Born in St. Johann, Prussia, December, 1833. At the age of 17 he came to New York. Two years later he went to Philadelphia, PA. In 1853, he came to Iowa and for a brief time connected with the Communia Colony in this county. In 1854, he went to Dubuque, where he worked as a painter, and in 1855 he came to Elkader where for a time he was in the cabinet-making business. In January 1856, Mr. Ruether married Miss Teresa Lamm, of Wagner township. Soon after his marriage he returned to Dubuque. Sometime in 1858 he returned to Elkader, and soon after stared a business . He was an ardent and intelligent Republican in politics, an active supporter of the war measures of the country, during the great conflict and in 1871, his people chose him to represent them in the Iowa Legislature where he did excellent service through the regular term in 1872, and the special term of 1873.