George Adam Ruffner

M, #449, b. 7 April 1747

Father*Simon Ruffner Sr. d. Apr 1778
Mother*Mary Barbara Schlitz b. 1706, d. 8 Sep 1803
George Adam Ruffner|b. 7 Apr 1747|p109.htm#i449|Simon Ruffner Sr.|d. Apr 1778|p109.htm#i441|Mary Barbara Schlitz|b. 1706\nd. 8 Sep 1803|p112.htm#i442|||||||||||||

ChartsSIMON RUFFNER
WOODROUGH KIDLET ANCESTORS
Relationship5th great-granduncle of Stephens Blakely Woodrough Jr.
Relationship5th great-granduncle of Page Annette Woodrough.

MARRIAGE* George Adam Ruffner married Anna Maria Holstein. 
Birth*7 April 1747 He was born on 7 April 1747 at Goshenhoppen, PA. 
 He was the son of Simon Ruffner Sr. and Mary Barbara Schlitz. 
Christening17 April 1747 He was christened on 17 April 1747 at Goshenhoppen, PA, at the priest's house. Sponsors were Adam Bruckner and his wife Magdalen. 
Immigration*1787 He immigrated in 1787 to Westmoreland County, PA, Isaac Ruffner
Latrobe Bulletin, Friday, May 23, 1913, Front page: WAS SECOND OLDEST MEMBER OF ST. VINCENT'S Isaac Ruffner, notice of whose death was given in yesterday's Bulletin, was the second oldest member of St. Vincent's congregation. His father, George Ruffner, who in 1787 emigrated from Goshenhoppen, near Philadelphia, to the wilderness of Westmoreland county, and he later took a prominent part in establishing the first Catholic church in this vicinity. He located on a farm near New Alexandria, and it was there, on the 21st of July, 1821, that Isaac Ruffner was born. It was there, also, that Isaac Ruffner died, Wednesday night, his entire life of nearly 93 years having been spent upon the ancestral farm. His mother's maiden name was Susan Sindorf. In 1849 a romance sprang up, between Mr. Isaac Ruffner and Miss Mary Anna O'Connor, daughter of Mr. Francis O'Connor, who with six brothers had given once happy homes in Sunny Ireland, then undergoing oppression, and had come to America to find happiness in a strange and foreign land.
The romance ended happily, and from their marriage nine children were born. Three of the nine preceded their father to the grave. They were James Francis, Sister Joseph Anna Ruffner and Josephine.
On Wednesday evening, the patriarch passed peacefully away without any pain or struggle but with a happy smile on his face, the reflection of his good and noble life; at the ripe old age of 92 years and ten months. During the last few years of his life he was tenderly and affectionately taken care of by the loving hands of his daughter, Amanda McGuire, who sacrificed much to make his last days happy and peaceful. He is survived by six children: Mrs. Margaret E. Kent [error in print, should be Kintz rather than Kent her husband was Thomas C. Kintz], Lloyd Ave., Latrobe; Mrs. Elizabeth Nessler, of Dennison; Sister Evangelist Rose Ruffner, O. S. B., of North Dakota; John W. Ruffner, of Walnut street, Latrobe; Mrs. Amanda McGuire, at the family homestead; Mrs. Amelia Sheehan, of Lloyd Avenue, Latrobe; 35 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. The last respects of his children and grandchildren and a host of friends will be paid to him Saturday morning, when the funeral cortege will leave his homestead at 8:30 a. m. and repair to St. Vincent's church, where Solemn High Mass of Requiem will be sung by Father Sigemond O. S. B., followed by sermon. The interment will follow in St. Vincent's cemetery. This obit was furnished by Mary, whose husband Russell Henry is the g-g-grandson of Isaac Ruffner.1 

Family

Anna Maria Holstein b. 1751
Children

Last Edited11 Jul 2008

Citations

  1. [S34] John W. Jordan Pittsburg and Her People.
  2. [S616] Tina, "George Adam Ruffner," e-mail to MVW, Jan 29, 2008.

George Adam Ruffner Jr.1

M, #5076, b. 7 February 1783

Father*George Adam Ruffner1 b. 7 Apr 1747
Mother*Anna Maria Holstein1 b. 1751
George Adam Ruffner Jr.|b. 7 Feb 1783|p109.htm#i5076|George Adam Ruffner|b. 7 Apr 1747|p109.htm#i449|Anna Maria Holstein|b. 1751|p75.htm#i450|Simon Ruffner Sr.|d. Apr 1778|p109.htm#i441|Mary B. Schlitz|b. 1706\nd. 8 Sep 1803|p112.htm#i442|||||||

ChartsSIMON RUFFNER
Relationship1st cousin 6 times removed of Stephens Blakely Woodrough Jr.
Relationship1st cousin 6 times removed of Page Annette Woodrough.

Birth*7 February 1783 George Adam Ruffner Jr. was born on 7 February 1783 at Goshenhoppen, Berks, PA.1 
 He was the son of George Adam Ruffner and Anna Maria Holstein.1 
Note* He I did not type all this data in, but am saving it in case someone asks:
Children of George Adam Ruffner b 07 Apr 1747 & Anna Mary Holstein b 1751

1. Christian b 05 Jan 1775 already sent info more to come on his descendants

2. Mary Barbara b. 18 Jan 1777 Goshenhoppen, Berks,PA

More About MARY BARBARA RUFFNER:
Bapt. Sponsors: Michael Holstein and Mary Barbara, maternal grandparents of the child.
Baptism: February 21, 1777, at Peter Kass's house beyond the river Lehigh, in the Blue mountains.

3. Maria Magdalen b. 03 Sep 1779 Berks, Goshenhoppen, Pennsylvania, USA

More About M. MAGDALEN RUFFNER:
Bapt. Sponsors: Philip Ruffner and his wife Eva.
Baptism: October 18, 1779, at Nicholas Hucki's house.

4. Margaret b.09 Sep 1781 Goshenhoppen, Berks,PA

More About MARGARET RUFFNER:
Bapt. Sponsors: Margaret Kass and her husband Peter Kass.
Baptism: September 1781, at Joseph Kuhn's house, at Cedar creek.

she married Peter Brick on 01 Jun 1802

5. George Adam Ruffner b 07 Feb 1783 Goshenhoppen, Berks,PA
Notes for GEORGE ADAM RUFFNER:
======

There may be a problem here with the statement at his baptism that a sponsor was "Anna M. Ruffner, grandmother of the child." Mary Barbara Schiltz Ruffner was his grandmother.

======

More About GEORGE ADAM RUFFNER:
Bapt. Sponsors: George Adam Ruffner, son of Christian, and Anna M. Ruffner, grandmother of child
Baptism: May 04, 1783, at Christian Ruffner's house in the Blue mountains.
Deduced from Father Helbron's Register

Hemarried Susan Elizabeth Zinsdorff on 15 Nov 1808 in Goshenhoppen, Berks,PA

marriage sources:
Family Data Collection - Individual Records, Edmund West, comp.
Family Data Collection - Individual Records.
[database online] Provo, UT: Ancestry.com, 2000.

Family Data Collection - Marriages, Edmund West, comp.
Family Data Collection - Marriages
[database online] Provo, UT: Ancestry.com, 2001.


their children:
1) Henry b. Abt April 1810 He is a twin
More About HENRY RUFFNER:
Bapt. Sponsors: George Ruffner and Anna Maria his wife.
Baptism: April 23, 1810
(I have some information that he had a son David)
Baptism source: details sited in previous note. "Father Helbron's Greensburg Register"
2) Peter b. Abt April 1810 He is a twin

More About PETER RUFFNER:
Bapt. Sponsors: Peter Simon Ruffner and Anna Maria Zinzsdorff.
Baptism: April 23, 1810
Baptism source: details sited in previous note. "Father Helbron's Greensburg Register"

3) Susan b. April 08, 1812; d. Unknown.
 More About SUSAN RUFFNER:
Bapt. Sponsors: Peter Ruffner and Susan Handell.
Baptism: May 07, 1812
at St Patrick's Church, Sugar Creek, PA
Source :Armstrong County Genealogy Project.
St. Patrick's Church, Sugar Creek, PA
175th Anniversary Records Births 1803 -1841

4) Catharine b 16 Mar 1814
More About CATHARINE RUFFNER:
Bapt. Sponsors: Joseph Zinsdorff and Catharine Ruffner.
Baptism: Abt. April 17, 1814

5) Margaret b 21 Dec 1815
More About MARGARET RUFFNER:
Bapt. Sponsors: Christian Sendolf and Margaret Sendolf.
Baptism: July 16, 1816

6) Daniel b.10 Nov 1818
More About DANIEL RUFFNER:
Bapt. Sponsors: Jacob and Mary Kuhn.
Baptism: May 10, 1819
He married twice & had 5 children by his first wife., which I can find in Census but need more sources about them.

