James Rusk was born July 19, 1861 in Ireland. Soon after coming to America, he came to this area as he heard the Northern Pacific was opening up virgin soil. Being Irish, he was anxious to get a piece of land on his own.
He settled just west of the Carrington Township in 1882.
He held office of County treasurer and was County Commissioner for many years. His foresight for good roads was of great value to the County and the City of Carrington.
He was an active Democrat.
He married- Phoebe Rainey of St. Charles, Minnesota, on November 14, 1894. She was born June 1, 1870. They had three children: Harry, James and Vera.
Mrs. Rusk died August 7, 1939. Mrs. Rusk died September 30, 1928. They are buried at Carrington.
Source: A History of Foster County 1983 Page 37B