Capt. John Rucker

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/118456319/johann-rucker

Capt Johann “John” Rucker

He was the son of Peter Rucker (1661 Ger.-1743 Va.) & Elizabeth Fielding Rucker (1660 Eng.-1752 Va.). He arrived in Virginia Colony in 1702 with his parents and approx. 8 of his siblings.
Shipwrecked, Landowner, vestryman, captain, commissioner.

1700 - "Four ships carrying 700 passengers sailed from Gravesend England, with John and Thomas, Peter's two sons, as leaders of the passengers on one. The vessel wrecked in Jamestown Bay and John floated for three days on a piece of driftwood before being picked up by a passing vessel."
(Source: "History of the Rucker Family,' by Eydith Johns Rucker Whitley 1927)

1700's John patented 5850 acres of land in Ablemarle County, Virginia.

1731 - May 4 John Rucker was appointed Constable from the Rappahannock River to the Parish line, including the South Mountains.
Source: Spotsylvania County Virginia Order Book 1730-38, p. 35)

1734 - June 4 [Feb 6.]John Rucker deeded to his sister Mary, wife of William Offall, 100 acres of land in St. Mark's Parish, witnessed by William Crosthwait.(Source: Spotsylvania County Virginia Deed Book B., p. 496) 1740's Circa John Rucker and John Lightfoot established St. Mark's Episcopal Parish in Orange County, Virginia, near Ruckerville, now in Greene Count. John was an active vestryman in the church.

1740 - May 22 John Rucker was sworn to his military commission of Captain for Orange County.
(Source: Orange County Order Book 1738-41, p. 163)

1741 - November 23 John Rucker was sworn in as Commissioner of the Peace of Orange County, Virginia.(Source: Orange County Virginia Order Book 1741-43, p. 17 December 2014 by PouliotJanice2

They settled in Essex Co., Va. which later became Spotsylvania Co. in 1720. Then in 1734 this portion became Orange Co., Va. He met and married Susanna L. Phillips (1684 Va.-1742 Va.) in 1702. Her parents were William Phillips (1640 Eng.-1725 Va.) & Susannah Williams Phillips (c1658 Eng.-c1726 Va.). John & Susanna Rucker were members of the Saint Mark's Parish Church and were the parents of 12 children. Their children were: Peter, Phoebe, Margaret, Winiford, Mildred, Rueben, Ambrose, John Jr., Isaac, Anthony, Benjamin & Sarah. There is a discrepancy for some of their birth dates. John was a Captain in the Spotsylvania Co./Orange Co. Militia. John & Susanna are believed to be buried in the old St. Mark's Parish Churchyard. It is now called the Little Fork Church which stands in Culpepper Co., Virginia.

Biography

Capt. John Rucker, son of Peter Rucker and Elizabeth, was born 1684 in Essex County, Virginia and died 28 January 1742 in Orange County, Virginia.

1st Lt/Capt in the French and Indian War under the command of General Lafayette. Killed in the war.

John Rucker m. Susannah Phillips, daughter of William Phillips and Susannah Lloyd

[many trees have him married to Susannah Coghill daughter of Frederick and Sarah Coghill. Jean Robinson of the Rucker Family Society presents evidence that she was not his wife]

Children of John and Susannah Rucker:

1. Ephraim 1712 VA
2. Reuben 1714 1785 VA, Orange Co
3. John 1720 1780 VA, Orange Co Eleanor Warren Phillips
4. Margaret 1720 1801 VA, Orange Co
5. Peter 1722 1794 VA, Orange Co
6. Ambrose 1724 14 DEC 1807 VA, Norfolk Mary Clifton Headley, Mary Tinsley
7. Benjamin 1730 1810 VA, Orange Co
8. Winifred 1730 11 JAN 1742 VA, Orange Co
9. Sarah 1731 1834 VA, Orange Co
10. Phoebe 1736 1800 VA, Orange Co
11. Isaac 1737 1798 VA, Orange Co
12. Mildred 1739 1823 VA, Orange Co
13. Anthony 1740 17 FEB 1821 VA, Orange Co

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"Will of John Rucker: In the name of God Amen. I John Rucker of St. Marks Parish in the county of Orange a Planter, being weak in body but of perfect mind and memory and knowing that it is appointed to all men to die once, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following:

Imprimis I do order that all my just debts and funeral charges be paid and satisfied .