7) Isaac b July 21, 1820
More About ISAAC RUFFNER:
Bapt. Sponsors: George and Mary Ruffener.
Baptism: May 10, 1821

he married Margaretha MaryAnn O' Connor b Abt 1825 They married on 06 Apr 1845
Their Children
Margaret b. abt 1846 , James b abt 1848, MaryAnn b in 1850
.1 

Last Edited12 Jul 2008

Citations

  1. [S616] Tina, "George Adam Ruffner," e-mail to MVW, Jan 29, 2008.

James Ruffner

M, #434, d. 1871

Father*Simon Ruffner b. c 1743, d. 19 Dec 1819
Mother*Catherine Alice Griffin d. 12 Feb 1819
James Ruffner|d. 1871|p109.htm#i434|Simon Ruffner|b. c 1743\nd. 19 Dec 1819|p109.htm#i60|Catherine Alice Griffin|d. 12 Feb 1819|p65.htm#i61|Simon Ruffner Sr.|d. Apr 1778|p109.htm#i441|Mary B. Schlitz|b. 1706\nd. 8 Sep 1803|p112.htm#i442|Donald P. Griffin||p65.htm#i3866||||

ChartsSIMON RUFFNER
WOODROUGH KIDLET ANCESTORS
Relationship4th great-granduncle of Stephens Blakely Woodrough Jr.
Relationship4th great-granduncle of Page Annette Woodrough.

 James Ruffner was the son of Simon Ruffner and Catherine Alice Griffin. 
Death*1871  In 1871 This is a guess since his sister Elizabeth is buried in the same cemetery. A James appears on the Cemetery list. 
Biography*1819  In 1819 Alive in 1819 when mentioned in his father's will. 

Last Edited15 Nov 2005

Jo M. Eva Ruffner

F, #451, b. 1745

Father*Simon Ruffner Sr. d. Apr 1778
Mother*Mary Barbara Schlitz b. 1706, d. 8 Sep 1803
Jo M. Eva Ruffner|b. 1745|p109.htm#i451|Simon Ruffner Sr.|d. Apr 1778|p109.htm#i441|Mary Barbara Schlitz|b. 1706\nd. 8 Sep 1803|p112.htm#i442|||||||||||||

ChartsSIMON RUFFNER
WOODROUGH KIDLET ANCESTORS
Relationship5th great-grandaunt of Stephens Blakely Woodrough Jr.
Relationship5th great-grandaunt of Page Annette Woodrough.

MARRIAGE* Jo M. Eva Ruffner married John Kleintop. 
Baptism4 February 1745 She was baptized on 4 February 1745 at Roman Catholic, Cromer's Mill (near). 
Birth*1745 She was born in 1745. 
 She was the daughter of Simon Ruffner Sr. and Mary Barbara Schlitz. 
Married Name Her married name was Kleintop. 

Family

John Kleintop

Last Edited9 Jun 1998

John Ruffner

M, #428, b. 30 June 1773, d. say 1819

Father*Simon Ruffner b. c 1743, d. 19 Dec 1819
Mother*Catherine Alice Griffin d. 12 Feb 1819
John Ruffner|b. 30 Jun 1773\nd. s 1819|p109.htm#i428|Simon Ruffner|b. c 1743\nd. 19 Dec 1819|p109.htm#i60|Catherine Alice Griffin|d. 12 Feb 1819|p65.htm#i61|Simon Ruffner Sr.|d. Apr 1778|p109.htm#i441|Mary B. Schlitz|b. 1706\nd. 8 Sep 1803|p112.htm#i442|Donald P. Griffin||p65.htm#i3866||||

ChartsSIMON RUFFNER
WOODROUGH KIDLET ANCESTORS
Relationship4th great-granduncle of Stephens Blakely Woodrough Jr.
Relationship4th great-granduncle of Page Annette Woodrough.

Birth*30 June 1773 John Ruffner was born on 30 June 1773 at Goshenhoppen, PA. 
 He was the son of Simon Ruffner and Catherine Alice Griffin. 
Death*say 1819 He died say 1819. 

Last Edited9 Jun 1998

John Ruffner1

M, #3578, b. 17 August 1809

Father*George Adam Ruffner1 b. 27 Apr 1776
Mother*Sybilla Easly1
John Ruffner|b. 17 Aug 1809|p109.htm#i3578|George Adam Ruffner|b. 27 Apr 1776|p108.htm#i429|Sybilla Easly||p49.htm#i430|Simon Ruffner|b. c 1743\nd. 19 Dec 1819|p109.htm#i60|Catherine A. Griffin|d. 12 Feb 1819|p65.htm#i61|||||||

ChartsSIMON RUFFNER
Relationship1st cousin 5 times removed of Stephens Blakely Woodrough Jr.
Relationship1st cousin 5 times removed of Page Annette Woodrough.

Birth*17 August 1809 John Ruffner was born on 17 August 1809 at Greensburg, PA.1 
 He was the son of George Adam Ruffner and Sybilla Easly.1 
Baptism24 December 1809 He was baptized on 24 December 1809 at Greensburg, PA.1 

Last Edited26 Feb 2003

Citations

  1. [S509] Helbron Register.

Margaret Ruffner

F, #5075, b. 9 September 1781

Father*George Adam Ruffner b. 7 Apr 1747
Mother*Anna Maria Holstein b. 1751
Margaret Ruffner|b. 9 Sep 1781|p109.htm#i5075|George Adam Ruffner|b. 7 Apr 1747|p109.htm#i449|Anna Maria Holstein|b. 1751|p75.htm#i450|Simon Ruffner Sr.|d. Apr 1778|p109.htm#i441|Mary B. Schlitz|b. 1706\nd. 8 Sep 1803|p112.htm#i442|||||||

ChartsSIMON RUFFNER
Relationship1st cousin 6 times removed of Stephens Blakely Woodrough Jr.
Relationship1st cousin 6 times removed of Page Annette Woodrough.

Birth*9 September 1781 Margaret Ruffner was born on 9 September 1781 at Goshenhoppen, Berks, PA. 
 She was the daughter of George Adam Ruffner and Anna Maria Holstein. 

Last Edited12 Jul 2008

Margaret Ruffner1

F, #5078, b. 24 December 1799, d. 19 April 1900

Father*Christian Ruffner1 b. 5 Jan 1775, d. Sep 1842
Margaret Ruffner|b. 24 Dec 1799\nd. 19 Apr 1900|p109.htm#i5078|Christian Ruffner|b. 5 Jan 1775\nd. Sep 1842|p108.htm#i5069||||George A. Ruffner|b. 7 Apr 1747|p109.htm#i449|Anna M. Holstein|b. 1751|p75.htm#i450|||||||

Relationship2nd cousin 5 times removed of Stephens Blakely Woodrough Jr.
Relationship2nd cousin 5 times removed of Page Annette Woodrough.

Birth*24 December 1799 Margaret Ruffner was born on 24 December 1799 at Greensburg, Westmoreland County, PA.1 
 She was the daughter of Christian Ruffner.1 
Death*19 April 1900 She died on 19 April 1900 at Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, PA, at age 100. 

Last Edited11 Jul 2008

Citations

  1. [S616] Tina, "George Adam Ruffner," e-mail to MVW, Jan 29, 2008.

Maria Ruffner

F, #5077

Father*George Adam Ruffner b. 7 Apr 1747
Mother*Anna Maria Holstein b. 1751
Maria Ruffner||p109.htm#i5077|George Adam Ruffner|b. 7 Apr 1747|p109.htm#i449|Anna Maria Holstein|b. 1751|p75.htm#i450|Simon Ruffner Sr.|d. Apr 1778|p109.htm#i441|Mary B. Schlitz|b. 1706\nd. 8 Sep 1803|p112.htm#i442|||||||

ChartsSIMON RUFFNER
Relationship1st cousin 6 times removed of Stephens Blakely Woodrough Jr.
Relationship1st cousin 6 times removed of Page Annette Woodrough.

 Maria Ruffner was the daughter of George Adam Ruffner and Anna Maria Holstein. 

Last Edited11 Jul 2008

Mary Ruffner1

F, #454, b. circa 1741

Father*Simon Ruffner Sr. d. Apr 1778
Mother*Mary Barbara Schlitz b. 1706, d. 8 Sep 1803
Mary Ruffner|b. c 1741|p109.htm#i454|Simon Ruffner Sr.|d. Apr 1778|p109.htm#i441|Mary Barbara Schlitz|b. 1706\nd. 8 Sep 1803|p112.htm#i442|||||||||||||

ChartsSIMON RUFFNER
WOODROUGH KIDLET ANCESTORS
Relationship5th great-grandaunt of Stephens Blakely Woodrough Jr.
Relationship5th great-grandaunt of Page Annette Woodrough.

Birth*circa 1741 Mary Ruffner was born circa 1741. 
 She was the daughter of Simon Ruffner Sr. and Mary Barbara Schlitz. 

Last Edited9 Jun 1998

Citations

  1. [S24] Jane S. Sweinberger,, Ruffners of Pennsylvania.

