Transcribed by: Mary Ann Kaylor
Page 257DAVID RUSK first settled in Greene county, Illinois, in 1830, and remained there until 1855, when he moved to Shaw's Point, where he has improved a fine farm. He was born in 1809, in Pendleton county, South Carolina. His father came from county Antrim, Ireland, to America in 1803. He had a family of eight children, of whom only three are now living, David being the oldest. March 5, 1837, David married Miss Elizabeth Barr. From this union they had two children. Their son James married Miss S. J. Smithson, and is now farming the place for his father. Mary Parcilla is married to Benjamin Plain, who resides on a farm nearby. At the outbreak of the Black Hawk war, Mr. Rusk responded to his country's call; he was they young and strong, and could endure more, perhaps, than most young men. At the last battle his second lieutenant was shot dead by a wounded Indian, who lay concealed in the grass. The officer was the second man to Mr. Rusk's right. Mr. Rusk says of him, that he was as fine a man as ever lived. After peace was restored he returned to his home and assisted in farming until he was married. He started out in life with no capital save his own energy and self-reliance, and his success has been gained by his own efforts. He has now reached a position among the substantial farmers and respected citizens of the county. He and his wife are now well advanced in years; both are quite active, and we hope they may live a long time to enjoy the fruit of their labors, which have been for many years in one of the richest counties of the state of Illinois.