Item: I give to my well beloved wife Susannah Rucker four negros by name of Bristol, Tony, Doll and Sue and one third part of my household and furnitrue and stock horses excepted, one horse I give to my wife named Roger. The four mentioned negros to remain my wifes no longer then her widowhood after to be sold and divided as the rest of my Estate hereafter mentioned.

Item. I give to my son Peter Rucker one black horse called Jockey and his choice of my guns.

Item. I give to my son John Rucker one grey Horse called Oglesby and a gun the next choice after his brother.

Item. I give to Thomas Wright Belfield one lot in Fred K urg No.5 to him and his heirs forever.

My desire is that one half of my land on the branches of the James River may be sold by my Executors for six months credit to the highest bidder likewise my wagon and five horses and horse kinds in the same manner in order to pay my debts. I likewise leave my dwelling house and land thereonto adjoining to be sold at the direction of my Executors if my debts cannot be complied with, if they can the dwelling house and land to remain my wifes during her widowhood and if she marrys to be sold by way of auction.

Item. I give to my well beloved sons Peter Rucker, John Rucker, Ambrose Rucker, Benj. A. Rucker, Rueben Rucker, Isacc Rucker, Anthony Rucker and to their heirs forever half the land I hold in the branches of the James River to be equally divided between the seven brothers. The rest of my Estate I desire may be equally divided between my beloved children as follows: Peter Rucker, John Rucker , Sarah Rucker, Winifred Rucker, Ambrose Rucker, Benj. Rucker, Rueben Rucker, Isacc Rucker, Anthony Rucker, Mildred Rucker, Phebe Rucker to them and their heirs forever.

Item I give to my daughter Margaret Smith one shilling sterl. And lastly I do constitute and appoint my beloved wife Susanah my Executor and my beloved son Peter Rucker and my beloved friend George Taylor my whole and sole Executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking and disalowing all other wills and testaments by me made and confirming this my last will and testament. In witness thereof I have now set my hand and seal this XI day of January 1742.

Signed and Sealed and Published in the presence of: Robert Seagre Joseph Hawkins Richard Cross.

John Rucker Seal

Date : Mar 5, 1733, Location : Spotsylvania Co., VA, deed Book-Page : B

John Rucker of Spts. Co. to Phillip Stockdale of St. Anne's Par., Essex Co. £21 5s. curr. and 6000 lbs. tob., 703 a.-150 a. thereof part of a pat. granted sd. Rucker Augt. 17, 1727, and 553 a. part of pat. granted Thos. Rucker June 16, 1730, and sold and made over to sd. John Rucker, as by Deeds, Feby. 5, 1732. In Spts. Co. Witness: Thomas Chew, James Cox, Charles Stevens.

March 5, 1733-4. Susannah, wife of John Rucker, acknowledged her dower, etc. This land record was originally published in "Virginia County Records - Spotsylvania County, 1721-1800, Volume I" edited by William Armstrong Crozier."

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http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~mysouthernfamily/myff/d000...:

1700 - "Four ships carrying 700 passengers sailed from Gravesend England, with John and Thomas, Peter's two sons, as leaders of the passengers on one. The vessel wrecked in Jamestown Bay and John floated for three days on a piece of driftwood before being picked up by a passing vessel." (Source: "History of the Rucker Family,' by Eydith Johns Rucker Whitley 1927)

1700's John patented 5850 acres of land in Ablemarle County, Virginia.

1731 - May 4 John Rucker was appointed Constable from the Rappahannock River to the Parish line, including the South Mountains. (Source: Spotsylvania County Virginia Order Book 1730-38, p. 35)

1734 - June 4 John Rucker deeded to his sister Mary, wife of William Offall, 100 acres of land in St. Mark's Parish, witnessed by William Crosthwait. (Source: Spotsylvania County Virginia Deed Book B., p. 496)

1740's Circa John Rucker and John Lightfoot established St. Mark's Episcopal Parish in Orange County, Virginia, near Ruckerville, now in Greene Count. John was an active vestryman in the church.

