Home of John Ruckman
Helenabr/Karnes County, Texasbr/28 56.876' N 97 49.243' Wbr/Directions: Start at the intesection of CR-300 and CR-302. Go .15 miles south on CR-300. The house is on the right (west) side of the road. 2539br/ br/Text: Ruckman (Nov. 9, 1835 - Jan. 8, 1913), born in Northumberland County, Pa., came to Texas in 1856 to join his older brother Thomas, co-founder of Helena. Landing at Indianola on his 21st birthday, he came here to spend lifetime as farmer, rancher, postmaster, merchant, pioneer banker, leader in Presbyterian church. In Civil War, 1862-65, he was a lieutenant in Confederate Army. Married Lizzie Dickson, 1867. Children were John, Robert, Mary, Thomas, Follmer, Hester, Hugh and Margaret. In 1878 he built this house of Florida cypress. He is buried in Helena Cemetery.