Lewis Ruffner Politician
Lewis Ruffner was born on this day 85 years ago
Born 1st October, 1797.
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Lewis Ruffner is a member of the following lists: People from Kanawha County, West Virginia, 1797 births and 19th-century American politicians.
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Details
| Birthday |
1st October, 1797
|
| Birthplace |
Charleston, Kanawha County, Virginia US
|
| Died |
1883
|
| Place of Death |
Charleston, Kanawha County, West Virginia, US
|
| Zodiac Sign |
Libra
|
| Occupation |
Politician
|
Lewis Ruffner (October 1, 1797 – November 19, 1883) was an American merchant, magistrate, slaveowner and politician who helped found the state of West Virginia. Originally a salt manufacturer in the Kanawha Salines (renamed Malden), Ruffner served several terms in the Virginia House of Delegates representing Kanawha County before resigning as he became the company's agent in Louisville, Kentucky, but returned to Virginia in 1857. Although a slaveowner and with relatives for fought for the Confederacy, Ruffner became a prominent Unionist, represented Kanawha County during the Wheeling Conventions, initial West Virginia Constitutional Convention, and first West Virginia House of Delegates during the American Civil War. Fellow legislators named him Major General of the state's militia in 1863, but he declined to accept a commission in the Union Army because salt manufacture was also crucial to the war effort. After the war, General Ruffner suffered a debilitating injury trying to avert a mob attack and became known as a mentor of Booker T. Washington, his former houseboy.