Mary Barbara Ruffner

F, #59, b. 5 November 1774, d. 20 January 1857

Father*Simon Ruffner b. c 1743, d. 19 Dec 1819
Mother*Catherine Alice Griffin d. 12 Feb 1819
Mary Barbara Ruffner|b. 5 Nov 1774\nd. 20 Jan 1857|p109.htm#i59|Simon Ruffner|b. c 1743\nd. 19 Dec 1819|p109.htm#i60|Catherine Alice Griffin|d. 12 Feb 1819|p65.htm#i61|Simon Ruffner Sr.|d. Apr 1778|p109.htm#i441|Mary B. Schlitz|b. 1706\nd. 8 Sep 1803|p112.htm#i442|Donald P. Griffin||p65.htm#i3866||||

ChartsSIMON RUFFNER
WOODROUGH KIDLET ANCESTORS
Relationship4th great-grandaunt of Stephens Blakely Woodrough Jr.
Relationship4th great-grandaunt of Page Annette Woodrough.
ReferenceA-51

Baptism1774 Mary Barbara Ruffner was baptized in 1774 at Allenstown, PA. 
Birth*5 November 1774 She was born on 5 November 1774 at Goshenhoppen, PA, Notes for MARY BARBARA RUFFNER:
THE GOSHENHOPPEN REGISTERS 1741-1819, Registers of Baptisms, Marriages, and
Deaths of the Catholic Mission at Goshenhoppen (Bally), Washington Township,
Berks County, Pennsylvania, Records of the American Catholic Historical
Society of Philadelphia, Index by Elizabeth P. Bentley, 1886 Reprint 1984,
Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, Baltimore, Maryland

p. 53 RUFFNER, Barbara, of Simon Ruffner and his wife Catherine, born
November 5, 1774, baptized at the same time and place as above (November 30,
at Francis Cooper's house at Allenstown), sponsors, Simon and Barbara
Ruffner, grandparents of the child. 
 She was the daughter of Simon Ruffner and Catherine Alice Griffin. 
MARRIAGE*7 February 1804 She married Wiliam Wicklye, son of John Wicklye, on 7 February 1804 at St. Michaels, Altoona, Blair, PA, Marriage Notes for WILLIAM WEAKLAND and MARY RUFFNER:
WICKLY, William, 7 Feb 1804, in the Church to Barbara Ruffner.
From:Sportsmen's Hall, St. Vincent, Latrobe, PA
FATHER PETER HELBRON'S
GREENSBURG, PA REGISTERS
     
Children of WILLIAM WEAKLAND and MARY RUFFNER are:
     i.     CATHERINE4 WEAKLAND, b. Bet. 1804 - 1813.
     ii.     WILLIAM WEAKLAND, b. Bet. 1804 - 1813.
     iii.     SIMON WEAKLAND, b. Bet. 1804 - 1813.
     iv.     JOHN WEAKLAND, b. Bet. 1804 - 1813.
     v.     SUSAN WEAKLAND, b. Bet. 1804 - 1813.1,2 
Death*20 January 1857 She died on 20 January 1857 at age 82 DEMOCRAT & SENTINEL,EBENSBURG, PA 1857
21 Jan 1857
VOL. 4, NO. 13
DIED
On Tuesday 20th Allegheny township, MARY BARBARA WEAKLAND, consort of William Weakland, aged about 85 years. 
Married Name7 February 1804  As of 7 February 1804,her married name was Wicklye.1 

Family

Wiliam Wicklye d. 1864

Last Edited21 Sep 2007

Citations

  1. [S24] Jane S. Sweinberger,, Ruffners of Pennsylvania.
  2. [S522] International Genealogical Index (IGI).

Mary Barbara Ruffner1

F, #5073, b. 18 January 1777

Father*George Adam Ruffner1 b. 7 Apr 1747
Mother*Anna Maria Holstein1 b. 1751
Mary Barbara Ruffner|b. 18 Jan 1777|p109.htm#i5073|George Adam Ruffner|b. 7 Apr 1747|p109.htm#i449|Anna Maria Holstein|b. 1751|p75.htm#i450|Simon Ruffner Sr.|d. Apr 1778|p109.htm#i441|Mary B. Schlitz|b. 1706\nd. 8 Sep 1803|p112.htm#i442|||||||

ChartsSIMON RUFFNER
Relationship1st cousin 6 times removed of Stephens Blakely Woodrough Jr.
Relationship1st cousin 6 times removed of Page Annette Woodrough.

Birth*18 January 1777 Mary Barbara Ruffner was born on 18 January 1777 at Goshenhoppen, Berks, PA. 
 She was the daughter of George Adam Ruffner and Anna Maria Holstein.1 
Christening21 February 1777 She was christened on 21 February 1777; Her baptism was at Peter Kass's house beyond the Lehigh river in the Blue Mountains.1 

Last Edited12 Jul 2008

Citations

  1. [S616] Tina, "George Adam Ruffner," e-mail to MVW, Jan 29, 2008.

Mary Magdalen Ruffner

F, #5074, b. 3 September 1779

Father*George Adam Ruffner b. 7 Apr 1747
Mother*Anna Maria Holstein b. 1751
Mary Magdalen Ruffner|b. 3 Sep 1779|p109.htm#i5074|George Adam Ruffner|b. 7 Apr 1747|p109.htm#i449|Anna Maria Holstein|b. 1751|p75.htm#i450|Simon Ruffner Sr.|d. Apr 1778|p109.htm#i441|Mary B. Schlitz|b. 1706\nd. 8 Sep 1803|p112.htm#i442|||||||

ChartsSIMON RUFFNER
Relationship1st cousin 6 times removed of Stephens Blakely Woodrough Jr.
Relationship1st cousin 6 times removed of Page Annette Woodrough.

Birth*3 September 1779 Mary Magdalen Ruffner was born on 3 September 1779 at Goshenhoppen, Berks, PA.1 
 She was the daughter of George Adam Ruffner and Anna Maria Holstein. 

Last Edited12 Jul 2008

Citations

  1. [S616] Tina, "George Adam Ruffner," e-mail to MVW, Jan 29, 2008.

Nancy Ruffner1

F, #438

Father*Simon Ruffner b. c 1743, d. 19 Dec 1819
Mother*Catherine Alice Griffin d. 12 Feb 1819
Nancy Ruffner||p109.htm#i438|Simon Ruffner|b. c 1743\nd. 19 Dec 1819|p109.htm#i60|Catherine Alice Griffin|d. 12 Feb 1819|p65.htm#i61|Simon Ruffner Sr.|d. Apr 1778|p109.htm#i441|Mary B. Schlitz|b. 1706\nd. 8 Sep 1803|p112.htm#i442|Donald P. Griffin||p65.htm#i3866||||

ChartsSIMON RUFFNER
WOODROUGH KIDLET ANCESTORS
Relationship4th great-grandaunt of Stephens Blakely Woodrough Jr.
Relationship4th great-grandaunt of Page Annette Woodrough.

 Nancy Ruffner was the daughter of Simon Ruffner and Catherine Alice Griffin. 
MARRIAGE*30 October 1810  On 30 October 1810 Hi, Margo!
In regards to the location of the intersection of Braddock Rd and Ruffner Rd, I checked a Northern Virginia map. This intersection is in Alexandria. As to its location by a known landmark, I would say it is about 10 blocks north of George Washington Masonic Memorial. It also appears to be just about straight East of the Virginia Theological Seminary on Seminary Road.
And on the matter of genealogy, I recently found the following in the Fr. Helbron's Greesburg register:

"Brotice-Ruffner: October 30, 1810, John Brotice to Anna Ruffner. John Brotice returning to Clearfield with his spouse."

Now a little bit of interpretation. A written "e" and a written "k" look similar. On an old faded document, it might be impossible to see the vertical bar that makes a "k" a "k" and not an "e." I think that Fr. Helbron actually wrote BROTICK, which is a pretty good phonetic spelling of BRADDOCK. My ancestor, John Braddock, lived on Clearfield creek.

Now my uncertainty comes in because the name "Anna" is used both here and in the church records at St. Michaels at Loretto. I wish I could be sure that "Nancy" was a nickname for Anna. I feel increasingly confident that there is a marriage relationship between the RUFFNER and BRADDOCK families. I wish I could find further evidence that Nancy is Anna and this person is the daughter of Simon and Catherine Ruffner. If you ever discover such evidence, please pass it along to me.