1740 - May 22 John Rucker was sworn to his military commission of Captain for Orange County. (Source: Orange County Order Book 1738-41, p. 163)

1741 - November 23 John Rucker was sworn in as Commissioner of the Peace of Orange County, Virginia. (Source: Orange County Virginia Order Book 1741-43, p. 51)

1742 - January 11 - Will of John Rucker: "In the Name of God Amen. I John Rucker of Saint Marks Parish in the County of Orange A Planter being weak in Body, but of Perfect Mind & Memory And knowing that it is appointed for all men once to Dye, Do make and Ordain this my last Will & Testament in manner and form following. IMPRIMIS I do order that all my just Debts & funeral Charges be paid & satisfied. Item. I give to my well beloved Wife, Susanah Rucker, four negros namely Bristol, Tony, Doll & Sue, and one third part of my household furniture & Stock, horses excepted, one horse named Roger. The four mentioned Negroes to remain my Wife's no longer than her Widowhood, after to be sold & divided as the rest of my Estate.

Item: I give to my son Peter Rucker one black horse, called Jockey and his Choice of my guns.

Item. I give to my Son John Rucker one grey horse called Oglesby and a gun the next choice after his Brother.

Item I give to Thomas Wright Belfield one lot in FredgKurg No. 5 (Fredericksburg) to him and his Heirs forever.

My desire is that the one half of my land on the Branches of James River may be sold by my Exr. for six months credit to the highest bidder. Likewise my Waggon and five horses & horse kinds in the same manor in order to pay my debts, I likewise leave my Dwelling house and Land thereunto adjoining to be sold at the Direction of my Exec. if my Debts cant be complyed with if they can the dwelling house and the Land to Remain my wifes, during her Widowhood & If she marrys to be sold by way of auction. Item. I give to my well beloved Sons Peter Rucker, John Rucker, Ambrose Rucker, Benjamin Rucker, Reuben Rucker, Isaac Rucker, Anthony Rucker & to their Heirs for ever, half the Land I hold in the Branches of the James River to be equally divided between the seven brothers, the rest of my Estate I desire may be Equally divided among my beloved children as follows, Peter Rucker, John Rucker, Sarah Rucker, Winniford Rucker, Ambrose Rucker, Benjamin Rucker, Reuben Rucker, Isaac Rucker, Anthony Rucker, Mildred Rucker, Pheby Rucker and to them and their Heirs forever. Item. I give my Daughter Margaret Smith one shilling Sterl. and lastly I do constitute and appoint my beloved wife Susanah Rucker my Exr. and my beloved Son Peter Rucker, and my beloved friend George Taylor my whole and sole Ex. of this my Last will & Testament, hereby Revoking and Disallowing all other Testament and Wills by me made Confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament. In witness whereof I have now unto set my hand & seal this XI day Jan 1742. John Rucker (Seal)" Signed Sealed Published in the Presence of Robt. Seagre, Joseph Hawkins, Richd. Cross.

"At Court continued & held for Orange County on Friday the 28th day of Jan 1742 This Last Will & Testament of John Rucker Gent. Decsd being Produced into Court by Susanah Rucker his Widow & Relict & Peter Rucker his son two of the Execr therein named who made oath thereto according to Law and being proved by the Oaths of Robert Seagre and Richd. Cross two of the Evidences thereto who also made Oath that they saw Joseph Hawkins sign the same as an Evidence the said will is admitted to Record on motion of the said Exec and their performing what is Usual in such cases Certificate is granted them for obtaining a Probate thereof in due form and the sd Susanah and Peter Rucker together with Anthony Head, Michael Holt and James Picket, their securities acknowledged their bond for the said Susanah and Peter Rucker - faithful & true Adin. of the Estate of John Rucker Decd which Bond is admitted to Record. Jonah Gibson Ct. Cur. (Source: Orange County, Virginia Will Book I, p. 248, probated Jan. 28, 1742)

1741--June 4 The election poll to elect burgesses from Orange County to the Virginia House of Burgesses resulted in charges against John Rucker and others being for "great Misdemeanours and Breaches of the Privileges of this House."

