Joseph was born in Marion County, Indiana. When he was 8, his parents James and Mary Ruark moved to Putnam County, following James' parents, Thomas and Rachel. In the 1900 census Joseph and his family are renting a farm in Franklin Township of Putnam County. All 10 clildren born by that time were still alive, and were all living at home.

• Arthur Owen Ruark (1880IN-1939) - md Myrtle Detroe (@1889- )
  • Mildred Ruark (1919-1973) - md Roy Purvis
• Frank William Ruark (1881IN-1914IN)
• Walter Earl Ruark (1883IN-1973IL) - md Elnora Marie Schmoll (1887-1982IL) -Descendant Living
• Ida Bell Ruark (1884MO-1903IN)
• Ivy Maude Ruark (1887IN-1949IN) - md William Henry Doyal (1888IL-1962IL)
• Elmer Lee Ruark (1890IN-1913IN) (no children)
• Roy Roscoe Ruark (1892IN-1983MI) - md Lelah
  • Eva Ruark (1918- ) - md Melvin Thomas
• Goldie Myrtle Ruark (1895IN-1913IN) (no children)
• Sylvia Frances Ruark (1897IN-1900IN) (died in infantcy)
• Alma Vear Ruark (1900IN-1902IN) (died in infantcy)
• Elva Irene Ruark (1902IN-1903IN) (died in infantcy)

If you see anything wrong here, or if you want anything added, PLEASE LET ME KNOW!
All the names shown in bold are my direct ancestors.