Harry Welles Rusk

Harry Welles Rusk (October 17, 1852 – January 28, 1926) was a U.S. representative from the third district of Maryland. He was also the president of the Kennard Novelty Company in Baltimore. This was the first company to commercially sell ouija boards in 1890.

Early life Rusk was born in Baltimore, Maryland on October 17, 1852.

He attended private school for his primary education. In 1866 Rusk graduated from high school from Baltimore City College. Rusk obtained a law degree from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1872 and was admitted to the bar in 1873. Together, they were the parents of one son:

Harry Welles Rusk Jr. (1885–1937), a Commander in the U.S. Navy who married Margaret Britton, youngest daughter of Alexander B. Britton, in 1915. Her elder sister, Catherine, married Prince Alfred of Hohenlohe-Schillingsfürst (eldest son of Prince Konrad of Hohenlohe-Schillingsfürst and Countess Franziska von Schönborn-Buchheim).

Rusk died in Baltimore on January 28, 1926 and was interred in Green Mount Cemetery.