county, Illinois, at Twelve Mile Grove, while the son rented a farm in Monroe county, Wisconsin, continuing there and in the lumber woods until March 29, 1864, the date of his enlistment in Company D, Twenty- fifth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, for service in the Civil war. He did faithful and valiant service for his country until the close of the war. He was present at the surrender of Lee, the Union soldiers being drawn up in battle array, but no fighting was done. When Lincoln was assassinated he was at Raleigh, North Carolina, with his regiment, and the officers did not divulge the news for twelve hours after the death, and they had arranged a guard to prevent the soldiers from burning the town in indignation. He participated in the grand review at Washington, and was mustered out on June 20, 1865, in time to get home to enjoy the Fourth. In 1871 he went to Kansas, Phillips county, taking up a homestead and timber culture, and continued there until 1881, when he sold out. The following year he went to Douglas county, this state, engaging for three years in lumber and timber contracting for the railroad, when he came to Umatilla county and took a half section of railroad land where his son Alby now resides. Here he devoted himself to raising sheep, being favored with excellent success until 1897, when he retired from active business and built his fine residence on Court street, in Pendleton, where he now lives. His sons have bought out his interests and carry on the business. He was married in Bloomfield, Wisconsin, on November 21, 1857, to Miss Esther S. Griggs, a native of New York, her parents having both died at Aurora, Erie county, that state. They have six children living: Alice D., wife of W. S. Southard, of Bow Creek, Kansas; Emery A., residing on Butter creek; George W., residing at the mouth of Wild Horse; Alby W., on the old home place; Earl E. and Nellie G., both at home; also Clara and Albert, deceased. He is a member of Kit Carson Post, G. A. R., of Pendleton. Mr. Rugg is quite active in political maters, and is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him. He was postmaster in Comstock, Douglas county, and resigned that position when he came to this county. Additional Comments: An Illustrated History of Umatilla County by Colonel William Parsons and of Morrow County by W. S. Shiach with a brief outline of the early history of the State of Oregon. W. H. Lever, Publisher 1902. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/or/umatilla/bios/rugg89gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/orfiles/ File size: 4.1 Kb