Existing comment:
Life in the 1830s:
James Rutledge held a prominent position in New Salem as one of the town's founders. Like many village residents, the South Carolina-born Rutledge came to Illinois in stages, settling for periods in Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. He was remembered to have presided over many of New Salem's public gatherings and to have headed the debating society. Rutledges' family operated the village tavern, or inn, and was an integral part of the community until 1833. They then moved to a farm near Sand Rdidge, where Ann died in August 1835, followed by James on December 3, 1835. |