Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1869-05-20

DEATH OF HENRY j. RUGGLES. ESQ.
Henry ]. Ruggles, Esq, IA prominent
citizen of Poultney, died on Friday morn
ing, at the age of Il years
Mr.. Ruggles was born in Hard wick,
Mass. Oct 81, 1875. He removed To
Poultney in 1904 with his father, Seth
Ruge les, one of the early inhabitants of
that town. He WAS educated in Poult-
ney, but with limited advantages, yet he
obtained such qualifications, principally
by his own unaided efforts, rs TO fit him
self for teaching. In 1920 he went to
fession. His health became poor, the
climate not agreeing with him, and he
returned after two years to Poultney,
when he engaged in mercantile business,
where he has since resided, except for a
short period which was spent at Hamp-
ton, n. Y. He was engaged for several
years with the firm of John and Henry
Stanley, and afterwards with Henry
Stanley & Co. His long experience and
acquaintance with the affairs. conflicts
and vissicitudes of life, fitted him eminent
ly for business pursuits, and few men have
left better record or secured u firmer
hold upon the affections of those with
whom they associated.
At an early age Mr.. Ruggles became
connected with the Masonic fraternity.
aud ha, been active participant in its
lahors and duties. having BEEN previous
TO the suspension of Masonic Lodges in
Vermont Master of Morning Star Lodge
and High Priest Of the Chapter. In 1852,
through his efforts mainly, - Chapter of
Royal Arch Masous WAS est iblished, OF
which he was High Priest for many years.
and III 1854 Lodge WAS chartered in
terr-t He has. 10y his efforts aud ttlch-
men, To the Masonic institution and by
his efficiency III obtaining knowledge of
its principles, become not only 'distin-
gui,Lel, but eminently useful and in
structisc. His brethren of the fraternity
will bear him to his last resting place
with sad heart, AT their loss. and grateful
for his labors and instruction. and they
plant the Acacia at his grave, ia honor Of
a true and faithful brother, who ever up
held the institution when the storm beat
around it in its widest fury. 1t can be
truly said OF him that he never swerved
from the duties and obligations which his
connection with the brotherhood called
upon him to observe and perform, for it
was his pride TO be known as !. Mason in
that trying period when it was reproach
to be known "a a member of an institu-
ton that was decried by the popular voice.
Mr.. Ruggles had often been called up
on to serve his fellow townsmen in i'm
portant and responsible positions, and was
a Justice of the Peace in Poultney for
more than twenty years. lie would have
been called to still higher positions, but
ever devoted to the strict business engage
ment which fully occupied his time, as
well as perhaps a natural aversion to
public and political life, he declined of.
fee. He was a gentleman of great intel
ligence and extensive reading, keeping
pace with the current events, especially OF
public affairs, and few persons were more
conversant with the political history OF
the country. His reading, however, was
not confined to any circle, but extended
in many departments of knowledge, ac-
cumulating large fund of information
that would lhave made him a prominent
man in public life had his ambition lead
him in that direction.
While he will be mourned by his fel.
low-citizens, there is no place where the
sorrow will be more poignant than in
his own household. Devoted to his home
and family, he was kind and tender
husband, an honored and indulgent
father, who trained his family in the path
Of honor and the strictest habits of bust
ness Life.
That devoted family circle has been In.
vaded by the stern hand Of death, and
taken one who was It's pride, and AROUND