Home of John Ruckman
Helena, Karnes County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Ruckman (Nov. 9, 1835 - Jan. 8, 1913), born in Northumberland County, Pa., came to Texas in 1856 to join his older brother Thomas, co-founder of Helena. Landing at Indianola on his 21st birthday, he came here to spend lifetime as farmer, rancher, postmaster, merchant, pioneer banker, leader in Presbyterian church. In Civil War, 1862-65, he was a lieutenant in Confederate Army. Married Lizzie Dickson, 1867. Children were John, Robert, Mary, Thomas, Follmer, Hester, Hugh and Margaret. In 1878 he built this house of Florida cypress. He is buried in Helena Cemetery.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
John Ruckman left Pennsylvania in 1856, landing at Indianola on his 21st birthday to join his brother Thomas, a co-founder of Helena. He spent his life in Karnes County as farmer, rancher, postmaster, merchant, pioneer banker, and Presbyterian leader, and served as a Confederate lieutenant during the Civil War. In 1878 he built this house of Florida cypress; he is buried in the Helena Cemetery.
Why it matters
Ruckman's many roles capture how a single settler could help build every institution of a young frontier town, from its post office to its bank to its church.
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Related people
- · John Ruckman
- · Thomas Ruckman
Related events
- · American Civil War
Themes & tags
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