Barbara Heck

RUCKLE, BARBARA (Heck) b. 1734 Ballingrane (Republic of Ireland) She was the daughter of Bastian (Sebastian) Ruckle and Margaret Embury m. 1760 Paul Heck in Ireland and they had seven children, of which four lived to adulthood and died. 17 Aug. 1804 in Augusta Township Upper Canada.

A biography typically includes a subject who was a prominent participant of significant events, or made unique statements or comments that were recorded. Barbara Heck left neither letters nor statement. The most evidence available concerning the time of Barbara Heck's marriage comes from secondary sources. There is no primary source that can be utilized to determine Barbara Heck's motives or behavior throughout her life. She is still a very significant figure at the start of Methodism. In this instance the biographer's task is to define and account for the myth and if possible to describe the person who is enshrined within the myth.

Abel Stevens, Methodist historian in 1866. Barbara Heck's name now ranks first on the list of women who have made a significant contribution to the ecclesiastical world throughout New World history. This was due to the growth of Methodism in the United States. The magnitude of her record must chiefly consist of the creation of her most precious name made from the past of the famous cause with which her memory will be forever linked more in the story of her lives. Barbara Heck had a fortuitous part in establishing Methodism in the United States of America and Canada. Her reputation stems from the fundamental tendency that any highly successful group or institution has to exaggerate the roots of its movements in order to strengthen the sense of history.