Evelynton
On a hillside above Herring Creek, overlooking the James River, stands Evelynton, where the Ruffin family of Virginia has lived for four generations. The mansion, constructed of 250 year old brick, is an outstanding example of Georgian Revival architecture, designed in the 1930s by Duncan Lee, who was also responsible for the restoration of Carter's Grove.During the colonial period, Evelynton was part of Westover plantation, owned by the Byrd family, and named for a daughter of William Byrd II. During the Revolutionary War, British and American troops moved frequently throughout the area.
The land passed through several owners before being purchased by Edmund Ruffin, Jr. in 1847. Using his famous father's agriculture methods, he farmed the land extensively and also experiments with his own agricultural ideas.
During the Peninsula Campaign of 1862, Evelynton Heights rang with the sounds of war as Confederate forces led by Generals JEB Stuart and James Longstreet waged fierce if short-lived skirmishes with Federal troops. The house and outbuildings which then occupied the site were plundered and all but destroyed by northern soldiers.
Again in 1864, as the nation's bloodiest war entered its agonizing final months, the opposing forces fought bitterly throughout Evelynton's lands as the Southern soldiers fell back toward Richmond and beyond to final defeat at Appomattox.
Evelynton Plantation is open daily.
Thomas Smith Ruffin
Ruffin, Thomas S. Confederate Cavalry 13th Regiment, Virginia Cavalry (12th Months, 1861-62)This is Thonas Smith Ruffin (22 Jul 1843 - 27 Mar 1873) son of Capt. Edmund Ruffin, Jr. (31 Aug 1814 - 19 Aug 1875) and his first wife, Mary Cooke Smith (1816 - 28 Jul 1857). Thomas married Alice Lorraine on 23 May 1867. They had the following children: Edmund Lorraine Ruffin (b. 06 Sep 1868), Nannie Ruffin, Thomas Champion Ruffin (22 Jun 1871 - 12 Dec 1928), William Wilcox Ruffin (b. 01 Jan 1873). Thomas was a prisoner of war at Point Lookout, MD.
he died at 29 years, 10 months, and 5 days. I am sure that you know he is buried at Beechwood on Coggin’s Point, Prince George County in the Ruffin family cemetery. Also buried there are his father, mother, siblings, and two of his father’s sisters. See above link.
On May 18, 1861 Thomas was seventeen and he enlisted in the Confederate Army although he was listed as age eighteen in the Muster Roll Book. He enlisted in Capt. Edmund Ruffin, Jr. cavalry company known as the "Prince George Cavalry" which was Company “F” 13th Regiment VA Cavalry. Thomas enlisted as a private for a period of one year. His father had mustered in two days earlier on May 16, 1961. The company was called up by the governer in accordance with the state convention of April 17, 1861and was stationed at Fort Powhatan. By Oct 1861 the company consisted of four officers including Capt. Ruffin, four Sgts, four Corporals and 54 privates. Thomas was one of the three youngest in the company and his father was the oldest at 46 years old.
In May 1865 Edmund Ruffin, Jr, his brother, Charles Lorraine (Lorrie) Ruffin and his son, Thomas Smith Ruffin went to Petersburg to the Union Provost Marshal’s office to give their oath of allegiance in order to protect their property from seizure. When Edmund gave his name to the Provost Marshal, an officer asked Edmund if he was the son of ‘Ruffin of Sumter notoriety?’ Edmund simply said ‘I am.’ and no further remarks were made.
Thomas was married at age 23 on 23 May 1867 to Alice Lorraine and they had the following children: Edmund Lorraine Ruffin b. 06 Sep 1868, Nannie Ruffin, Thomas Champion Ruffin b. 22 Jun 1871 d. 12 Dec 1928, and William Wilcox Ruffin b. 01 Jan 1873. Thomas lived less than 3 months after William Wilcox was born.
Researcher on this line: Coleman Ruffin
Records of Ante-Belloum Southern
Plantations. Index of manuscripts, letters, papers of Edmund Ruffin.
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