Rupp, Jacob (1840-1929)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1929 Jan 17 p. 7

Birth date: 1840 Jan 22

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1929 Jan 23 p. 5

text of obituary:

Jacob Rupp

Moundridge, Kan., Jan. 10. — Grandfarther [sic] Jacob Rupp was born on the 22nd of January, 1840 at Maxweiler, Bavaria, Germany. There he was baptized upon the confession of his faith in Christ and united with the Mennonite Church. In the fall of 1855 an emigration took place and his father with his family joined the emigrants and came to America. Thus the deceased came to this country as a boy of 15 years. At first they settled in Iowa near the present town of Donnellson. Here he experienced early pioneer life both from the physical as well as the congregational point of view.

In 1868 he was married to Katharina Weber. This union was blessed with four children, three daughters and one son. In 1874 he with his family moved to Kansas settling near Moundridge. Here again he went thru the hardships of pioneer life. He became one of the charter members of the First Mennonite Church of Christian.

When in 1888 the West Zion Mennonite organized, he was elected as one of the deacons of his congregation and served in this capacity until 1906. Then he again united with the Foist Mennonite Church of Christian and remained a faithful member there until death claimed him.

On December 28, 1912 death took his beloved wife from his side. For a number of years his strength gradually left him and he became more and more feeble. During the last week of the old year he took sick with influenza which developed into pneumonia. He was sick only a few days and then he quietly and peacefully passed into the heavenly home. He attained the ripe old age of 88 years, 11 months and 10 days.

Funeral services were held from the home and from the First Mennonite Church of Christian on Friday afternoon January 4. Rev. P. K. Regier and Rev. P. P. Wedel spoke words of comfort. — Moundridge Journal.