John S. Rude

JOHN S. RUDE, a prominent farmer residing in section 26, Liberty township, Labette county, Kansas, has for many years been one of the leading agriculturists of the county. He is a man of strict integrity, sound principles, and upright character, and is greatly esteemed by his fellow townsmen. Mr. Rude was born in Franklin county, Indiana, in 1829, and is a son of William and Sarah (Steward) Rude.

William Rude, the father of John S., was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, in 1804, and died in Paris, Illinois, in 1883. He married Sarah Steward, who was born in 1806, in New York, and died in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1882. They reared the following offspring: Elmira (Martin), of Indianapolis; John S., the subject of this sketch; James A., of Labette county; Laura (Zink), of Marion county, Indiana; Mary (Haugh), of Paris, Illinois; Gresham, William and Louisa, deceased; Emily (Barker), of Marion county, Indiana, and Margaret, deceased.

John S. Rude moved to Marion county, Indiana, in 1841, and worked in the lumbering business until 1863, when he enlisted in Company B, 29th Reg., Ind. Vol. Inf., and served in the army for two years. He was, mustered out in 1865, at Chattanooga, Tennessee. He then returned to Marion county, Indiana. Mr. Rude had previously learned the blacksmith trade, but while in Marion county he operated a sawmill, from 1850 to 1862. He moved to Labette county in 1871, and settled on the farm where he now lives, in section 26. He has a large, attractive farm, and is considered one of the most prosperous farmers in the county. By hard work, thrift, and good management, alone, has he reached the goal of success.

Mr. Rude was united in marriage with Elizabeth Roberts, who was born in Kentucky, in 1843. She is a daughter of Thomas Roberts, who was born in Kentucky, in 1810, and died in Marion county, Indiana, in 1860. His children were: Richard, deceased; Dudley; John, deceased; and Ellen (McClain), of Iola, Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Rude are the parents of two children, namely: Charles, of Osborn, Missouri, whose children are, - Willard, Oran, and Ethel; and Leonard, of Labette county, who has two children, named Hallie, and Leonard, Jr.

Mr. Rude has served seven years as treasurer of Liberty township, and has been a school director for twelve years. He is an active member of the Christian church. In political affairs, Mr. Rude votes with the Populists.