Viola Knapp Ruffner was a woman who left home early to support her family, bravely traveling alone to teaching positions in the pre-Civil War north and south. Her quest to uphold her mother's dying wishes leads her through challenges that end in traumas and distort her hopes for contentment and happiness. After the war, she hired a young, emancipated boy, Booker T. Washington, and taught him to read and write. Over time her post-traumatic stress is appeased, societal norms challenged, and a friendship forged that spanned decades. This is her story and the factor she played on this man who became a nineteenth century leader.

• Viola Knapp Ruffner and Booker T. Washington were two individuals whose lives intersected in a remarkable way, leaving a lasting impact on both their personal journeys and the broader struggle for racial equality in the United States.
• Viola Knapp Ruffner (1812-1903)
• Born in Vermont, a state opposed to slavery.
• Worked as a schoolteacher, instilling a strong work ethic and moral compass in her students.
• Married General Lewis Ruffner, a prominent figure in West Virginia.
• Became a mentor and friend to Booker T. Washington after the Civil War.
• Worked as a schoolteacher, instilling a strong work ethic and moral compass in her students.
  
• Became a mentor and friend to Booker T. Washington after the Civil War.

Booker T. Washington (1856-1915) Born into slavery in Virginia.

• Faced immense challenges due to his race and background.
• Found inspiration and support from Viola Ruffner, who encouraged his education and personal growth.
• Became a renowned educational leader and advocate for African American rights, founding Tuskegee University.

Their Connection:

• Washington worked in the Ruffner household after the Civil War, performing various tasks.
• Viola recognized his potential and intellect, providing him with essential guidance and resources.
• She tutored him in reading, writing, and math, fostering his love of learning.
• She instilled in him values of self-reliance, responsibility, and perseverance.

Impact:

• Washington considered Viola one of his closest friends and credited her with playing a pivotal role in his success.
• He carried her lessons throughout his life, emphasizing education and upliftment as key tools for racial advancement.
• Their unlikely friendship serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of human connection and mutual respect.

Legacy:

• Both Ruffner and Washington left behind legacies of dedication to education and social justice.
• Their story continues to inspire individuals working towards a more equitable society.
• The Ruffner and Washington families remain connected, honoring the bond forged between their ancestors.

Sheridan Brown holds advanced degrees in school leadership and is a certified teacher, principal, and educational leader. The arts have always been a central force in her life, since performing in piano recitals, school band, plays, and singing in choirs her whole life. Ms. Brown was born in Tennessee and raised in small towns of southwest Virginia. She practiced her profession in Virginia, Massachusetts, and Florida. Upon retirement, she began volunteering, painting, writing, researching, and traveling with her husband, attorney John Crawford. She has one son, Tony Hume. She is GiGi to Aiden and Lucy. She has returned to the Blue Ridge to live and explore.