Rupp Genealogy
The Rupp family has a rich and storied history in Madison, Wisconsin, reflecting the broader narrative of American immigration and community development. The family’s roots in the region can be traced back to Anthony Albert Rupp who came to Madison in the early 20th century.
Anthony married Margaret Theresa Murphy. Margaret’s parents John and Ellen Murphy. or her uncle William Murphy and farmed along Wingra Creek (Murphy Creek).
Their farm was located about where Schmidt’s Auto Yard is today. The farm house was located about where Hansen’s Auto is as indicated by the 1876 map.
The author (TMG) is guessing but thinks that Anthony and Margaret bought the Farm from Margaret’s Parents or her uncle and lived their for a short while as indicated by the 1873 plat map. He is listed as a farmer on the 1880 census (see photo below).
Anthony was only known for being the Steward at the Park Hotel until 12/9/204 where it was discovered that before the Park Hotel he worked at the Vilas House Hotel so at some point he stopped farming the Murphy place and moved to into downtown Madison.
The Rupp’s settled in Madison as part of a wave of European immigrants seeking better opportunities. Initially drawn by the promise of employment in the growing industrial and agricultural sectors, the Rupps quickly established themselves within the local community, contributing to both the economy and the cultural tapestry of the city of Madison.
Rupp Family Homes over time
403 Clymer Street (Renamed to Doty street)
1880 Census
Margaret Rupp (widow of Anthony) Home Location in 1921
Anthony Albert Rupp Birth
Farmer South Madison East of (Janesville Street) Park Street, North of Murphys Creek
Barkeeper at the Vilas Hotel. Lived on Janesville Road (Park Street) Same house as when he was farming
Steward at the Vilas House, Lived on Butler St - 1880
This is where he met his future wife Margaret Murphy. Margaret worked at the Vilas House at a servant.
Steward at the Park Hotel - 1885 until he retired
Margaret and Anthony's daughter Ellen Jane Rupp Drowns in a boating accident 20Y rs Old
RUPP (22 individuals)
Throughout the decades, the Rupps played a significant role in the establishment of several local businesses and community organizations. Their entrepreneurial spirit led to the founding of various family-run enterprises, ranging from butler, grocery stores to service-oriented businesses like tailor shops, which not only supported the family but also served the evolving needs of Madison’s residents. In addition to their economic contributions, the Rupps were actively involved in community service and civic engagement, advocating for local issues and improving the quality of life for their neighbors.
As the city of Madison grew and transformed throughout the 20th century, the Rupp family’s legacy became interwoven with the region’s development. They witnessed and adapted to changes such as the establishment of the University of Wisconsin-Madison as a prominent educational institution and the expansion of the city’s infrastructure. Today, the Rupp family remains a vital part of Madison’s history, with descendants continuing to uphold the family’s values of community involvement and perseverance. Generations later, the stories of the Rupps serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of those who contribute to the life and culture of their hometown.