Sincerely,

Joe David Berg
Marriage Record taken from "Catholic Baptisms in Western Pennsylvania 1799-1828 - Greensburg Register" p. 94

Database: :2630429
Individual: I521805509
Link: http://worldconnect.genealogy.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=:2630429&id=I521805509
Name: luke scheer
Email: lukerita@sbcglobal.net
URL:
URL title:
Note:
Spouse of Nancy Ruffner was John Braddock, son of Nicholas and Eleanor braddock of Loretto, Cambria County, PA. Nancy, aka Anna or Agnes, is listed in records of St Michaels Catholic Church, Loretto.1 
Note* She Database: :2630429
Individual: I521805509
Link: http://worldconnect.genealogy.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=:2630429&id=I521805509
Name: luke scheer
Email: lukerita@sbcglobal.net
URL:
URL title:
Note:
Spouse of Nancy Ruffner was John Braddock, son of Nicholas and Eleanor braddock of Loretto, Cambria County, PA. Nancy, aka Anna or Agnes, is listed in records of St Michaels Catholic Church, Loretto. 
Married Name30 October 1810  As of 30 October 1810,her married name was Braddock.1 
AnecdoteDecember 2003  In December 2003 I am writing to you because we *may* have a family link. On Roostweb.com you have a family tree that includes a Nancy Ruffner, daughter of Simon Ruffner. This person is of interest to me.
My name is Joe David Berg and I am a Braddock family genealogist. I am a descendant of Nicholas Braddock who lived in Cambria County, Pennsylvania in the early 1800s. Nicholas had three children, John, Michael, and Mary. My ancestry is through John Braddock. This John Braddock married twice. The first wife has been a very big genealogical stumbling block for us to figure out. However they did have three children. The second wife was Elizabeth Storm, and it is through her that I trace my lineage. Circumstantial evidence is beginning to accumulate suggesting that Nancy Ruffner was John Braddock's first wife.
John Braddock and his first wife had the following children:
John Clement Braddock, b. 1819
Michael John Braddock, b. 1822
Pius John Braddock, b. 1823
Recently I discovered that when John Clement Braddock married to Ellen Manner, he named one of his children Edwin Ruffner Braddock. This struck me as an unusual middle name and so I began to "Google" search the Internet for the possibilities. Ultimately I discovered that there was a Nancy Ruffner that married a "Braddock" with first name unknown. I think it could be John.
The more I have discovered about the Ruffner family, the more probable I think is this family relationship. The Braddock family was a Catholic family at St. Michael's parish at Loretto, Pennsylvania. The Ruffner's were a Catholic family at St. Vincent's (Sportsman's Hall) in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. They are neighboring counties and Catholic parishes. I would suspect that John Braddock's first marriage would have occurred about 1818 given the birth of his first child in 1819.
So I am writing to you to find out as much as possible about Nancy Ruffner. Any information you have may be helpful. Here are some questions that come to mind:
1) I believe Nancy Ruffner was about the same age as John Braddock. He was born at Hagerstown, Maryland in 1787. What do we know about Nancy?
2) Was Nancy Ruffner a Catholic? I believe the answer to this is yes. But I strongly believe that John Braddock would have married a Catholic woman.
3) Did Nancy Ruffner speak German? Somehow John Braddock learned the German language, and we suspect it was from his first wife.
4) Do you have any evidence that indicates that Nancy would have gone to Ohio? We believe the above named children were born in Ohio. They were baptized at St. Joseph's parish at Somerset, Perry County.
5) Do you know when Nancy Ruffner died? The last child was born in 1823. John married a second time in 1826.
6) We are not real sure where the three boys lived when they were very young, but after their mother died. We suspect they could have been with the Ruffner grandparents. Would you have eny evidence of this?
7) Are there any wills or other documents that might have mentioned the above named children?
8) How do you know that Nancy Ruffner married a Braddock? Is there evidence that can be identified? Did she marry at St. Vincent's?
I am sure I could come up with many other questions, but mostly I just want to express my interest in exploring a possible Braddock / Ruffner family relationship. Please respond to me if you have additional information you would like to provide. Sincerely,Joe David Berg Arlington, Virginia JBerg2112@aol.com. 
Anecdote*2004  In 2004 From:      Cheryl Myers
To:      "Margot Wodrough"
Subject:      RE: Ruffner descendants
Send reply to:      cmyers@jones.edu
Date sent:      Fri, 16 Jan 2004 09:45:21 -0500
Dear Margot,
The Braddock researchers are so far ahead of me...One of them already has Sweinberger's book. More and more they are tying Nancy to John. They are also finding that Nancy was interchangeable with Anna/Anne, which I know there is another
Ann/Anna, but.on the Cambria county website, there is a copy of the centennary(?)/centennial that lists a family of John and Ann Braddock with a son Simon Peter, daughters Catherine, Mary Ann and Emilie/Emily 1811-1817 - we believe these to be the older siblings of John C., Michael and Pius. After that, there is a John and Elizabeth (Storm) Braddock, married in 1825/26, John's second wife. Attached is a copy of an e-mail I was sent this morning from Joe Berg, an excerpt from another book...I am almost positive our John is the husband of Nancy Ruffner. Wonder what happened to her...If you are interested, I will be happy to send you a copy of all of the e-mails they have been sending me that lead them to this point...Cheryl. 

Family

John Braddock b. 1787
Children

Last Edited21 Sep 2007

Citations

  1. [S24] Jane S. Sweinberger,, Ruffners of Pennsylvania.
  2. [S559] Jo David Berg, "Nancy Ruffner," e-mail to Margaret Woodrough, Dec 12 2003.
  3. [S558] Cheryl Meyers, "Ruffner Descendants," e-mail to Margot Woodrough, Jan. 14 2004.

Nicklaus Ruffner

M, #674

Father*Simon Ruffner Sr. d. Apr 1778
Mother*Mary Barbara Schlitz b. 1706, d. 8 Sep 1803
Nicklaus Ruffner||p109.htm#i674|Simon Ruffner Sr.|d. Apr 1778|p109.htm#i441|Mary Barbara Schlitz|b. 1706\nd. 8 Sep 1803|p112.htm#i442|||||||||||||

ChartsSIMON RUFFNER
WOODROUGH KIDLET ANCESTORS
Relationship5th great-granduncle of Stephens Blakely Woodrough Jr.
Relationship5th great-granduncle of Page Annette Woodrough.

 Nicklaus Ruffner was the son of Simon Ruffner Sr. and Mary Barbara Schlitz. 
Note* He Baptism recorded in "Jorday Luthern congregation, south Witehall Twsp., Lehigh Co. Index of baptisms. 

Last Edited27 Jan 2004

Nicklaus Ruffner1

M, #3196, b. 14 March 1749

Father*Simon Ruffner b. c 1743, d. 19 Dec 1819
Mother*Catherine Alice Griffin d. 12 Feb 1819
Nicklaus Ruffner|b. 14 Mar 1749|p109.htm#i3196|Simon Ruffner|b. c 1743\nd. 19 Dec 1819|p109.htm#i60|Catherine Alice Griffin|d. 12 Feb 1819|p65.htm#i61|Simon Ruffner Sr.|d. Apr 1778|p109.htm#i441|Mary B. Schlitz|b. 1706\nd. 8 Sep 1803|p112.htm#i442|Donald P. Griffin||p65.htm#i3866||||

ChartsSIMON RUFFNER
WOODROUGH KIDLET ANCESTORS
Relationship4th great-granduncle of Stephens Blakely Woodrough Jr.
Relationship4th great-granduncle of Page Annette Woodrough.

Birth*14 March 1749 Nicklaus Ruffner was born on 14 March 1749. 
 He was the son of Simon Ruffner and Catherine Alice Griffin. 

Last Edited24 Sep 2001

Citations

  1. This name came from Bob Schlitz through Laura Glass in 2001.

Peter Ruffner1

M, #437

Father*Simon Ruffner b. c 1743, d. 19 Dec 1819
Mother*Catherine Alice Griffin d. 12 Feb 1819
Peter Ruffner||p109.htm#i437|Simon Ruffner|b. c 1743\nd. 19 Dec 1819|p109.htm#i60|Catherine Alice Griffin|d. 12 Feb 1819|p65.htm#i61|Simon Ruffner Sr.|d. Apr 1778|p109.htm#i441|Mary B. Schlitz|b. 1706\nd. 8 Sep 1803|p112.htm#i442|Donald P. Griffin||p65.htm#i3866||||

ChartsSIMON RUFFNER
WOODROUGH KIDLET ANCESTORS
Relationship4th great-granduncle of Stephens Blakely Woodrough Jr.
Relationship4th great-granduncle of Page Annette Woodrough.

 Peter Ruffner was the son of Simon Ruffner and Catherine Alice Griffin. 
Death*  This is a guess based on date and fact a sister Elizabeth and seemingly a brother James are all listed with him on the St. Vincent Cemetery list. 

Last Edited15 Nov 2005

Citations

  1. [S24] Jane S. Sweinberger,, Ruffners of Pennsylvania.

