Helena in Karnes County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Home of John Ruckman
Photographed by Dave W, March 8, 2026
1. Home of John Ruckman Marker
Ruckman (Nov. 9, 1835 - Jan. 8, 1913), born in Northumberland County, Pa., came to Texas in 1856 to join his older brother Thomas, co-founder of Helena. Landing at Indianola on his 21st birthday, he came here to spend lifetime as farmer, rancher, postmaster, merchant, pioneer banker, leader in Presbyterian church. In Civil War, 1862-65, he was a lieutenant in Confederate Army. Married Lizzie Dickson, 1867. Children were John, Robert, Mary, Thomas, Follmer, Hester, Hugh and Margaret. In 1878 he built this house of Florida cypress. He is buried in Helena Cemetery.
Erected 1970 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 2539.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Immigration • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is November 9, 1835.
Location. 28° 56.864′ N, 97° 49.256′ W. Marker is in Helena, Texas, in Karnes County. It is on County Road 300 0.1 miles south of County Road 302, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 526 County Rd 300, Karnes City TX 78118, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South Texas. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Old Helena Courthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); Helena Union Church
this page online
Also see . . . National Register Nomination Form.
Built in 1878, the John Ruckman house is a detached 2 1/2 story dwelling exemplifying a provincial interpretation of the Greek Revival style. With the public entrance oriented to the north, the house is massed in a 2 1/2 story ell shape connected to a single story kitchen unit extending south.(Submitted on March 9, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado.)
Photographed by Dave W, March 8, 2026
2. Home of John Ruckman Marker
Photographed by Dave W, March 8, 2026
3. Home of John Ruckman Marker
San Antonio Conservation Society Award Medallion affixed to house.
Photographed by Dave W, March 8, 2026
4. Home of John Ruckman Marker
National Register plaque affixed to house. 1979
Credits. This page was last revised on March 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 9, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 9, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