--November 20 Mr. Conway reported to the House of Burgesses: "That as soon as the Poll was opened, John MacCoy, Honorious Powell, John Snow, and Timothy Terrill and several others, throng'd into the Court house in a riotous Manner, and made such a Disturbance, that the Sheriff and Candidates were obliged to go out of the Court-house 'til the House was clear'd, and the People appeas'd; and that the Said Mr. Chew, whist he was on the Bench, called for a Bowl of Punch and had it brought to him, upon which, the Sheriff stay'd the Poll, and said he would not have any Punch drank on the bench, but wou'd have a fair Election; in which Mr. Chew replied, he would have Punch and drink it, and that the Sheriff should not hinder him. That as soon as the Tumults were appeas'd, the Candidates and Sheriff return'd into the Court-house and proceeded in taking the Poll; Mr. Jonathan Gibson and John Newport, the Under-Sheriff, at their Desire and Permission, standing at each of the Court-house Doors, with drawn Swords across the Doors, in order to let the Voters Pass in and out quietly and regularly in their polling. That after the Under Sheriff was placed at the Door, one Mr. John Rucker came to the Door and demanded Entrance; which he had; and then the said Rucker threw the Under-Sheriff and another Person headlong out of the Doors; and when the Under sheriff recovered his Post, the said Rucker insisted to clear the Doors, so that everyone might have free Entrance and seized the Under-Sheriff's Sword with both his Hands endeavouring to break it, which the Under-Sheriff prevented by drawing it through his Hands. That then one John Burk came to the said Ruckers Assistance and laid violent Hold on the Under-Sheriff, who was rescued by the Bystanders. It also appeared to the Committee, that the said John Rucker, before and during the Time of the Election, give several large Bowls of Punch among the People, crying out for those Persons who intended to vote for Mr. Slaughter to come and drink of his Punch and that after the Election was over, Rucker confessed he had won several Pistoles, upon Mr. Slaughter's being elected the first Burgess."

--June 2 House of Burgesses set aside the election of Mr. Slaughter of Orange County. They found "Mr. Richard Winflow, Sheriff of the County of Orange, John Rucker, John Burk, John MacCoy, Honorius Powell, John Snow and timothy Terrill are guilty of great Misdemeanours and Breaches of the Privileges of this House. Ordered that the said Richard Winflow, John Rucker, John Burk, John MacCoy, Honorius Powell, John snow and timothy Terrill be sent for, in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms" and ordered a new election in Orange County.

--June 19 John Rucker, John MacCoy, Honorius Powell and Timothy Terrell gave a petition to the house stating they had surrendered themselves to the Sergeant at Arms and were sorry for their offenses, and that their future behavior would not cause offense to the House. The House then Ordered that the mem be brought to the Bar of the House where the Mr. Speaker said: "John Rucker, John MacCoy, Honorius Powell, and Timothy Terrill, This House have Resolved That you have been guilty of great Misdemeanours and Breeches of the Privileges of this House in obstruction the Orange Election. But in Consideration of your Confession and Submission, they have been favourable to you, as to command me only to reprimand you; and I do reprimand you accordingly. And I am further to acquaint you That it is their Pleasure that you be discharged out of Custody, paying fees." (Source: Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia 1742-1747)

-- November 23 John Rucker was sworn in as Commissioner of the Peace of Orange County, Virginia. (Source: Orange County Virginia Order Book 1741-43, p. 51) John was now able to use the word "Gent" after his name.

1742 a license was granted to Captain John Rucker to keep an "ordinary" or tavern in his own house.

