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JAMES M. RULTEGE.

[[image - black & white photograph of J. M. Rultege]]
[[caption]] J. M. RULTEGE. [[/caption]]

James M. Rultege, now retired from active service, since his graduation in 1881 has left his impress upon many young men and women from one side of Missouri to the other. Many have grown to manhood and womanhood, and are themselves workers for the good of humanity.

Beginning with the school at Bellgrade, Mr. Rultege alternately taught and attended Lincoln Institute for three years.  Then he attended regularly until he was about to enter the Junior Normal Class, when he was asked by the School Board of Fulton, Missouri, to make application for the principalship there; he did so,

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JAMES M. RULTEGE

and was elected. There he taught with satisfaction for four years, but refused re-election the fifth year, having in mind to re-enter school and finish his education.

But he was offered the principalship of Carthage school, and turned again to the school.  He, as a consequence, enjoys the distinction of being the first colored man to teach in Carthage, Missouri.

In February of 1881 he made good his former intention, re-entered Lincoln Institute and finished the course in June, 1881.

After graduation he returned to Fulton and taught three years; then nine months in California, and sought rest in a grocery store, which he established in Fulton and ran successfully for four years.

Having recuperated, he entered the profession again at Fayette, Missouri. He had taught one year here, and was elected to teach the second year, when he was elected assistant in the Department of Mathematics at his Alma Mater.  He served in this capacity for five years.  He afterwards served in the capacity of professor of mathematics for one year.  His failing eyesight forced him to close his career as a teacher with the work at Lincoln Institute.

Mr. Rultege, by his own efforts, became a practical photographer, which he also gave up.

He has an energetic and loving wife whom he married in 1882, then Miss Cornelia A. McMahan, of Fulton.  They have two sons, E. Winfrey and Orlando Simpson.  The first was graduated with the class of 1905.