Henry Ruffner | |
|---|---|
 | |
| President of Washington College (now Washington and Lee University) | |
| In office 1837–1848 | |
| Preceded by | Henry Vethake |
| Succeeded by | George Junkin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 16, 1790 Page County, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | December 17, 1861 (aged 71) Malden, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Children | William Henry Ruffner |
| Alma mater | Washington College |
| Profession | educator, minister |
Henry Ruffner (January 16, 1790[1] – December 17, 1861), was an educator and Presbyterian minister, who served as president of Washington College (now Washington and Lee University).[2] Although a slaveholder (and whose family had long owned slaves), Ruffner became known for criticizing slavery as impeding Virginia's economic development before the American Civil War, although that controversial position caused him to resign his college presidency and retire to his farm.[3]
- ^ Appleton's Cyclopedia vol 5, p. 342 gives birthdate at January 19
- ^ Appleton's Cyclopedia vol 5, p. 342
- ^ Lawrence M. Denton, Unionists in Virginia: Politics, Secession and their Plan to Prevent Civil War (History Press 2014) p. 19