View source for Rupp, Benjamin (1862-1928)

Benjamin Rupp (1862-1928), a minister of the [[Fellowship of Evangelical Churches|Evangelical Mennonite Church]], was born 19 August 1862, near [[Archbold (Ohio, USA)|Archbold]], [[Fulton County (Ohio, USA)|Fulton County, Ohio]], the son of Jacob Rupp of [[Switzerland|Switzerland]], and Catharine Freienberg of [[Alsace (France)|Alsace]]. Benjamin Rupp was married to Lydia Steiner of [[Bluffton (Ohio, USA)|Bluffton, Ohio]] on 28 January 1886. Three sons and three daughters graced this union: Dennis, Edna, Eldon, Ruth, Libby, and Harvey.

Rupp specialized in dairy farming. He was a member of the Defenseless Mennonite Church, now Evangelical Mennonite Church. He loved music and became chorister in his church and later minister. Soon after his ordination he was called to take charge of a newly founded Orphans' Home at [[Flanagan (Illinois, USA)|Flanagan, Illinois]], now known as [[Salem Children's Home (Flanagan, Illinois, USA)|Salem Children's Home]], serving as superintendent 1900-1917. He then became superintendent of the Mennonite hospital at [[Bloomington (Illinois, USA)|Bloomington, Illinois]], serving 1919-1927. In 1926 he was appointed president of the Board of Directors of the Salem Orphanage and served there until his death. In addition he was also engaged in evangelistic work, and served as chairman of the conference for a number of terms. His life was one of continual sacrifice, for he served in most of the above capacities without stipulated pay. He died 12 May 1928 at Flanagan, and was buried in the Waldo cemetery near the church and orphanage he served.
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