Peter Ruch, son of Lorenz, was born Feb. 28, 1779. He became the owner of his father's land and kept a hotel for many years at Ruchsville. He became widely known m the community and in the War of 1812-14 raised a company of cavalry in North and South Whitehall, of which he became captain. On Aug. 1 1814, he was commissioned by Gov. Simon Snyder, captain of the troop of dragoons in the Second Brigade of the Seventh Division. He was a leading spirit in militia organizations, and rose in rank to brigadier general, which he was commissioned by Governor Heister on Aug. 3,1821, and again by Governor Shulze on Aug. 3, 1828. He died Nov. 19, 1838. General Ruth married, March 13, 1801, Susanna, daughter of Philip Jacob Schreiber, and had seven children.