Philip Ruffner

M, #446, b. circa 1738, d. June 1784

Father*Simon Ruffner Sr. d. Apr 1778
Mother*Mary Barbara Schlitz b. 1706, d. 8 Sep 1803
Philip Ruffner|b. c 1738\nd. Jun 1784|p109.htm#i446|Simon Ruffner Sr.|d. Apr 1778|p109.htm#i441|Mary Barbara Schlitz|b. 1706\nd. 8 Sep 1803|p112.htm#i442|||||||||||||

ChartsSIMON RUFFNER
WOODROUGH KIDLET ANCESTORS
Relationship5th great-granduncle of Stephens Blakely Woodrough Jr.
Relationship5th great-granduncle of Page Annette Woodrough.

Birth*circa 1738 Philip Ruffner was born circa 1738. 
 He was the son of Simon Ruffner Sr. and Mary Barbara Schlitz. 
MARRIAGE*1754 He married Anna Catherine Kuhn in 1754. 
MARRIAGE*11 January 1774 He married Eva Hoonig on 11 January 1774. 
Death*June 1784 He died in June 1784. 

Family 1

Anna Catherine Kuhn b. 1747, d. 1773

Family 2

Eva Hoonig

Last Edited9 Jun 1998

Simon Ruffner1

M, #60, b. circa 1743, d. 19 December 1819

Father*Simon Ruffner Sr. d. Apr 1778
Mother*Mary Barbara Schlitz b. 1706, d. 8 Sep 1803
Simon Ruffner|b. c 1743\nd. 19 Dec 1819|p109.htm#i60|Simon Ruffner Sr.|d. Apr 1778|p109.htm#i441|Mary Barbara Schlitz|b. 1706\nd. 8 Sep 1803|p112.htm#i442|||||||||||||

ChartsSIMON RUFFNER
WOODROUGH KIDLET ANCESTORS
Relationship5th great-grandfather of Stephens Blakely Woodrough Jr.
Relationship5th great-grandfather of Page Annette Woodrough.
ReferenceA-102

Birth*circa 1743 Simon Ruffner was born circa 1743. 
 He was the son of Simon Ruffner Sr. and Mary Barbara Schlitz. 
MARRIAGE*8 January 1771 He married Catherine Alice Griffin, daughter of Donald Patrick Griffin, on 8 January 1771 at Goshenhoppen, PA, Witnesses were George Adam Ruffner, Simon Kupser, Margaret Kuhn and Maria Ermann. 
Death*19 December 1819 He died on 19 December 1819 at Greensburg, PA, I believe this date should read Dec 9 1819 which is the date will was filed.2 
Religion* He was Roman Catholic. 
Note* He Laura Glass found another brother named Nicklaus. Don't know where he came from. 
Biography*  The Ruffners were said to have "had the glory of giving to the church the first piece of property west of the Allegheny mountains. It was donated in March 1787, to Father Carroll, afterward Bishop of Baltimore."
The following is taken from a newspaper article written by Laurie J. Blakely January 27 1897 in Covington, KY: " In the early part of the year 1787 my great grandfather, Simon Ruffner with his brothers Christian and George, the family originally being from Maryland and the Valley of Virginia, crossed the mountains and settled in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, near the site of the Arch-Abbey of St. Vincent or between that point and Greensburg.
In the spring of 1789, ten years before the advent of Prince Gallitzzin to Loretto, the three Ruffners, with Partick Archbord and John Probst, purchased one acre and ten rods of ground near Greensburg and didicated it to church purposes." 
Milit-Beg*1776 He began military service in 1776 at Army, PA, Simon Ruffner served with George Washington at Valley Forge. DAR papers of Annie Michel Claim descent from him and state "He served as sergeant in Northampton County Ranger Troops.1,2 
Emigration*1787 He emigrated in 1787 from Goshenhoppen, Westmoreland County, PA; Sportsman's Hall The Kuhn and Ruffner Families Westmoreland County 1786 - 1789
Photo of Elizabeth Ruffner

Isaac Ruffner Obituary
Greensburg, Pennsylvania, now the county seat of Westmoreland County, was one of the few places in Pennsylvania during the latter part of the eighteenth century and the beginning of the nineteenth in which Catholics could attend Divine Service and receive the ministrations of religion (Note! Sportsman's Hall was closer to Latrobe, Greensburg being better known was used as a reference. Sorry but I forgot where this came from) . How it came to be such a place we do not know; no doubt in measure at least, it was through its location. Westmoreland County at that time took in much more territory than it does now and must have been before the home seeking public quite a good deal. The road across the state from east to west went near Greensburg as did also the road from the south to the northwest. The land there is quite fertile and the country is most beautiful so that one can readily understand why people seeking homes would locate there. Many Catholics from Ireland and Germany and a few from France settled around about Greensburg and within an area of one hundred miles.

Reverend A. A. Lambing, in his "History of the Catholic Church in the Dioceses of Pittsburgh and Allegheny," says: "No part of western Pennsylvania figures more prominently in the history of Catholicity than Westmoreland County:" and of Sportsman's Hall he says: "It is the cradle of Catholicity in western Pennsylvania."

In the years 1787 and 1788 six Catholic families left the settlement of Goshenhoppen in the vicinity of Philadelphia and, after a difficult journey of about two hundred fifty (250) miles, settled near Greensburg in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. In the following year, the young colony received an addition of several families from the East, among whom was Henry Kuhn, who was destined to take a prominent part in the future development of the pioneer settlement. On the 13th of March 1789, John Probst, John Young, Patrick Archibald, Simon Ruffner, Christian Ruffner and George Ruffner purchased a plot of ground, near
Greensburg, from Philip Freeman for the nominal price of five shillings. This plot was intended as a site for a Catholic church and cemetery. But Greensburg was not to become the new centre of Catholicity in Pennsylvania. In 1790 the settlers began the erection of a small log church, but it was never completed - never used for divine service. In 1800 an effort was made to finish the little church, but it failed; the unfinished building was then sold and subsequently removed. For the sake of historical reminiscence it may be well to record the names of the heads of families who constituted the entire congregation when the building of this church was commenced in 1790. They are: Philip Freeman, John Probst, John Young, Patrick Archibald, Simon Ruffner, Christian Ruffner, George Ruffner, Henry Kuhn, John Topper, Patrick Griffin and Philip Hartmann. Before leaving Goshenhoppen the settlers had obtained a promise from the clergy in Philadelphia and at Goshenhoppen that a Catholic priest would visit them occasionally, and that in the course of time they would have a resident pastor. In March, 1789, Reverend John Baptist Cause (or Causey) paid them a visit. He said Mass in the house of John Probst, two miles west of Greensburg. This was the first Mass said in a permanent Catholic settlement in Western Pennsylvania. Father Cause remained only a few days, so that the little colony had assembled only once for divine service before he returned to the East.

The first resident pastor of the pioneer Catholic colony was Father Theodore Browers. He was a native of Holland, a member of the Minorite Order of St. Francis, and had been on the missions for some time in the West Indies. He arrived in Philadelphia no later than July, 1789, and stopped with Father Helbron, of Holy Trinity congregation, in Philadelphia. The trustees of Holy Trinity tried to persuade him to remain with them, but he steadfastly refused, and declared his intention of going westward. He heard of the colony that had been established in Westmoreland County and of the promise given to the settlers that they should have a resident pastor. He therefore, chose Western Pennsylvania as the field of his missionary labors.

Before leaving Philadelphia he purchased a tract of land from a certain Arthur O'Neil, of Chester County, Pennsylvania. This tract was situated on the eastern bank of Loyalhannah creek, in Derry township, Westmoreland County, and was known as O'Neil's Victory. It contained 154 acres and an allowance of 6 perches for roads, and so forth. The deed is dated August 7,1789, and receipt of payment 106 l7s) is acknowledged on the same day.

Father Browers arrived at the colony, with considerable luggage, towards the close of the year 1789. He found no suitable place for celebrating Mass.

During the winter of 1789-90 he stopped with Christian Ruffner, at whose house the Catholics assembled for divine service. In the spring of 1790 he visited O'Neil's Victory with the intention of selecting the spot upon which to erect a house for himself and a chapel for the congregation. He found that the land was not as fertile as he had expected and that the location was almost twelve miles from the Catholic settlement, and he, therefore, reluctantly desisted from his first intention of establishing himself at O'Neil's Victory.

At this time a valuable tract of land in Unity township was offered for sale. It was called 'Sportsman's Hall' - a name given to it by a Harrisburg gentleman who had frequented it as a hunting ground. Henry Kuhn, who had gained the confidence of Father Browers and who had accompanied him on his visit to O'Neil's Victory, now urged him to buy Sportsman's Hall.

