Person:Rufus Bacon (1)

Rufus P(utnam) BACON was one of the old time and prominent citizens of Oskaloosa. He died suddenly at his home on South Market Street about 11:30 this forenoon. Death was due to heart disease and old age, he being 76 years old. Rufus was one of the pioneers of Iowa, coming here in 1848. He was born in Washington County, Ohio, November 24, 1825 and was a member of a family of thirteen children. His school advantages were meager but he made good use of his opportunities. He learned the tinsmith's trade and followed that with success until he came west. He settled first in White Oak Township, and after several trips west followed the avocation of a farmer until 1865. Coming to Oskaloosa at that time he engaged in the mercantile business and followed this until 1873, when he practically retired from active business. Since then he has been connected with newspaper and banking enterprises and has always taken an active interest in the welfare of the town.

Rufus was a consistent member of the Methodist Church. In politics he was a staunch Republican and was several times the incumbent of local offices. For six years he was a member of the Board of Supervisors and served the county with great ability. Socially he was a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity and had served in various offices of the lodge, being for a term Eminent Commander of the Knights Templar. Funeral was June 23, (1901).