Barbara Heck

BARBARA, (Heck), Born 1734 at Ballingrane in the Republic of Ireland. She was the daughter of Bastian (Sebastian) Ruckle and Margery Embury. Bastian Ruckle, father of Margaret Embury and Bastian Ruckle was born in Ballingrane in 1734. She got married Paul Heck 1760 in Ireland. They had 7 children who survived to the age of 4.

Normaly, the person being investigated was either an active part of a major event or made a unique declaration or suggestion that was documented. Barbara Heck, on the contrary, did not leave writings or statements. The evidence of such items as her date of marriage, is only secondary. It's difficult to discern the motivations behind Barbara Heck and her behavior throughout her life from primary sources. But she is a heroic figure in early North American Methodism theology. The biographer has to define the mythology, define the story and identify the individual whom is honored within.

Abel Stevens, a Methodist historian, wrote this article in 1866. Barbara Heck is now unquestionably one of the pioneer women in the history of New World ecclesiastical women, because of the advancements achieved by Methodism. Her accomplishments is primarily due to the creation of her most important name, derived from the story of the major cause with which her memory remains forever etched from the history of her lives. Barbara Heck, who was without intention a part of the founding of Methodism both in America and Canada She is one of those women whose fame stems from the tendency of a successful institution or movement to exalt the roots of its founding to enhance its sense of permanence and continuity.