Longwood College - Virginian Yearbook (Farmville, VA)

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This lie did, and so acceptable was it, it was finally made a law of the Conimon- wealth. The system which he had inaugurated was his to cherish. To this end he wrote, traveled, lectured, visited schools, held meetings, and organized teachers ' institutes until 1882, when ;i change of politics in the administration forced him to retire, leaving the inihlic school system thoroughly established in the confidence of the people. It was from this retirement and with this vast experience behind him that he was called in 1884 to become the Head of the State Female Xormal School. He was also helpful in fimnding the Agricul- tural and Mechanical College, and ililler School, and wa at (aie time a member of the Board of Hampton Institute (colored). Dr. Ruft ' ner came to his work as educational reformer tlinrDUghly equipped. He was reared in a hnme uf culture. His father. Dr. Ilenrv Ruffner, a distinguished Presliyterian preacher, was for many years President of Washington College, now Washington and Lee Fniversity. From this Insti- tution the son, Dr. Wm. H. Ruffner, received the degree of M. A. in 1845. Special conrses in Psychology and Political Economy proved affei ' wards of great value to him in his work for State education. He studied ' l ' h; ' ology at Union Theological Seminary and at Princeton, Xew Jersey. He was at (Jiie time Chaplain of the Fniversity of ' irginia and later became jiastor of the Seventh Presbyterian Church, Phihidelidiia. In 1853, on account (jf lu-oken health, he withdrew from the ministry and resorted to farm life in tlic liopi- of regaining strength. He was a devoted student of science. During his physical breakdown he became much interested in geological and agricnltural ]»ursuits. He wrote much on educational and agricultural subjects, and was at one time editor of the Virginia School Jounuil and of the Ar» ' Emjliuid Jaunial of luJiic iliiui. As geologist, writer or ]ireai ' her. Dr. Ruffnei- might have made a name for himself; but for once, at least, the work fotiiid the man and the man the work for which he was i)rer-iiiinenlly suited. Dr. Ruffner (lid for N ' irginia what Horace Mann, thirty-lhree years before, had done for the State of ilassa- chnsetts. A pioneer in the cause of i)o]iular education, he is justly ranked as one of her most useful citizens. He lived to a good old age and lied Xovember 24, 10(18, beloved and honored by all. He needs no eulogies. Ilis name is indissolubly linked with the State J ormal School and the jmblic school system of Virginia. With two such s jlendid monnments, the name of William Henry Ruffner cannot die.