The property was purchased and the deed was written, signed, sealed and delivered on the l6th day of April, 1790, in presence of William Maghee and Joseph Cook. The purchased land contained 313 acres, 8 perches and allowance. It was situated about seven miles east of Greensburg. The soil was of excellent quality. The sum paid for it was "four hundred and seventy five pounds specie, good and lawful money of Pennsylvania, to him (Joseph Hunter) in hand, at and before the sealing and delivery hereof, well and truly, paid, the receipt and payment whereof is hereby acknowledged and the said Theodorus Browers forever
acquitted and exonerated." In purchasing Sportsman's Hall, Father Browers purchased what was destined to be the cradle of Catholicity in western Pennsylvania. He himself never realized the importance of his purchase. But he had planted the mustard seed, and under the fostering hands of Divine Providence 'it grew and became a great tree.' He had been frequently heard to say: "My object is to make Sportsman's Hall another Conewago." His hopes were more than realized, for Sportsman's Hall is now St. Vincent's Abbey, which enjoys a national reputation and is the largest Benedictine establishment in the world. During the years of its existence it has sent out hundreds of zealous priests -to spread the light of the Gospel in all parts of this great country.

When Fattier Browers purchased Sportsman's Hall the improvements on the estate were very trifling; a small hut or cabin had been built, and a few acres had been cleared. He at once engaged a carpenter, such as could be obtained under the circumstances, to build a house, seventeen feet square and one and one half stories high. The house was soon completed, and Father Browers took up his residence at Sportsman's Hall. He made a contract with Christian Andrews to attend to the farm, and agreed to pay him twenty three pounds a year for his services, as appears from the following receipt:

"Received of the executors, Christian Ruffner, and Henry Kuhn, twenty three pounds in full as wages for one year's work on the place of R. Theodorus Browers, deceased. Received by me, "Christian Andrews"

Father Browers continued to officiate at Christian Ruffner which was about five miles distant from his new residence, but much more convenient for the congregation. Every Sunday morning he traveled this distance on horseback, but, being of delicate constitution, he soon found his duties too exacting. One Sunday in June, whilst officiating at the altar, he was taken severely ill. He at once, Sent to Greensburg for some person competent to write his will.

The will made a few days before his death with much from one who hoped to succeed him was 'the cause of much parochial disturbance and of extended litigation in Philadelphia. This was most trying to the executors, Henry Kuhn and Christian Ruffner. During nine years the parishioners were harassed by contending parties.

But happier days were in store for the sorely afflicted Pioneers of' Catholicity of western Pennsylvania. Fattier Helbron was appointed pastor, was an estimable priest, a courteous whole-souled gentleman, cheerful, affable, kind to all, excellent company, and most thorough and exact in his spiritual duties with a soldier like discipline and careful regard to details." He arrived at the mission on the 17th of November, 1799, and at once began to evolve order out of chaos. He had great difficulties, but matters soon adjusted and Father helbron took peaceful possession of Sportsman's Hall. As no church had as yet been built he said Mass in an apartment of his house, which, as we have seen, was but seventeen feet square. He was a zealous missionary and did not confine his labors to his congregation. He visited a number of other settlements, which had been established within a circuit of forty miles. He soon became an intimate friend of Reverend Gallitzin, to whom he paid several visits, sometimes spending a couple of weeks with him.

Previous to the arrival of Father Helbron no church records had been kept at Sportsman's Hall, but he kept a careful account of his ministrations from the date of his arrival. On the title page of the book which he used for this purpose he wrote as follows:

"Liber Baptismalis, Matrimonialis et funeralis incipiens Anno Domino 1800. Sub Rev. Dom. Petro Helbron pastore miss a Rev'ssmo Domino Joanne Carrollo Doctore et Episcopo Baltimorensi et data ipsi possessione a Curia Greensburgensi in Loco R'di Dni Browers legitimi et primi antecessoris die decima septime Decembris Anno Domini 1799."

When Father Helbron had become somewhat acquainted with his new mission he built a house 28x 26, to which the congregation built an addition, to serve them as a temporary chapel. The carpenter work was done by two men of the congregation, Henry Kuhn and George Ruffner. Nails were dear and scarce in those days, so Henry Kuhn went east of the mountains to collect money and purchase the necessary nails. In 1801, Father Helbron Wrote:

"My little chapel which I built here is finished. I blest it in the name of Jesus and entitled it the Chapel of the Holy Cross. I intend, next Spring to repair the other at Greensburg." In 1802 he wrote:

"My dwelling place shall no more be called Sportsman's Hall but Clear Spring near Greensburg." Clear Spring was a literal translation of his own Helbron, but the name never became poplar. The chapel served its purpose for a number of years but as the congregation had meanwhile rapidly increased, they wished to build a church on the spot which Father Browers had selected for this purpose and where the present church stands. Father Helbron objected and offered them the unfinished house as a place of worship, but they declined the offer. Finally about the year 1810, twenty years after the purchase of Sportsman's Hall, the first church was built. It was a log structure of 40 x 26 feet and was erected in one summer. A floor was laid but no plastering was done. Subscriptions were taken up for the building of the church: (1810) "We the Under Named Catholicks belonging to the Rev. Doctor Hillbron's Congregation, Do promise to pay to Simon Roughner, or any other person that may be appointed, the Sum Annexed to our names, for the purpose of enlarging the Church at the Rev. Doctor Hillbron's, the Money to be paid the one half when the work appears to be carried on the other half when finished. Witness our hands. The subscribers number seventy-two with a total of less than two hundred dollars ($200). A few of the contributors are:

Jacob Burgoon $3.00 Henry Reintzel $6.00

Barnabas Burgoon 1.00 George Reintzel 3.00

Levi Burgoon 1.00 Henry Reintzel, Jr 5.00

Joseph 5.00 Simon Ruffner 1.00

Henry Kuhn 1.00 Simon Ruffner 6.00

Jacob Kuhn 5.00 John Aaron 1.00

Christian Ruffner (?) George Kerr 1.50

Simon Ruffner 1.00 Frederick Kintz 4.00

Joseph Aaron 2.00 Mrs. George Ruffner 1.00

George Ruffner 3-00 Anthony Staub 1.00

George Ruffner 4.00

It is strange to note great grandfather Jacob Burgoon heading the list followed by his two sons, when in 1813 he is on the Paschal list at Loretto, and in 1816 signs a document there as one of the Church Wardens.

Father Helbron's health was generally good, but a few years before his death a tumor formed on his neck. He submitted for a long time to the treatment of local physicians, such as they were, but was ultimately obliged to go to Philadelphia for medical aid. He obtained no relief and determined to return to his mission. He was taken ill at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where he died late in 1815 or early in 1816. He was buried near the sacristy of St. Patrick's church in that place. After Father Helbron's death, troubles were renewed until, in desperation, the congregation's appealed to the State Legislature to vest the estate in a board of trustees. Three of the five named in the enactment of the State, 1821, are Denis Conor, Frederick Kintz, and Henry Kuhn. (This is Henry 3rd of St. Xavier's fame.) While this action solved some difficulties it aroused others, and it was only at the coming of Father Stillinger and the resignation of the trustees (among whom was Great Grandfather Jacob Kuhn) that permanent peace was established. We are familiar with this dear name as hearing it often from the lips of our loved grandparents, Leo and Catherine Burgoon. To Father Stillinger we are indebted for their marriage register.

Father Stillinger was a native of Baltimore, Maryland; he was educated at Mt. St. Mary's, Ehmitsburg, and ordained by Archbishop Whitefield, February 28, 1830. He was a man of commanding presence; he "was prudent and gentle, but possessing with all a degree of firmness that enabled him to maintain his position with dignity and pass safely through trying circumstances." A more suitable person could not have been found.

In 1833 Father Stillinger began the building of a brick church and pastoral residence. The contract for the church and residence made a total of $9200. The church was dedicated by Bishop Kenrick, July 19, 1835, and as the Bishop was accustomed to name the churches which he dedicated after the saint whose feast was celebrated that day, the church was placed under the patronage of St. Vincent of Paul. This church completed was familiarly known as the "Hill Church" and is now the Chapel of the Benedictine Scholastics. Since then "Sportsman's Hall" has been known as "St. Vincents".

The builders had not done their work well. Foundation walls began to give way and many serious defects were noticeable in the construction. Repairs made in parts, the work remained still unsatisfactory. A balance of $1,400 was still due the builders, and this was withheld for damages. A suit was brought to court, but the jury found the verdict in favor of the congregation. Reverend Father Stillinger remained at St. Vincent's until November, 1844 when he moved to Blairsville, Indiana County. He was succeeded by Reverend Michael Gallagher, who remained until the coming of the Benedictines.

The first foundation of Benedictines in America arrived under the leadership of Reverend Boniface Wimmer-later first Abbot and Archabbot. They had come at the invitation of Father Lemke of Carrolltown, Pennsylvania, who hoped to have them at his mission. But after consulting with Bishop O'Connor of Pittsburgh the plan was changed to the gain of both the Benedictines and the people of Westmoreland. On October 21, 1846 Bishop O'Connor wrote the following document:

"To all whom it may concern. We do hereby appoint the Reverend Boniface Wimmer, O.S.B., pastor of the Roman Catholic Congregation, worshiping at St. Vincent's Church, Unity Township, Westmoreland County, vacant by the resignation of the Rev. M. Gallagher, and we confer upon said Rev. B. Wimmur all rights and privileges appertaining to said office of pastor of said Congregation, this appointment to hold good until revoked by us or our Successor or until. a new appointment. "Given at St. Vincent's on this twenty-first day of' October A.D. MDCCCXLVI. "M, Bp. Pittsburgh."

