James Ruffner (1807 - 1868)

Ancestors

Descendants

Biography

James (twin), b. 1807; m. 1) Martha Morton and 2) Ellen McFarland

Children

Lucius H Ruffner, 1830–1890

Adaline Ruffner, 1834–1840

Andrew Lewis Ruffner, 1841–1918

Meredith P Ruffner, 1844–1911

Anastien Ruffner Hogeman, 1846–1936

"James and Andrew, twin sons of Daniel, both started with fine opportunities. But there was a notable difference in their careers. The former was a careful and prudent man and valuable citizen. In 1826 he married Miss Martha Morton, of Greenup, Kentucky. They lived a long time at the old homestead of his father, the present residence of Silas Ruffner, to whom he sold it about 1859 or 1860. He then removed to Charleston. They had four children, two sons and two daughters. One of the latter died at the age of seven years. James Ruffner spent the greater part of his life on his farm, but for several years was engaged in the manufacture of salt. A good business man, he succeeded in all his enterprises. He was strictly honest, and never failed to meet any and all of his obligations. His wife died in August, 1865, and he married again in 1866. His second wife was Miss Ellen, youngest daughter of the late James C. McFarland, of Charleston. He died the 6th day of February, 1867, leaving surviving a widow with one child, a daughter. Nellie J. His widow is again married. Her second husband being Dr. Houser. They reside in Charleston.

He left three children of his first wife, viz: Andrew L., Meredith P., and Anastien W.

ANDREW L. AND MEREDETH RUFFNER

These two gentlemen are both unmarried. They compose the firm of Ruffner Brothers, and are engaged in the wholesale grocery business in Charleston, and other enterprises. They own two fine two-story brick store houses in the city, one of which they built themselves, and also other valuable property in and around the city. These gentlemen are entitled to the credit of starting the first regular jobbing and wholesale trade in the County of Kanawha. And in this they have met with remarkable success. It is but justice to say they have shown a commendable spirit of enterprise, calculated to build up and promote the material prosperity of the city, and whole Kanawha Valley as well as their own.

Anastein W., the surviving daughter of James Ruffner, by his first wife, married Col. William H. Hogeman, in 1869. They reside in Charleston. Col. Hogeman came to Charleston from New York just after he attained his majority. Having studied law in that state, he was licensed and admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court thereof in the City of New York, Dec. 16, 1867. But having previously been in Kanawha on some business and made the acquaintance of some of the prominent men, he chose Charleston for his future residence, and is now engaged in active practice, with more than ordinary success. Though he has taken much interest in the political questions of the day, he has never sought any political office. He was appointed by Governor Jacob one of his aids with the rank of Colonel, and the same compliment was paid him by Governors Mathews and Jackson. For some years he has been, and still is counsel of the Chesapeake and Ohio railway. He is now about 37 years of age.

ANDREW LEWIS RUFFNER

The twin brother of James, like all his brothers, was a tall man of fine proportions and vigorous mind. He was never married. When a young man he first engaged in the business of salt making. Being of a rollicking, jovial disposition, he became fond of river life and went to steamboating as an owner and commander. "Captain Andy" possessed a noble nature, but what with the jolly life of steamboating, and visiting Cincinnati, Louisville or some other city every week or so, with boon companions, he acquired an inordinate thirst for his cups. Steamboating was then a very profitable business and it brought money to him rapidly; but all this ended like the labor of the Danaides; the money ran out as it came in, so he never laid up or saved any.

Courtly, manly and liberal to a fault, bright and intelligent, he was a great favorite with all his associates. The victim of a wild and disipated career, he died on May 27th, 1850, in Fairfield County, Ohio, while on a visit to his father who was then living there.

"No further seek his merits to disclose,

Or draw his fralities from their dread abode,

There they alike in trembling hope repose.

The bosom of his Father and his God."

Sources

• https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/58570610/james-ruffner

• https://sites.rootsweb.com/~wvkanawh/bios/r/ruffner2.html