Lewis Ruffner

1797–1883 (age 86)

Industrialist, Businessman

Biography

Lewis Ruffner rose from humble beginnings to become a prominent industrialist whose business acumen helped shape the coal and salt industries of West Virginia. He invested in infrastructure and people alike, believing that opportunity for workers and innovation could bring lasting prosperity to the region.

His later years were marked by reflection on the communities he had helped develop and the employees who had become like family. He was laid to rest in Malden, where his industriousness left a legacy of economic growth and civic flourishing.