What a happy security after the years of storm and uncertainty, the reading of which makes one understand our parents, oft repeated prayer, thank God for our good priests!" - and their insistence on the reverence due them.1 

Family

Catherine Alice Griffin d. 12 February 1819
MARRIAGE*8 January 1771 He married Catherine Alice Griffin, daughter of Donald Patrick Griffin, on 8 January 1771 at Goshenhoppen, PA, Witnesses were George Adam Ruffner, Simon Kupser, Margaret Kuhn and Maria Ermann. 
Children

Last Edited25 May 2011

Citations

  1. [S34] John W. Jordan Pittsburg and Her People.
  2. [S510] DAR Annie[ITAL].

Simon Ruffner

M, #435, b. 3 September 1799

Father*Simon Ruffner b. c 1743, d. 19 Dec 1819
Mother*Catherine Alice Griffin d. 12 Feb 1819
Simon Ruffner|b. 3 Sep 1799|p109.htm#i435|Simon Ruffner|b. c 1743\nd. 19 Dec 1819|p109.htm#i60|Catherine Alice Griffin|d. 12 Feb 1819|p65.htm#i61|Simon Ruffner Sr.|d. Apr 1778|p109.htm#i441|Mary B. Schlitz|b. 1706\nd. 8 Sep 1803|p112.htm#i442|Donald P. Griffin||p65.htm#i3866||||

ChartsSIMON RUFFNER
WOODROUGH KIDLET ANCESTORS
Relationship4th great-granduncle of Stephens Blakely Woodrough Jr.
Relationship4th great-granduncle of Page Annette Woodrough.

Birth*3 September 1799 Simon Ruffner was born on 3 September 1799. 
 He was the son of Simon Ruffner and Catherine Alice Griffin. 
MARRIAGE*1823 He married Jane Layton in 1823.1 

Family

Jane Layton d. 1873

Last Edited25 Jan 2005

Citations

  1. [S24] Jane S. Sweinberger,, Ruffners of Pennsylvania.

Simon Ruffner1

M, #3579, b. 3 October 1801

Father*George Adam Ruffner1 b. 27 Apr 1776
Mother*Sybilla Easly1
Simon Ruffner|b. 3 Oct 1801|p109.htm#i3579|George Adam Ruffner|b. 27 Apr 1776|p108.htm#i429|Sybilla Easly||p49.htm#i430|Simon Ruffner|b. c 1743\nd. 19 Dec 1819|p109.htm#i60|Catherine A. Griffin|d. 12 Feb 1819|p65.htm#i61|||||||

ChartsSIMON RUFFNER
Relationship1st cousin 5 times removed of Stephens Blakely Woodrough Jr.
Relationship1st cousin 5 times removed of Page Annette Woodrough.

Birth*3 October 1801 Simon Ruffner was born on 3 October 1801 at Greensburg, PA.1 
 He was the son of George Adam Ruffner and Sybilla Easly.1 
Baptism1 November 1801 He was baptized on 1 November 1801 at Greensburg, PA.1 

Last Edited26 Feb 2003

Citations

  1. [S509] Helbron Register.

Simon Ruffner Sr.1

M, #441, d. April 1778

ChartsSIMON RUFFNER
WOODROUGH KIDLET ANCESTORS
Relationship6th great-grandfather of Stephens Blakely Woodrough Jr.
Relationship6th great-grandfather of Page Annette Woodrough.
Reference1250

Birth* Simon Ruffner Sr. was born. 
MARRIAGE* He married Mary Barbara Schlitz Mary Barbara Schlitz/Schlutz
.commentAuthor
Added by prufner33751 on 6 Oct 2007 Recently an obit was found in German newspaper in the Archives in Allentown, PA. This information shows that Mary Barbara Schlitz/Schultz was born in Germany. She was the second wife of Simon Rufner(Ruffner, Rufener eet cetera)She came with him from Germany and it is thought that George Adam was born on the ship over or after it docked in the Philadelphia Harbor. She went to Westmoreland Co. PA with her son Simon after her husband died. She is buried in the Catholic Cemetery there.
(The above comment was posted on Ancestry.com in response to a posted genealogy). 
Death*April 1778 He died in April 1778 Month found on Ruffner website. 
Biography*  Update May 2011. After a recent e-mail exchange with Ruffner family and a bit of independant research I've decided that the Ruffner Cave story is probably a myth. A Peter Ruffner married Mary Steinman in 1739 in eastern Pennsylvania. Her father was wealthy and gave the Shanendoah Valley property to the couple as a wedding gift. This was long before the Ruffners from Mainz Germany arrived. Perhaps the earlier Peter was the ancestor from Switzerland. Also, the statement that our ancestor was the first of the family to be Catholic does not square with the obvious association with Gallitzin and also with Arch Abbot Wimmer and Aloysius Blakely. There is much information on line if someone wants to research. I do believe that Laurie Blakely's account below was an amalgum of stories all true but not all related. MVW


Family tradition (1980's say that this man's family came from Mainz Germany. It also says that this man was the first of the family to be Catholic.)
In 1998 proof of this family tradition was found. " Simon Ruffner came from Mayence, Germany, and was doubtless the Pennsylvania ancestor of the family. He had four sons: Simon, George, Christian and Philip."
Here is Laurie J. Blakely's account of the family.

(Newspaper article)          SOME EARLY CATHOLIC HISTORY
     An article in the January Angelus Magazine relating to the early Catholic settlement at Loretto, western Pennsylvania, founded and fostered by Father Gallitzin, a Russian nobleman, elicits the following correction from the descendant of another old Catholic family. Our correspondent says that his account slightly differs from that of Rev. A. A. Lambing, the historian; but the latter, since writing his history, has had cause to "modify his view as to the early traditions of the family." and gives our correspondent's statement precedence over his own. Simon Ruffner, the ancestor of these Catholic families, was baptized in the old church at Goshenhoppen, VA, near the Luray Caverns, in 1744.
     COVINGTON, KY., January 27, 1807.(I think this is a typo and should be 1807 - mvw)     Editor Catholic Columbian: I have just finished reading an interesting sketch of Father Gallitzin in the January Angelus Magazine, by Ida M. Matson, and address you not to criticize it, but to correct the statement made by the writer that the chapel at Loretto, built in 1799 by the Prince-Priest, was "the first, and for many years the only sanctuary of the faith between Lancaster, PA., and St. Louis, Missouri."
     In the early part of the year 1787 my great-grandfather, Simon Ruffner, with his brothers Christian and George, the family originally being from Maryland and the Valley of Virginia, crossed the mountains and settled in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, near the site of the Arch-Abbey of St. Vincent, or between that point and Greensburg.
     In the spring of 1789, ten years before the advent of Prince Gallitzin to Loretto,, the three Ruffners, with Patrick Archbold and John Probst, purchased one acre and ten roods of ground near Greensburg and dedicated it to church purposes, the title being transferred to Father, afterwards Archbishop Carroll. This was, I believe, the first property owned by the Church west of the Alleghenies and within the then limits of the United States. In the same year the settlers built a church, but it was never wholly completed: and as to whether the Divine Sacrifice was ever offered in it, or not, tradition varies. Certain it is, the place was visited by Fathers from Conewago and Goshenhoppen, my ancestors before crossing the mountains having received the promise that priests would visit them; and it is equally certain that for six months in the year 1789 the Holy Sacrifice was offered up in the house of my great-grandfather, the priest in the iterim visiting the scatterred settlers in the mountains.
     Within a comparatively short time a Church was built and finished, and its sentenary was observed in the Church of The Sacred Heart at Greensburg in 1879, three great-grandsons of Simon Ruffner officiating, Rev. A. A. Lambing, LL. D. the historian; his brother Rev. M. A. Lambing, and a third whose name I do not now recall. My brother, Rev. Aloysius M. Blakely, C. P. now a missionary in Bulgaria was to have delivered the sermon but was unavailably detained elsewhere.
     This church, therefore, was built before Father Carroll was consecrated Bishop, before Bishop Fiaget visited Kentucky and, in fact, is entitled to precedence, by reason of seniority, to all churches west of the Alleghenies.
     With the other incidents mentioned by the writer of the sketch of Father Gallitzin I am very familiar. Many of my kinspeople followed Father Gallitzin from Maryland to the mountains. I myself spent two years at the college at Loretto, and many a time, with good and humble Brother Clement, our prefect of studies, I have sat and kneeled-- that was in youthful days-at the base of "Gallitzine's pine".
L.J.B.
RUFFNER MADONNA
Psgr List*2 September 1743 He was found on a passenger list on 2 September 1743 at Loyal Judith; Rotterdam; Several sources show this event. His age on printed list shows 56. However, it is likely he was 36. He came as a Palatine. Record exists of his loyalty oath. Record states " he arrived at the 7th hour of September 2 1743 aboard the Loyal Judith, Captain James Cowey, Master" The ship sailed from Rotterdam and was "last from Cowes, England."2 
Residence*circa 1745 He lived circa 1745 at VA; He settled in the valley of the Virginia and was a noted hunter and pioneer character. Ruffner's Cave, in the beautiful Shenandoah valley, was named for him, as he was lost in the cave at one time and was rescued in a half-starved condition.1 
Residencecirca 1745 He lived circa 1745 at Goshenhoppen, PA.3 

