Ludwig Ruthardt Biography


	This biography is from "Memorial and biographical record; an illustrated
 	compendium of biography, containing a compendium of local biography,
	including biographical sketches of prominent old settlers and 
	representative citizens of South Dakota..." Published by G. A. Ogle & 
	Co., Chicago, 1899. Pages 502-503

	Scan, OCR and editing by Maurice Krueger,mkrueger@iw.net, 1998. 

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LUDWIG RUTHARDT, the most extensive agriculturist of Baker township and 
one of the oldest settlers of Davison county, is a typical German 
farmer. He has rather a varied experience in life, and one which does 
not fall to the average man. He is hardy and courageous, and no danger 
ever appalled or labor tired him and the quaintness and humor with 
which he discusses his early trials is, indeed, very enjoyable. He came 
to Mitchell when that city consisted of but three or four railroad 
shanties and was among the first to take land in Baker township, as has 
been previously stated. At present he is the pioneer resident of the 
township, as those who settled before him have all moved away.  

The first winter that Mr. Ruthardt spent in South Dakota was a very 
severe one for the early settlers. Our subject had brought with him 
from the East sufficient means to keep him and his family until he 
could get returns from his farm, but it was all in money, and as he 
arrived too late to raise a crop the first season and there was nothing 
to be bought he was none the better off. The little flour that was 
shipped into the community was equally divided among the families, 
fifty pounds to each family, and as Mr. Ruthardt had quite a large 
family, the amount was insufficient, but he made arrangements with a 
single man for his quota of flour, which helped a little in making up 
the deficiency.  

Mr. Ruthardt was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, August 9, 1834, and came 
to America in 1870 and settled in Carroll county, Illinois. His parents 
were George and Catherine Ruthardt, natives of Germany. Mrs. Ruthardt's 
maiden name was Elizabeth Wuster, also a native of Germany, born 
October 23, 1846.  

Politically, Ludwig Ruthardt is a Republican and advocates the policies 
of high license and anti-suffrage.  

Mr. and Mrs. Ruthardt are the happy parents of a bright, interesting 
family of nine children: George M., Christopher, Lizzie, Fred, Katie, 
Gotleib, Pollena, John and Susannah.