Henry Ruttan was definitely a prominent nation builder — a soldier, a statesman, an entrepreneur and an inventor.

Henry’s father, William Ruttan, was a lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion Jersey Volunteers during the American Revolution and was severely wounded during his service.   He and his brother, Captain Peter Ruttan, were among the 1784 settlers who went to Adolphustown Township following that war.

When the United States decided to invade Canada, Henry readily joined the militia to defend his new country.  On the 1813 May/June muster roll of Captain Henry Davey’s Incorporated Militia, Henry’s name appears under the rank of lieutenant.

During the Battle of Lundy’s Lane, 25 July 1814, he was severely wounded.  In Episode 5 of “Canada, A People’s History” on CBC television the account of his injury was related.

“I had but just taken  my place in line, when I was shot through the right shoulder.  I scarcely felt the shot, but was conscious that something unusual was the matter, as I was involuntarily brought upon both feet — we were all on one knee — and turned right around.”

Fortunately Lieutenant Ruttan received quick medical attention, was sent by bateaux to Kingston to recover, and healed well enough to return to active service, rejoining his regiment at York in late December.

In March 1815, as the son of a United Empire Loyalist, Henry received his land grant in Haldimand Township, Northumberland County and in 1825 received his grant of land as a veteran of the War of 1812, this also being in the aforementioned location.

In 1816 Henry married Mary Jones and they had nine children:

• William Ruttan, born about 1818
• Henry Jones Ruttan, born 1819
• Charles Ruttan, born 1820
• Richard Ruttan, born 1823
• Mary Ruttan, born 1826
• Margaret Ruttan, born 1826
• Elizabeth Ruttan, born 1830
• Amelia Ruttan, born 1832
• William Elias Ruttan, born 1843

After his marriage, Henry continued to serve his country in both a military and civil capacity:

• 1816 – Captain, 1st Regiment Northumberland Militia
• 1820-1824 – elected to House of Assembly as representative for Northumberland
• 1827-1867 – Sheriff of Newcastle District which later became united counties of Northumberland Durham
• 1836-1840 – re-elected to House of Assembly
• 1837 – Colonel of 3rd Northumberland Regiment
• 1837-1838 – Speaker of House of Assembly for Upper Canada
• 1860-1862 – Colonel of 9th Military District Upper Canada

As an inventor, Henry designed air heaters and ventilating equipment for fireplaces and wood stoves.  As well, he designed heating and ventilation systems for railway coaches.

He also collaborated with Sir Sandford Fleming in the design of some of Canada’s earliest postage stamps.

In 1860 he was thrown from a carriage and suffered severe injuries.  He later developed apoplexy, which gradually undermined his health, and he died in his 80th year.  Colonel Henry Ruttan’s obituary in the Cobourg Star stated that he had…

“… left a name of which his children and relatives may be justly proud.”

He is buried in plot 1454, St. Peter’s Anglican Cemetery, Cobourg ON.

It is of interest to note that his grandson, Brigadier-General Henry N. Ruttan (1848-1925) , joined the Cobourg Rifles at the age of 16.  He was a veteran of the Fenian Raids and joined the 90th Winnipeg Rifles in 1882 and served during the Northwest Rebellion.  In 1895 he was placed in command of the 90th Winnipeg Rifles.  Brigadier-General Henry N. Ruttan was appointed Officer Commanding M.D. No. 10 in 1915 and retired in 1918 from active service with full rank.