This website is dedicated to delving into the rich tapestry of our family's past, going beyond mere names and places and exploring the lives and stories of the people who came before us. Throughout generations, a wealth of knowledge and experiences has been passed down, some of it well-known and some of it shrouded in mystery. I aim not only to continue the research but also to honor the individuals who have played a significant role in shaping my identity.
Samuel and Nancy Ruggles were part of the Pioneer Company of missionaries to Hawai‘i, he was a teacher. On May 3, 1820, Ruggles and Samuel Whitney brought Humehume, son of the king, home to Kauai. Later, they moved to Kauai and set up a mission station there. The following is from the journal of Samuel and Nancy Ruggles. June 15th. – I must commence writing in my Jour, with an apology for past neglect though I am persuaded that my dear mother would think I had an ample excuse if but one half were told here. In addition to our own personal concerns after so long a voyage, we have been employed a considerable part of the time in making garments for the chiefs and nobility and in teaching them to read. Besides we have a little flock of children which we instruct daily. We met with a very favorable reception at this Island found the chiefs and people friendly and desirous to receive instruction. We found several American people residents here, who have been of very material service to us. Every day we receive some testimonies of their kindness. A black man who has been on the Island several years, and collected some property has been our constant friend. I believe scarcely a day has passed over our heads but what he has sent us something, either milk or provisions of some kind. — N. W. R
After the Revolution, old soldiers would meet at Circuit Courts, general musters and other public gatherings. On these occasions incidents of their soldier lives were rehearsed. Tradition says that at these reunions of former soldier comrades, Andrew Friend was wont to tell an incident of the Battle of Point Pleasant. During this battle some of the soldiers resorted to a hollow log for shelter. Andrew Skidmore and Andrew Friend and others had taken refuge in the log and it was becoming crowded. As Andrew Skidmore pointed to another log near by as a possible place of retreat, an Indian shot off his finger. Later in life, Andrew was appointed Justice of the Peace appointed is now Randolph County West Virginia (then Virginia) by Governor James Barbour. He, and his family were influential in the area and lived there for several more generations. It is interesting to note that They would often conduct business just across the Ohio River in what was then the Ohio Territory, and after 1803, the State of Ohio.
