Rufus M. Yale

Rufus Mitchell Yale (1822 – 1899) was a prominent Boston businessman and military officer.

Early life

Rufus M. Yale was born January 17, 1822, the son of Jane Stubbs and David Yale of Norwich, Connecticut, great-grandson of Capt. Theophilus Yale, members of the Yale family. His granduncles were Theophilus Yale of New Brunswick, Canada, father of fur trader James Murray Yale of the Hudson's Bay Company, and Capt. Elihu Yale of Connecticut.

In 1852, he put up the first Italian awnings in Boston, sold to commission merchant James W. Page, who was a trustee of the Thomas–Webster Estate, and friend of Secretary of State Daniel Webster. Yale became the leading Boston merchant in sail, awning and tent making in New England. He was also a pioneer in the development of the city of Malden, Massachusetts from a small town to a thriving city. He had as customer James Bruce, 8th Earl of Elgin, Governor General of Canada, later Viceroy of India under Queen Victoria, and was in charge of erecting the largest tent in Quebec at the time for the Governor's event.

At the beginning of the American Civil War, Sgt. Rufus Yale entertained Capt. Edwin C. Bailey, leader of the parade and owner of the Boston Herald, and the patriots of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts at his offices. A delegation of the Artillery Company under Capt. Folsem and the Freemasons of Boston were sent at his funerals.