Henry Ruffner
Henry Ruffner | |
|---|---|
| President of Washington College (now Washington and Lee University) | |
| In office 1837–1848 | |
| Preceded by | Henry Vethake |
| Succeeded by | George Junkin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 16, 1790 Page County, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | December 17, 1861 (aged 71) Malden, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Children | William Henry Ruffner |
| Alma mater | Washington College |
| Profession | educator, minister |
Henry Ruffner (January 16, 1790 – December 17, 1861), was an educator and Presbyterian minister, who served as president of Washington College (now Washington and Lee University). Although a slaveholder (and whose family had long owned slaves), Ruffner became known for criticizing slavery as an impediment to Virginia's economic development in the years preceding the American Civil War. His controversial views contributed to his resignation from the college presidency and his retirement to his farm.