(1) The afternoon of June 15, we gathered in the
hospitality room at the Days Inn in Luray for a genealogy workshop. This picture
was just prior to getting a great discussion underway.
(2) - (5) On the evening of June 15, a reception
was held at the historic Ruffner House. Our hosts were James Ruffner
McNeely - descendant of Peter Ruffner's son Joseph - and his wife Judith
[Woodward] McNeely, who purchased the property in 1999 and continue to operate
it as a Bed & Breakfast. Northwest of the house is the original family
cemetery where Peter and Mary Ruffner are buried. As you can see by the
pictures, the McNeely's made the entire family feel welcome by opening up the
beautiful house for guided tours, and providing a wonderful place to gather,
eat, and visit on the spacious grounds. In picture #5, the president of
the Ruffner Family Association, Sam McNeely, speaks with Edith Washington
Johnson. Sam is holding his granddaughter Aly.
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On Saturday June 16, time was set aside to travel
throughout Page County and see various historic landmarks and buildings, many
with a connection to the Ruffner Family. Some highlights of the self guided
tours included stops at the following sites:
(6) The Mauck Meeting House - built around 1770 as a place of worship for the
Mennonite residents in the community, most of whom were immigrants from
Switzerland and Germany.
(7) The Reuben Ruffner Log Cabin - This is the original home of Reuben Ruffner,
son of Peter Ruffner. The exterior remains the same as it was when it was first
built with few exceptions. The current owners of the property where this cabin
sits have been restoring this unique and precious Ruffner landmark.
(8) The Emanuel Ruffner Home - Emanuel, youngest son of Peter Ruffner, settled
here with his wife Magdalene Grove Ruffner in 1785. In 1805, Emanuel
Ruffner sold the property to Ulrich Biedler and moved with his family to
Fairfield County, Ohio.
(9) - (10) - The White House was built in 1760 by Martin Kauffman II and is one
of the county's most well known landmarks. It was originally built as a
meetinghouse for those Mennonites who inhabited the area. The White House is
frequently mentioned in Civil War writings concerning General Stonewall Jackson.
The covered bridge at this location was an important crossing point. It was
burned by Stonewall Jackson in 1862 to prevent Federal troops from crossing the
river at this location. The house is constructed of stone and is covered with
lime and sand mortar on the outside. The kitchen was maintained in a separate
building and a covered passageway led to it. The vaulted cellar, or fort, is
reached from inside the house through a trap door. Portholes are a typical
feature of this construction. Through them the settlers might fire their weapons
to ward off attackers.
On Saturday evening, the Ruffner Family Banquet was held at the Luray Elementary
School.
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On Sunday morning June 17, prior to services at
the Hawksbill Primitive Baptist Church, a monument to the memory of Isaac
Ruffner and the descendants of Peter and Mary Ruffner was dedicated on the
grounds of the Page Library in Luray.
(11) Those who arrived early took advantage of the shade !!
(12) Sam McNeely (in the navy blue shirt), president of the Ruffner Family
Association, handled the dedication ceremony. At the far right is Robert Newman
Sheets, board member of the Ruffner Family Association.
(13) The children gathered at the ceremony uncovered the monument. They revealed
a beautiful plaque mounted on a stone to honor the contribution of Isaac
Ruffner's property for the town of Luray, VA in 1812.
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Afternoon on Sunday June 17 found the Ruffners
heading out to Lake Arrowhead in Luray for the Family picnic, auction,
photographs, and more visiting.
(14) Kate Ruffner, descendent of Emanuel Ruffner, enjoys the great meal.
(15) The descendants of Joseph Ruffner, Peter Ruffner's oldest son, gather for a
group picture.
(16) The descendants of Peter Ruffner, Jr. try to get organized for a group
picture.
(17) Robert Newman Sheets continues to try organizing the Peter Ruffner Jr.
descendants for the group picture.
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(18) The Peter Ruffner Jr. group is finally ready
for their group shot.
(19) As family groups step up for their group pictures, onlookers watch the
proceedings.
(20) Sam McNeely, descendant of Joseph Ruffner, shares a laugh with Kail
Ruffner, descendant of Emanuel Ruffner.
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(21) The Auction - A regular event at the Ruffner
Family Reunions. Family artifacts and items of interest are donated with the
proceeds from the auction going to support the work of the Ruffner Family
Association. Melissa Ruffner, descendant of Peter Ruffner Sr.'s son Benjamin,
handles the role of auctioneer.
(22) and (23) Prospective buyers and interested family members watch as the
items are sold.
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When the auction was completed everyone began to go their separate ways back home. What they took with them are memories, which will last a lifetime, and a stronger sense of the importance of family and our heritage. Planning for the next Ruffner Family Reunion, which will be held in Prescott, AZ in June of 2003, has already begun.
The attending family members extend their special thanks to all those involved in putting together the 2001 Ruffner Family Reunion. The time and efforts Nancy Lee Ruffner Shifflett, Chairwoman of the 2001 Reunion, and Samuel H. McNeely, president of the Ruffner Family Association, put forth is very much appreciated by the 180+ registered family members who attended this gathering.
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