Thomas Hart Ruffin facts for kids
Thomas Hart Ruffin (born September 9, 1820 – died October 17, 1863) was an important figure from North Carolina. He served as a representative in the U.S. government and later as a colonel in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. His life shows a time of big changes in American history.
Contents
Who Was Thomas Hart Ruffin?
Thomas Hart Ruffin was born in Louisburg, North Carolina, on September 9, 1820. He grew up in North Carolina and later became a lawyer and a politician. His career spanned a period of great tension in the United States, leading up to the Civil War.
Early Life and Education
Thomas Ruffin went to regular schools when he was young. He then studied law at the University of North Carolina Law School. He finished his studies in 1841. After becoming a lawyer, he started his own law practice. For a few years, from 1844 to 1848, he worked as a circuit attorney in Missouri.
A Career in Politics
Thomas Ruffin was a member of the Democratic Party. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives four times. He served in Congress from March 4, 1853, until March 3, 1861. This was a very important time in American history, just before the Civil War. In July 1861, he also became a delegate to the Confederate Provisional Congress in Richmond, Virginia.
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Thomas Ruffin joined the Confederate States Army. He became a colonel and led the 1st North Carolina Cavalry Regiment. This shows his dedication to the Confederate cause during the war. He was actively involved in battles.
His Final Days
Colonel Thomas Ruffin was seriously wounded during a battle. This happened on October 14, 1863, near Auburn, Virginia. He died a few days later, on October 17, 1863, at Grace Church Hospital in Alexandria, Virginia. He was buried in a private cemetery. This cemetery is located on his family's land near Louisburg, North Carolina.
