Dates

• Existence: 1869 - 1950

Biography

Almira Margaret Safely was born March 21, 1869. She grew up in Lohrville, Iowa, living there until her marriage to Thomas Scott Rutledge on October 24, 1894, when she relocated to Early, Iowa. Prior to her marriage Almira was known to her family members as "May" but afterwards she assumed the nickname of "Mamie," possibly as a distinguishing device because her husband's brother was married to a woman named May. To the people in the Early community she became known either as Almira or Grandma Rutledge.

Prior to beginning his work at Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company in the mid-1890s Scott Rutledge experimented with well digging, farming, and owning property. He then served as Vice President of Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company from 1902 to 1904 and as President from 1904 until his death in 1932. Working in all aspects of the insurance business, he was often on the road around Iowa and Nebraska opening service accounts. While her husband was away Almira Rutledge took care of the family, ran a household, sewed, and attended to some business matters. Oral tradition says that the furniture for the newlyweds' first home was paid for with money Almira Rutledge earned by sewing. Almira and Scott Rutledge had three children: Mabel Fern (August 16, 1895-February 22, 1972), John Wesley (August 3, 1900-October 1, 1963), and Helen Alberta (March 13, 1904-February 10, 1985). Like their father, John and Helen were employed by Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company.

Almira Margaret Safely Rutledge died December 21, 1950 at the age of 81.

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