In 1820, Ruel and Sarah purchased 80 acres of land in Dublin Township, Mercer County, and were among the earliest settlers in the area. Ruel built a keelboat to transport goods on the St. Mary's River from Mercer County to Fort Wayne. He was friends with Anthony Shane, founder of Shanesville, today known as Rockford. He also lived among and traded with the local Indians. Ruel and his family were Methodists, and their home was often used by early traveling preachers for worship.