Henry J. Ruffin was born in Talbot Co, April 13, 1845, the son of James J. and Sarah Averett Ruffin. He became the eldest son when his older brother was killed by a falling tree as a young boy of only 7.
The family lived in Taylor County from around 1860.
He enlisted in the Confederate Army at the age of 17, June 10, 1862 at Columbus, GA. We think that he did this because he was under age and probably joined up against his parent's wishes. By going out of his home county, he would not be recognized. We're trying to put together Muster Rolls to determine if any of his friends also went with him. These men joined Hilliard's Alabama Legion in Montgomery, AL, and this eventually became the 60th AL Regiment. At the cease fire, his regiment was in a skirmish outside Appomattox Court House at the time of the Lee's surrender. (Be sure to visit the Hilliard's Legion site and trace the history of the Legion, its battles; the re-organization into the 60th AL Regiment, as well as the Muster Rolls)
Returning home to Taylor Co, he engaged in farming and three years later married Winnie Virginia JINKS, the daughter of early residents of Taylor Co. also.
They lived near her family, continuing in cotton farming. Around 1884, when Henry was 39 years old, they decide to take advantage of the land opportunities available in Ellis Co, TX. Several Jinks' families as well as Henry's sister, Sarah Parker, also made this move about the same time, or perhaps together.
There in the new town of Alma, on the newly built railroad, he farmed and later also "engaged in merchandising" as his father before him. Several families (including Jinks and Ruffin siblings) moved about the same time...some settling in nearby Chatfield.
The seven sons and two daughters married and settled down in the county also. Henry and Winnie Virginia raised their granddaughter when their son, "Bud's" wife died, and he moved into their home. This granddaughter was just a two years younger than their own child, Claude. Several years later, another son, G.T., and his wife, also left 5 children who were also taken into their home.
Many of the family are buried in Rice Cemetery which lies between Rice and Alma.
2. ELEM CASROE (Bud)
Born: Dec 12, 1871, Taylor Co GA
Married: LOUELLA CALHOUN
Sept 19,1894 by Rev. Geo S. Clark,ME Church South, Rice
Died: Sept 27, 1930 59) Alma, TX
Burial: Rice Cemetery
Louella born: 23 Dec 1869 died: 10 Nov 1897 Buried: Rice Cemetery
3. GEORGE TOLLIVER
Born: May 31, 1875
Married: July 11, 1897 Navarro Co LULA C. FORT
Died: June 24, 1910, Alma
Burial: Rice Cemetery
4. ALLEN TILLMAN
Born: Sept 4, 1876 Talbot Co, GA
married: Nov 2, 1903,Navarro Co LILLIE MAE(Sister to Willis'
wife)
Died: Nov 10, 1946
Burial: Rice Cemetery
5. WILLIAM HARRISON
Born: May 3, 1879
m.April 22, 1903 LAURA WHITFILL by Rev. J.F. Hughes
Died: Dec 14, 1925 Alma TX
6. SALLY LEE
Born: May 28, 1881
M. Sept 19, 1899 GEORGE W. COLLARD
Died: Feb 16, 1960
Buried: Rice Cemetery
7. WILLIS CLEVELAND
Born: Jan 2, 1884
Married: Feb 4, 1907 WILLIE EMMA BROWN
Died: May 25, 1959
Burial: Rice Cemetery
8. RUPERT AVERY
Born: March 5, 1888
M. Dec 29, 1912 MINNIE BARRON (Grayson Co. Howe)by D.F. Fuller, M.G.
Died: Nov 5, 1964 Sherman
Burial: Sherman,TX
9. JAMES TOLLIE
Born: June 30, 1890
Died: Oct 9, 1891
Burial: Rice Cemetery
10. CLAUDE JINKS
Born: July 3, 1892 Alma,Navarro Co.
m. Sept 20, 1920 IMOGENE GRIMES
Died: Dec 12, 1952
Burial: Rice Cemetery