HON. RUEL DURKEE, born July 14, 1807, a farmer, was much in office at home. Shrewd, self-poised, with an instinctive knowledge of human nature, he was for nearly a whole generation one of the most conspicuous managers in the Republican party of the State. His presence was always required during the sittings of the Legislature and at all conventions It has been said that in caucus the lightning usually struck the aspirant towards whom his magnetic finger pointed. He died in July, 1885.
