Jerry Rushford 1851-1954

RUSHFORD, LABARGE, GRAY

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 2/20/2023 at 11:52:53

23 December 1954 - The Anamosa Eureka

Final rites for Jones county's oldest resident Jerry E. Rushford, 103, were held Wednesday at St. Joseph's Catholic church, Stone City. Rev. Eugene P. Lorenz officiated with burial in the Holy Cross cemetery at Anamosa.

Rosary was said Tuesday evening at the McNamara funeral home.

Mr. Rushford died quietly at the home of his daughter, Helen, west of Anamosa Monday at about 2 p.m. Complications of old age were given as the cause of death. He had not been well for several weeks.

Born in New York June 22, 1851, Mr. Rushford came to Jones county at the age of 20 and had lived here since. He worked in the stone quarries around Stone City and farmed for many years, but had not worked for about 30 years.

Mr. Rushford was married Sept. 16, about 81 years ago, in Anamosa, to Catherine LaBarge. She died in April, 1924.

He was still amazingly alert for a man of advanced years and maintained an interest in political affairs, voting in the Nov. 2 general election by absentee ballot.

Biggest thrill of his life came on his 102nd birthday in 1953 when something out of the ordinary was added to the usual avalanche of birthday cards he received.

Included in the greetings were a wire from President Eisenhower, cards from Sen. B. B. Hickenlooper, Rep. Henry O. Talle and the late Gov. William S. Beardsly.

"What are they making such a fuss over me for," Jerry asked at that time.

Survivors include one daughter, Helen, two grandchildren, Mrs. Hubert Gray, Monticello, and Jack Rushford, Chicago, seven great grandchildren, all the children of Mrs. Gray, numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.