Unsung Scots in American History #1

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Edmund Ruffin (Ruthven) 1796-1865 who gained fame as a farmer and agronomist. He is also credited, by some, as having fired the first shot against Ft. Sumpter on April 12th, 1861, 149 years ago today.

[Lachlan09]

I remember a photo of old flowing-white-haired fire-eater Mr Ruffin in the uniform of the Palmetto Guards.

He committed suicide in 1865, distraught at the Confederacy's defeat and unable to face the bleak prospect of having to live under "Yankee" domination. I can't remember any prominent Confederates doing anything similar. Most made their peace with the reality of it and became prominent in US life in the years to come. Those who couldn't left for a new life, including those who hired themselves out to the Khedive as military advisers (like Gen Lockhart for example).

The soul singers David Ruffin (of the Temptations) and Jimmy Ruffin ("What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted ?") are direct decendants of Edmund Ruffin.

(Only kidding !)

[macwilkin]

Never was a fan of Ruffin, anymore than I am John Brown. ;-)

T.

[Mael Coluim]

Edmund Ruffin (Ruthven) 1796-1865 who gained fame as a farmer and agonomist.

Scott,
Do you mean, "agronomist"? A scientist of soil management and the production of field crops. Actually, I had to look it up and caught the misspelling. I appreciate your assistance in expanding my vocabulary. Thought this post would help others who follow in defining the word.

[Galician]

I happened to come across this piece published in the N.Y. Times yesterday, regarding this anniversary.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/11/op...11meacham.html

[BoldHighlander]

I happened to come across this piece published in the N.Y. Times yesterday, regarding this anniversary.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/11/op...11meacham.html

There is so much I could say about this, but it's all best left unsaid

peace

[macwilkin]

There is so much I could say about this, but it's all best left unsaid

peace

Indeed. Let us honour the memory of the brave men on both sides, and not demean it with politics.

T.

[BoldHighlander]

Indeed. Let us honour the memory of the brave men on both sides, and not demean it with politics.

T.

My 3rd great-grandfather was an officer who wore the Blue, while the majority of my kin chose to wear Gray. I'm proud of them all, no matter which colour they chose, I honour them all

Here's to you Todd, et al


cheers mate!

[macwilkin]

My 3rd great-grandfather was an officer who wore the Blue, while the majority of my kin chose to wear Gray. I'm proud of them all, no matter which colour they chose, I honour them all

Here's to you Todd, et al


cheers mate!

Indeed!

To my knowledge, I have no rebels in my family tree, but my wife has two, both Louisiana Pelicans.

T.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Scott,
Do you mean, "agronomist"? A scientist of soil management and the production of field crops. Actually, I had to look it up and caught the misspelling. I appreciate your assistance in expanding my vocabulary. Thought this post would help others who follow in defining the word.

Yup. Corrected it. Thanks for pointing it out!