Family

Mary Barbara Schlitz b. 1706, d. 8 September 1803
MARRIAGE* He married Mary Barbara Schlitz Mary Barbara Schlitz/Schlutz
.commentAuthor
Added by prufner33751 on 6 Oct 2007 Recently an obit was found in German newspaper in the Archives in Allentown, PA. This information shows that Mary Barbara Schlitz/Schultz was born in Germany. She was the second wife of Simon Rufner(Ruffner, Rufener eet cetera)She came with him from Germany and it is thought that George Adam was born on the ship over or after it docked in the Philadelphia Harbor. She went to Westmoreland Co. PA with her son Simon after her husband died. She is buried in the Catholic Cemetery there.
(The above comment was posted on Ancestry.com in response to a posted genealogy). 
Children

Last Edited30 May 2011

Citations

  1. [S34] John W. Jordan Pittsburg and Her People.
  2. [S26] William John Hinke Pennsylvania German Pioneers.
  3. [S24] Jane S. Sweinberger,, Ruffners of Pennsylvania.

Sallie Rule

F, #571

Married Name Her married name was Thompson. 

Family
Children

Last Edited3 May 1999

Anna Barbara Runftin

F, #2758

ChartsHerman Charles Vollmer
WOODROUGH KIDLET ANCESTORS
Relationship4th great-grandmother of Stephens Blakely Woodrough Jr.
Relationship4th great-grandmother of Page Annette Woodrough.
ReferenceB-35

MARRIAGE*say 1819 Anna Barbara Runftin married George Christian Schneider say 1819. 
Married Namesay 1819  As of say 1819,her married name was Schneider. 

Family

George Christian Schneider
Child

Last Edited17 Aug 1994

Ralph Edward Runkle

M, #306

MARRIAGE*16 October 1829 Ralph Edward Runkle married Hannah Isabel Piatt, daughter of Benjamin McCullough Piatt and Elizabeth Barnett, on 16 October 1829. 

Family

Hannah Isabel Piatt b. 7 October 1804, d. 13 May 1839

Last Edited3 May 1999

Matilda Runnels

F, #1164, b. 1807

ChartsWOODROUGH KIDLET ANCESTORS
Relationship4th great-grandmother of Stephens Blakely Woodrough Jr.
Relationship4th great-grandmother of Page Annette Woodrough.
ReferenceB-55

Birth*1807 Matilda Runnels was born in 1807. 
MARRIAGE*13 January 1825 She married Tommy King, son of John King and Priscilla Williams, on 13 January 1825 This information and information on his parents provided by Doris Dixon of Cochran, GA.1,2 
Married Name13 January 1825  As of 13 January 1825,her married name was King. 

Family

Tommy King b. 1801
Child

Last Edited7 Sep 2001

Citations

  1. [S333] Unknown subject MVW file.
  2. [S23] Doris Floyd Dixon, "Pedigree Chart."

Maria De La Ascension Russel Malpica1

F, #5203, b. circa 1854

Birth*circa 1854 Maria De La Ascension Russel Malpica was born circa 1854.1 
MARRIAGE*31 January 1874 She married Miguel Gaston Gaston, son of Maria Josefa Gaston Ansiategui, on 31 January 1874 at Havana, Cuba.1 

Family

Miguel Gaston Gaston b. 10 July 1846, d. 5 August 1888
Children

Last Edited12 Feb 2009

Citations

  1. [S522] International Genealogical Index (IGI).

Aileen Elizabeth Ryan1

F, #3607, b. 24 June 1940

Father*Joseph Blakely Ryan1 b. 6 Feb 1909, d. 13 Jan 1990
Mother*Alice G. Stapleton1 b. 23 Apr 1914, d. 29 Sep 1969
Aileen Elizabeth Ryan|b. 24 Jun 1940|p109.htm#i3607|Joseph Blakely Ryan|b. 6 Feb 1909\nd. 13 Jan 1990|p110.htm#i3602|Alice G. Stapleton|b. 23 Apr 1914\nd. 29 Sep 1969|p117.htm#i3606|James C. Ryan|b. 11 Jul 1859\nd. 11 Oct 1936|p110.htm#i3236|Mary E. Shilling|b. 29 Feb 1880\nd. 23 Aug 1956|p113.htm#i3596|||||||

ChartsSIMON RUFFNER
BLAKELY
Relationship3rd cousin 1 time removed of Stephens Blakely Woodrough Jr.
Relationship3rd cousin 1 time removed of Page Annette Woodrough.

MARRIAGE* Aileen Elizabeth Ryan married Charles Reinstatler.1 
Birth*24 June 1940 She was born on 24 June 1940.1 
 She was the daughter of Joseph Blakely Ryan and Alice G. Stapleton.1 
Married Name Her married name was Reinstatler.1 

Family

Charles Reinstatler b. 13 February 1939

Last Edited8 Sep 2003

Citations

  1. [S496] Kay Ryan, "Kay Ryan to LWG," e-mail to Laura Woodrough Glass, 2000.

Anna Agnes Ryan1,2

F, #3240, b. 21 July 1861, d. 31 October 1866

Father*John Becan Ryan2 b. 1826, d. 19 Jan 1871
Mother*Mary Louise Blakely2 b. 12 Dec 1832, d. 21 Feb 1908
Anna Agnes Ryan|b. 21 Jul 1861\nd. 31 Oct 1866|p109.htm#i3240|John Becan Ryan|b. 1826\nd. 19 Jan 1871|p110.htm#i275|Mary Louise Blakely|b. 12 Dec 1832\nd. 21 Feb 1908|p25.htm#i54|Cornelius Ryan||p110.htm#i3105||||James B. Blakely|b. 15 Jun 1804\nd. 19 Jun 1882|p24.htm#i50|Susananna Smyth|b. 15 Sep 1804\nd. 12 Nov 1885|p115.htm#i51|

ChartsSIMON RUFFNER
BLAKELY
Relationship1st cousin 3 times removed of Stephens Blakely Woodrough Jr.
Relationship1st cousin 3 times removed of Page Annette Woodrough.

Birth*21 July 1861 Anna Agnes Ryan was born on 21 July 1861.2 
 She was the daughter of John Becan Ryan and Mary Louise Blakely.2 
Death*31 October 1866 She died on 31 October 1866 at age 5 She died of Cholera on the same day as her younger sister, Susan. Both were buried the same day as well.3 
Burial*1 November 1866 She was buried on 1 November 1866. 

Last Edited27 Sep 2003

Citations

  1. She is twin of Beatrice.
  2. [S496] Kay Ryan, "Kay Ryan to LWG," e-mail to Laura Woodrough Glass, 2000.
  3. [S56] 1880 Census;.

Beatrice Grace Ryan1

F, #3239, b. circa 1869, d. 28 September 1887

 
BEATRICE GRACE BLAKELY

Father*John Becan Ryan1 b. 1826, d. 19 Jan 1871
Mother*Mary Louise Blakely1 b. 12 Dec 1832, d. 21 Feb 1908
Beatrice Grace Ryan|b. c 1869\nd. 28 Sep 1887|p109.htm#i3239|John Becan Ryan|b. 1826\nd. 19 Jan 1871|p110.htm#i275|Mary Louise Blakely|b. 12 Dec 1832\nd. 21 Feb 1908|p25.htm#i54|Cornelius Ryan||p110.htm#i3105||||James B. Blakely|b. 15 Jun 1804\nd. 19 Jun 1882|p24.htm#i50|Susananna Smyth|b. 15 Sep 1804\nd. 12 Nov 1885|p115.htm#i51|

ChartsSIMON RUFFNER
BLAKELY
Relationship1st cousin 3 times removed of Stephens Blakely Woodrough Jr.
Relationship1st cousin 3 times removed of Page Annette Woodrough.

Birth*circa 1869 Beatrice Grace Ryan was born circa 1869.1 
 She was the daughter of John Becan Ryan and Mary Louise Blakely.1 
Death*28 September 1887 She died on 28 September 1887 at Cincinnati, Hamilton County, OH.1 
CENSUS1880*1880 She appeared on the Census in 1880 at Cincinnati, OH.2 

Last Edited19 Sep 2005

Citations

  1. [S496] Kay Ryan, "Kay Ryan to LWG," e-mail to Laura Woodrough Glass, 2000.
  2. [S56] 1880 Census;, She is shown living with her widowed mother T9-1025 p. 9A.
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