William Chester Ruth (1882-1971)

Title

William Chester Ruth (1882-1971)

Title

William Chester Ruth (1882-1971)

Date

2006-10-07

County

Lancaster

Type

Roadside

Marker Location

5369 Lincoln Hwy. East, Rt. 30, Gap

Marker Text

African American inventor who opened a blacksmith and machine shop here in 1923. He did metal work and repairs, primarily for Pennsylvania German farmers. Ruth designed and patented many agricultural devices, most notably his 1928 baler feeder. He also applied his talents to designing and building military devices. An esteemed community member, he was spiritual leader at the Church of Christ in Ercildoun, where he lived.

Files

william-chester-ruth.jpg

Citation

“William Chester Ruth (1882-1971),” The Land of Penn and Plenty: Bringing History to the Table, accessed March 28, 2024, https://pafoodways.omeka.net/items/show/13.