The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1909-12-22
In Memoriam-John A. Rutledgt

On Tuesday, November 23d, 1909,
a sudden pail of gloom overshadowed
this community, when, as a flash OF
lightning from out of clear sky,
the messages went over the wires
that John A. Rutledge had completed
the record of life that had been
utilized for the betterment of man
kind, and that "he was not, for God
had taken him.
To behold Mr.. Rutledge in his
store at Galilee, on Friday, Nov. ~.
the day on which he was taken ill,
no one would have thought for a
moment that he was so soon to be
stricken with death, for he was the
very picture of health, man of ap-
parent strong physique, and of
jovial and pleasant disposition, and
to know him was to admire him, for
his sterling and upright qualities,
whose word was as good as his bond,
and in his mercantile business, in
which he had been engaged for the
last seven years at Galilee, and in
his dealings with a variety of people
whose characteristics were as varied
as their faces, he built up trade
which we think cannot be surpassed
in hamlet of similar bounds. His
dealings with his fellowmen was
above reproach, being open and above
| board, and he was one of the in
| f1uential men of the town, having at
different times held town offices, and
wherever known he was honored
and respected. He was an example
of industry, generosity, thrift, sta
bility, kindness and good cheer. The
hospitality of his home was shared
in by their large circle of friends and
acquaintance, and in his home his
pastor and preachers of other folds
found hearty welcome, and the joy
of their family circle was overflow
ing to enrich other homes, and al
though he was a man of large busi-
ness interests which occupied the
larger part of his time, he was never
too busy to listen to or converse
| about methods and means for giving
Christ and the church their share of
thought and strength, and the finan-
| ces of the church were greatly aided
by his liberal giving. The going of
such a life from any family or COM
munity Is keenly felt, and also places
a responsibility on those who remain
to honor his name and memory.
He became member of the Galilee
Methodist Episcopal church in 1908,
as part of the fruit of that memoir
able revival held under the pastorate
of Rev. L. T. Van Campen. Having
professed conversion and assuming
the obligations of the church, he en-
tered upon the Christian life with
that same zest to do business for
eternity as characterized him in his
temporal affairs. He was elected and
remained a trustee of the church.
He remained a consistent member un-
til God called him to enrich Heaven
by the translation from his earthly
home.
He was the third son of William
and Levinia Rutledge of Rutledge-
dale, and was born in the old home
stead on Aug. 28, 1860; he continued
the business of farming until his
purchase of the store of G. G. Abra-
ham, at Galilee, in 1908. On Nov.
IT, 1891, he was united in marriage
to Mrs. Bertha Adams of Cold Spring,
Pa, and to them were born three
children-Vera M, Orvis W., and
Ian. His father died nine years ago,
He is survived by his widow and
three children. and his aged mother,
who Is eighty-two years old. and who
thinks that she could have been bet
ter taken than her son John, but
who expects soon to be reunited with
her boy in Heaven; three brothers
Alexander. of Scranton; Isaac g., OF
West Damascus; Wesley, of Rut-
ledgedale. and one sister, Mrs. Rollin
Coons. OF Sweden Valley, Pa,
He was taken sick with peritonitis
Three physlcians and . nurse were IN
attendance. and although surrounded
by loved ones who did all thoI