- John R. Ruel is now retired from active work after having been identified with various lines of business activity in Wisconsin since he was twentysix years of age. He was born May 30, 1858, and is a son of John and Mary (Golden) Ruel, natives of Ireland. His father's birth occurred in Tipperary, and he came to America when he was a young man, settling in B-own county, Wisconsin, where he followed farming. He was successful as an agriculturist and was identified with that line of activity until his death, which occurred in 1870 when he was fifty-one years of age. His wife came to the United States with her parents and settled in Brown county, where her father, J. Golden, became well known as a general farmer. She and her husband had five children, three of whom are still living: John, the subject of this review; Edward, of Green Bay; and Peter, who lives in De Pere. John R. Ruel was reared on his father's farm and after he completed his education in the public schools of Brown county, assisted in the operation of the home place. This he conducted until he was twenty-six years of age, at which time he established himself in the general mercantile business, opening a store in Wrightstown. For six years he gave his attention to that enterprise, selling out eventually and accepting a position as a traveling salesman. He successfully continued in that occupation for nine years and later was engaged in the lumber business in Marinette county for seven years, at the end of which time he resumed his position as a commercial traveler and by industry, hard work and that instinctive knowledge of men which is the basis of true salesmanship, gained a gratifying degree of success. He is now living retired in Green Bay, where he has many acquaintances and friends. Mr. Ruel married Miss Ellen M. Eagan, who was born in Wrightstown in 1854. She is a daughter of one of the old settlers in Brown county, her father having come to America in his early youth and purchased land in that section where he farmed until his death. To Mr. and Mrs. Ruel have been born eight children: Ellen May, who lives at home; Myrtle, the wife of A. Parmentier, of Green Bay ; and Frances, Ethel, Iona, Gertrude, Golden, and Marilla, all of whom live at home. Mr. Ruel is a Roman Catholic in his religious belief and is a member of the Order of Foresters affiliated with that church. His political views are democratic and he is an active worker in the interests of his party, believing in the efficacy of the principles which it advocates. In the fall of 1912 he was a candidate for county treasurer and was defeated at the primaries by only twenty-five votes.
|
1858 - 1955 (97 years)
1905 State Census
