The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1879-05-02
DEATH OF JUDGE ROBERT M. RUG
Giles.
His Leg Amputated, and he Immediate
" Expires.

Death has made sad havoc in the ranks
of the old and well known citizens here
in the last year. No less than eight
deaths have occurred among the old set
tiers within that time. We are constant
ly reminded of the saying of Blair that
Deaths shafts fly thick. The cup goes
round"
OfthOse who have gone from among
us none will be more widely mOurned
than Judge Robert NJ. Ruggles, who died
Thursday last at his farm near Americas
All remember the accident that occurred
to him on the 9th inst, by which he had
his leg crushed above the ankle, by be-
ing thrown from a wagon at Americas.
The physicians believed from the first
that the break was serious one, and we
believe deemed it advisable to amputate
the leg below the knee. They told the
Judge there was hardly one chance in
ten for him to recover without amputa-
ton. He decided at once to take that
chance. He sank all the time until last
Monday, when it was believed he was rap
idly passing away. He was so informed,
but he did not believe he would die, and
Immediately brought into exercise his
well known strength of will, and that
evening and the next morning word came
to the city that the indications were more
favorable. Hopes were raised that he
would recover. This rally seems to have
been only temporary. On Thursday, be-
ing informed that he could live but
short time, he decided to undergo ampu-
tatiOn. He was told that he could stay
with his family but from twelve to TWEEN
ty-four hours without amputation, and
that there was but one chance in hun
dred for him to live if amputation took
place. With his characteristic decision
of character, he told the doctors to pro-
coed with the amputation. This had
just taken place when he breathed his
last
Judge Ruggles took up his residence
in this county we think early in 1853, at
Americas. Here he entered upon the
practice of law. For some time during
his residence there he edited the Ameri-
Gus Sentinel. Soon after the location of
the county seat at this place, in 1860, he
came here to live. He opened law of.
flee, and at once became prominent in his
profession. He belonged to the class of
young men who at the beginning real
lied the opportunities offered to men of
brains and ambition in Kansas. In his
profession he at once took the front rank,
and kept it. In 1862 vacancy occurred
in the judgeship of this judicial district,
and Mr.. Ruggles was appointed to the
office. In this new and important po-
sition he discharged his duties with
marked ability and promptness. At the
succeeding election he was chosen judge
for four years term, running as an in
dependent candidate, and beating the Re
publican nominee. In politics he was
always a Democrat. Had he been in
sympathy with the dominant party in
Kansas, he would undoubtedly have con-
tinued in public position. He ran on
the Democratic ticket several times for
various positions. and last fall was the
nominee of that party for judge of the
supreme court.
On the ed day of May, 1864, Mr..
Ruggles was married to Miss Sue L.
Spencer, of this place, amost estimable
lady. She and two little sons know how
bitter the cup of grief can be made by
the sudden visitation of fate which de-
prives them of fond husband and pa
rent, one that has made their lives hap
py and full of sunshine.
On leaving the bench, Mr.. Ruggles re-
sumed the practice of his profession, in
company with Hon. p. 3. Plumb, now
U. S. Senator. They were both men of
ability, shrewdness and untiring indus
try The success of this firm was re-
markable. Their practice extended to
all parts of the state, and their business
was probably not excelled by any law
firm in the state. After some years Col.
Plumb retired, and at different times
since C. N. Sterry, w. w. Scott and J.
w. Lynn have been connected with him
in business.
Some years ago Judge Ruggles began
to improve his farm near Americas, and
gave it much attention and time. 1t is
one of the best improved and stocked in
this section of the state, and we believe
it was his intention to finally retire to
this place to pass the remainder of his
days. He is cut off in the prime of life
and in vigorous manhood, his age being
about forty-five years.
Those who were nearest Judge Rug
giles appreciated and loved him most.
Though often seemingly to the contrary
in his ways, he was tenderhearted and
kind man. There are many in this coun-
ty who can testify to his noble deeds
and to his acts of kindness and charity
Judge Ruggles, like the balance of us, had
faults, but in his brief but active life
record these lie dimmed and buried by
the light of his good qualities, and his
good deeds. 1t seems but yesterday
when we first saw him in Emporia, in
company with some friends-then prom
inent in this new land-of fine presence,
of inspiring courage, OF FESTIVE nature,
anxious to get into the busy current and
to achieve fame and fortune. Now, so
soon, his career is ended, and he lies
dead on the banks of the Neosho, in sight
of the good town where he first resided
and which he loved. Truly life is a
dream.
''The utmost limit of narrow span,
And end of motion, with which life began.
AS smoke that rises from the kindlinR fires.
Is seen this moment. and the next expires;
As empty clouds by rising winds are tOst,
Their heeing forms scarce sooner found than
lost;
So vapishes our state, so pass our days;
30 life but opens now. and now decays;
The cradle and the tomb, alas I SO nigh,
To live Is scarce distinguished from to die ~
THE FUNERAL.
The funeral obsequies of the late Judge
r. M. Ruggles took place at 10 O'Clock
Saturday forenoon, from the farm resi-
dence of his family near Americas
A very large number of people from the
city and all parts of the couAty gathered
tn nav the rites of resDect tn their Cenart