Bucks County PA Archives Biographies.....Ruckman, James
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joe Patterson, Patricia Bastik & Susan Walters Dec 2009

Source: History of Bucks County, Pennsylvania; edited by 
J.H. Battle; A. Warner & Co.; 1887
Doylestown M-Z


JAMES RUCKMAN retired, P.O. Doylestown, was born in Solebury 
township, January 22, 1808.  His parents were John and 
Rebecca (Horner) Ruckman, and of English descent.  His 
great-grandfather settled on Long Island.  The first of the 
Ruckman family to settle in Bucks county was his 
grandfather, James, in the early part of 1700.  He settled 
in what is now Plumstead township, where he followed 
farming.  Our subject's father was born in 1777, and was a 
farmer and merchant, and took a great interest in politics.  
He was associate judge, county commissioner, county 
treasurer, county surveyor, and held a number of other 
offices with credit to himself and satisfaction to the 
people.  He died in 1863.  He was the father of ten 
children, eight of whom still live:  James, Sarah, wife of 
George G. Maris; Rebecca, John H., Charlotte, Amanda, widow 
of J. Gillingham Fell; Thomas and Matilda.  William D. and 
Mary are deceased.  Our subject was reared on a farm and in 
a store until 1842, when he came to Doylestown and was 
married.  He remained here about three years, being in the 
office of the deputy prothonotary.  He then moved to New 
Hope and began shipping timber.  He also engaged in the 
mercantile business.  In the fall of 1857 he came back to 
Doylestown and has since resided there.  He was elected 
recorder of deeds, which office he held one term.  He has 
been deputy recorder and deputy register, and still holds 
the key, though too old to do any work.  Mr. Ruckman well 
remembers the war of 1812.  He was married in May, 1846, to 
Louisa Cole, by whom he had eight children, two of whom are 
living:  Emma C., wife of Henry C. Brown; and James R., Jr.  
The others died in infancy.  His wife died in 1885.  Mr. 
Ruckman is an old and prominent citizen of Bucks county, 
where he has made a host of friends.