As one of the highly-cultured, liberal-minded clergymen of Jo Daviess County, and an influential citizen of Elizabeth, we take much pleasure in placing a brief personal history of the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch before the readers of this biographical work. Our subject is a native of Germany, born in the Province of Westphalia, April 16, 1861, being a son of the late Theodore and Mary Rutershoff, of Germany

Our subject, who early displayed remarkable intellectual powers, was sent when seven years of age to the Parochial school of Castrop, where he remained seven years. He further advanced his education by taking a thorough course of studies at the Rectorate school at TFaltrop, and was graduated from that institution when eighteen years of age. He next pursued a higher course of study at Padesborn. being graduated from there with distinction, after four years of diligent work. In 1882 Mr. Rutershoff was called to America by Archbishop Feehan, of the Chicago Diocese, and subsequently took a theological course at the Roman Catholic College of St. Francis, near Milwaukee. Completing the full curriculum in that college in 1887, our subject was soon after ordained as a priest, and assigned to the pastorate of St. Mary's Church at Elizabeth, in August of that year. Besides this pastorate Father Rutershoff also has charge of two missions, one in Scales Mound and another in Hanover, preaching once a month in each. In Elizabeth he preaches three Sundays every month and five mornings every week, and gives religious instruction to the pupils of the Parochial school connected with the church. Al- though his duties are so arduous and numerous, our subject never fails to perform them punctiliously, giving each one due attention, for whose highest good he is conscientiously laboring. He seeks the moral and social elevation of the community, and the glorification of his beloved church. He is much esteemed bv those who know him.

Transcribed by Christine Walters - Portrait and Biographical Album of Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties, Illinois (1889)