As is well known, the soldier element has been a conspicuous feature in the settlement of these Western States, or has been a factor in maintaining their prosperity, and in still further developing their resources and extending their interests, and wealth. As a representative of the citizen-soldier, we take pleasure in presenting to the patrons of this work a brief review of the life of the subject of this sketch, who, as a veteran of the army that so successfully fought and conquered the insurgents in the late Rebellion, has reason to be proud of his honorable military record. He is now peacefully engaged in agricultural pursuits in this county, owning and successfully managing a well-improved farm of 108 acres, beautifully located on section 13, Pleasant Valley Township. It is well provided with good, well-appointed buildings, and everything about the place wears an air of neatness and thrift. Mr. Ruble carries on general farming, and besides raising an abundance of grain, raises cattle, horses, sheep, and hogs, all of excellent grades.

Our subject is native of Mifflin County, Pa., born Dec. 17, 1838. His father, George Ruble, was a native and lifelong resident of the same county, born Jan. 16, 1811, and dying Jan. 20, 1864. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Mary McClanahan, a native of Mifflin County, Pa., of Scotch parentage. Her death occurred in Pennsylvania, in 1840. She was the mother of five children, four of whom are living: Margaret, John, George, and Jacob. Margaret married Benjamin Jeffries, a saddle and harness maker of Plymouth County, Iowa, where he also owns a farm; they have four children – Melissa, George, John, and Benjamin. John, a farmer of Plymouth County, Iowa, married Susan Ruble, and they have two children – Julia and John. George, also a farmer of that County, married Miss Fulton, and they have two children – Charles and Jacob.

Our subject was reared to man’s estate in his native place. His chances for an education were rather limited, but he made the best of them, and became a fair scholar. When the Civil War broke out he threw aside all personal aims and ambitions to consecrate his life to his country in her hour of need, and in the trying years that followed proved a patriotic, brave, and faithful soldier, both in camp and on the field. He served three years and two months as a member of the 1st Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry, and took part in thirty-two battles, besides being a participator in numerous skirmishes. After the close of the war he came to Jo Daviess County in the fall of 1865, and became identified with the farming interests of this part of Illinois. For three years he rented land, and then bought forty acres. He afterward sold that tract and bought his present farm. He has been much prospered in his vocation, and is comfortably well off.

The marriage of our subject to Miss Elizabeth Williams took place in February, 1865. She was a native of Centre County, Pa., born Oct. 24, 1841. She was an amiable woman, whose kindly disposition and thoughtful care for others won her a warm place in the hearts of her neighbors. She was a sincere Christian, and a consistent member of the Methodist Church. Her lamented death, which occurred March 3, 1888, deprived her husband of a devoted wife, and their children of a wise, tender mother. There were four children born of her marriage with our subject, all of whom are living, as follows: Mary A. lives with her father’s sister, of Plymouth County, Iowa; Regina E. keeps house for her father; Margaret, who married William Rhoads, of Freeport, Ill., and has two children – Jacob and Nettie – lives with her father; Virginia is still attending school.

During his nearly twenty-five years’ residence in Jo Daviess County, Mr. Ruble’s neighbors have always found him one on whom they can rely at any and all times, as his honesty and integrity of purpose are evident in every word and act, and he is ever ready to do another a good service. He has been identified with local affairs as School Director, filling that office with his usual ability. He is prominently connected with the Masonic fraternity as Master Mason, and as Treasurer of his lodge for the last two years. He is also an important member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, he is a strong Republican.

Contributed by Carol Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties, Illinois (1889)