Jeremiah McLain Rusk, who owned and lived on this farm, was born June 17, 1830, in Deerfield, Ohio. In 1853 he moved to Viroqua. He served with distinction in the Civil War and in the United States Congress. As Governor (1882-1889) Rusk gained national prominence for his support of striking railroad workers. Later in May, 1886, he was widely acclaimed for suppressing the Milwaukee riots and for his statement "I seen my duty and done it." As the first United States Secretary of Agriculture (1889-1893) Rusk sought to promote the interests of the farmer by encouraging scientific research, inspection of meat exports and eradication of horse and cattle disease. Weighing about 250 pounds and 6'3" tall, with gray hair and flowing beard, "Uncle Jerry" Rusk was a colorful personality who won the respect and admiration of people in all walks of life.

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