Edmund Ruffin

Edmund Ruffin (1794–1865) was an American agricultural reformer known as the father of soil science for pioneering methods like crop rotation and marl application to restore depleted Virginia soils. A fervent secessionist and slavery advocate, he promoted Southern independence, was present at South Carolina's secession, and claimed to fire one of the first shots at Fort Sumter in 1861.

Prince George County, Virginia, USA Jan 5, 1794
Agriculture Politics Secessionism