1742 - January 11 - Will of John Rucker

"In the Name of God Amen. I John Rucker of Saint Marks Parish in the County of Orange A Planter being weak in Body, but of Perfect Mind & Memory And knowing that it is appointed for all men once to Dye, Do make and Ordain this my last Will & Testament in manner and form following. IMPRIMIS I do order that all my just Debts & funeral Charges be paid & satisfied. Item. I give to my well beloved Wife, Susanah Rucker, four negros name by Bristol, Tony, Doll & Sue, and one third part of my household & Furniture & Stock, horses Excepted one horse I give to my wife named Roger, the four mentioned Negroes to remain my Wifes no Longer than her Widowhood after to be sold & divided as the rest of my Estate hereafter mentioned. Item I give to my son Peter Rucker one black horse, called Jockey and his Choice of my guns. Item. I give to my Son John Rucker one grey horse called Oglesby and a gun the next choise after his Brother. Item I give to Thomas Wright Belfield one lot in Fred Kurg No. 5 to him and his Heirs forever. My desire is that the one half of my land on the Branches of James River may be sold by my Exr. for six months credit to the highest bidder. Likewise my Waggon and five horses & horse kinds in the same manor in order to pay my debts, I likewise leave my Dwelling house and Land thereunto adjoining to be sold at the Direction of my Exec. if my Debts cant be complyed with if they can the dwelling house and the Land to Remain my wifes, during her Widowhood & If she marrys to be sold by way of auction. Item. I give to my well beloved Sons Peter Rucker, John Rucker, Ambrose Rucker, Benjamin Rucker, Reuben Rucker, Isaac Rucker, Anthony Rucker & to their Heirs for ever, half the Land I hold in the Branches of the James River to be equally divided between the seven brothers, the rest of my Estate I desire may be Equally divided among my beloved children as follows, Peter Rucker, John Rucker, Sarah Rucker, Winniford Rucker, Ambrose Rucker, Benjamin Rucker, Reuben Rucker, Isaac Rucker, Anthony Rucker, Mildred Rucker, Pheby Rucker and to them and their Heirs forever. Item. I give my Daughter Margaret Smith one shilling Sterl. and lastly I do constitute and appoint my beloved wife Susanah Rucker my Exr. and my beloved Son Peter Rucker, and my beloved friend George Taylor my whole and sole Ex. of this my Last will & Testament, hereby Revoking and Disallowing all other Testament and Wills by me made Confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament. In witness whereof I have now unto set my hand & seal this XI day Jan 1742. John Rucker (Seal)" Signed Sealed Published in the Presence of Robt. Seagre, Joseph Hawkins, Richd. Cross.

"At Court continued & held for Orange County on Friday the 28th day of Jan 1742 This Last Will & Testament of John Rucker Gent. Decsd being Produced into Court by Susanah Rucker his Widow & Relict & Peter Rucker his son two of the Execr therein named who made oath thereto according to Law and being proved by the Oaths of Robert Seagre and Richd. Cross two of the Evidences thereto who also made Oath that they saw Joseph Hawkins sign the same as an Evidence the said will is admitted to Record on motion of the said Exec and their performing what is Usual in such cases Certificate is granted them for obtaining a Probate thereof in due form and the sd Susanah and Peter Rucker together with Anthony Head, Michael Holt and James Picket, their securities acknowledged their bond for the said Susanah and Peter Rucker - faithful & true Adin. of the Estate of John Rucker Dec'd which Bond is admitted to Record. Jonah Gibson Ct. Cur. (Source: Orange County, Virginia Will Book I, p. 248, probated Jan. 28, 1742)

--An inventory of John Rucker's estate valued it at 285 pounds, 17 shillings, including 4 Negroes valued at 82 pounds, 10 shillings."

ORANGE COUNTY DEED BOOK 12, Pages 117-118 - 1 July 1752. To all Christian People: I, Susannah Rucker and Peter Rucker, Acting Executors of last will and testament of John Rucker, late of Orange County, dec'd, had this present day of Isaac Smith of Culpeper County, the sum of £100, being balance of £600 due John Rucker for all lands, tentements and plantations, together with all Negroes, horses, cattle, hoggs, potts, pewter goods, which Isaac Smith by deed 26 October 1742 mortgaged unto John Rucker for the sum of £600. We assign our interest, right and that Isaac Smith is thereof seised to the use, as in his former estate .. we have released .. 1 July 1752 .. Signed by Susannah Rucker and Peter Rucker. Witnesses: Eras. Taylor, Richard Tyler, Tavnr. Beale, and Thos. Chew. Recorded Orange County, 23rd November 1752.

References

1. http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/r/u/s/Renee-B-Russo/WEBS...
2. "John Rucker (bef. 1704 - 1742)" page, Earlier Colonial Settlers of Southern Maryland and Virginia's Northern Neck Counties https://www.colonial-settlers-md-va.us/getperson.php?personID=I2911...
3. Whitley, Edith Johns Rucker. History of the Rucker Family and their Descendants. (Nashville, TN: Hermitage Printing Co., 1927).
4. Wood, Sudie Rucker. The Rucker Family Genealogy, with their Ancestors, Descendants and Connections. (Richmond, VA: Old Dominion Press, 1932). Mentions John Rucker and land purchases on p. 5. Possible marriage to Susanna Coghill is mentioned on p. 309.
5. https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Rucker-31