https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/71187459/peter_rucker

Will Book 1, p. 299
Probated Feb. 23, 1743

Will
In the name of God amen I Peter Rucker of Saint Marks Parish in the County of Orange planter being weak in body but of persued [perfect] mind and memory and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die 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 lend unto my beloved wife Elizabeth Rucker all my Estate both real and Personal during her natural life and after her Decease Divided in following manner.
Item I give and bequeath unto my beloved Daughter Margrett
Tinsley and my son In-law Isack Tinsley a negro boy named Yorkshire to them and Their heirs for Ever.
Item I give and bequeath to my beloved Son Ephraim Rucker a negro girl named Fillis to him and his heirs for Ever.
Item I give unto my beloved Daughter Ann Cook and my son in Law Shem Cook a negro girl named Jeney her and her incries to them and their heirs forever.
Item I do desire that all the Remainder of my Estate both real and personal after my wife decides as foresaid to be Sold by my Executors hereafter named at public auction to the highest bidder on Six months Cridet for current money the buyer giving good Security and the money arising by Sale to be Equally Divided
amongst my beloved Children by name as follows Thomas Rucker Elizabeth Pearce William Rucker Mary Offell James Rucker Ephriam Rucker and Ann Cook and to their heirs forever and lastly, I do Constitute and appoint my beloved Sons James Rucker and Ephraim Rucker to be my whole and sole Executors of this my last will and Testament hereby revoking Disannulling all other Testaments and wills by me made Confirming this and no other to be my Last will and Testament.
I witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this 15 Day of January
1742/3 His
Peter R Rucker
Mark
Signed sealed and published in the presence of:

William Jackson
William Offill
Michael Holt

At a Court held for Orange County on Thursday ye 23 Day of February. 1743. The Last Will and Testament of Peter Rucker Decided. being presented into Court by James Rucker and Ephraim Rucker Exrs. Therein named and proved by the oaths of Wm. Jackson and Mich. Holt two of the Witnesses Thereto who also made Oath that they saw William Offell sign the same as an Evidence and the sd Exrs. having severally Taken the Oath of an Exr. and having Entered into bond with Mic. Holt, George Holt and Richard Mauldin Junr., Their Securities, before their due Execution thereof, Probate is Granted them and the said will together with the Bond was admitted to record.

Test:
Jonath Gibson

Issue (probably born in Essex Co., VA, birth dates are estimated) (6):
1. John Rucker, b. ca 1701; m. Susannah _______.
2. Peter Rucker, b. ca 1703, probably died young (7).
3. Thomas Rucker, b. ca 1705; m. Elizabeth Reynolds.
4. Elizabeth Rucker, b. ca 1708; m. James Pierce.
5. Margaret Rucker, b. ca 1710; m. Isaac Tinsley.
6. William Rucker, b. ca 1713; m. Honar _____.
7. Mary Rucker, b. ca 1720; m. William Offill.
8. James Rucker, b. ca 1723; m. Margaret _____.
9. Ephraim Rucker, b. ca 1725; m. Margaret Vawter.
10. Ann Rucker, b. ca 1727; m. Shem Cook.

--------------------------------------------------
Brief Life History
This lineage is part of a couple of online DNA study groups linked to Relative Finder that suggests that this lineage is correct. Please do not change or delete parents at this time because there are at least 500 or more people who are cousins linked to this lineage through the online study group. Also, my personal family has DNA ties to this lineage on Ancestry.com and 23 and Me. Several of the DNA matches are tied to this line only. Every time this line is deleted or messed with; it creates problems with our study. We are also in the process of finding and proving that Maurice was in this line. This line is my direct line to my Great Grandparents. Peter's wife was Elizabeth Fielding was his wife as proven on Find a Grave and through marriage records. Thank you for your time in this matter. Sincerely, Mary Varner Zimmerman
[No marriage record from contemporary sources for Peter has ever been listed. Find a grave for events around 1700 should be considered someone's guess and NOT a source. DNA evidence cannot prove that someone who lived around 1700 had a specific wife. Ken Offill ]

Notes for John Rucker:
ID: I631
Name: John RUCKER
NSFX: Gentleman
Title: Gentleman
Sex: M
Birth: 1680 in Essex County, Virginia 1 2 3
Event: LDS Reference #
_ALT_BIRTH: Y AFN: 1HBD-6R
Death: DEC 1742 in St. Mark's Parish, Orange County VA 1 2 3
Burial: JAN 1743
Ancestral File #: 1HBD-6R
LDS Baptism: 6 JAN 1931 3
Endowment: 6 FEB 1931 3
Event: Sealed to child (LDS) 5 JUN 1991 ARIZO 3
Note:
LDS AFN: 1HBD-6R

Rucker is a variation of the English occupational name Rock, for the man who spun wool or made distaffs, from the Middle English term rok = distaff, from Old Norse rokr. Other variations include Rocker and Rooker. The name Rock is generally a place name for the man who lived by a notable boulder or outcrop, from Middle English rocc = rock, or a place name for the man who lived at a settlement by that name. Rocke, and Rocks are variations of the place name.
Source: Surnames: What's In A Name? [there are also records for Rucker/Rückers in Germany]

"MARRIAGES OF VIRGINIA RESIDENTS" VOL II, PART 3, SURNAMES R-S P 92.
Rucker, John, d. 1742, son of Peter and Elizabeth (Fielding); m before 1704, Susannah Phillips, daughter of William and Susannah (Lloyd). John was Captain in the Orange County Militia.
Cowherd, p 325.

Note: This same volume and page list the marriages of many of the sons and daughters of the Rucker family during that time.

"SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF PILGRIMS, VOL III, THANKSGIVING" from "CUSTOMS AND FASHIONS OF OLD NEW ENGLAND" page 353.
Captain John Rucker (Pilgrim) (ca. 1682-Dec. 1742) m. 1706 Susannah Phillips (...1685-...1770)

[Rucker. TW]

JOHN RUCKER - b. About 1701

Sources list the wife of John Rucker
1. Susannah Unknown
2. Susannah Coghill (b. Before 1731, Essex County, Va. Died 1752, Orange County Virginia, daughter of Frederick and Sarah Coghill.
3. Susannah Phillips, daughter of William Phillips and Susannah LLoyd

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 Albemarle 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 Ruckersville, now in Greene County. 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)

1725 John Rucker,

Please do not add any more children to Peter's family. Eight are named in the will and there are court records proving he had sons John and Peter even though they were not named in the will.

The birth dates for children are estimates. As of 5 Jan 2022, their names are probably correct. But some of the estimates may be way off. The birth estimates for the two youngest are based on the estimates of the births of their children. One woman probably did not have 10 children over a period of 44 years! His two oldest sons were probably adults when they arrived in Virginia about 1700.

In Jan 1707/8, John, Peter, and Thomas, sons of Peter Rucker, were mentioned in a court record which probably implies they were adults.

There is no good evidence of his origins, except he was not from England because he was naturalized in 1704. Settlers from England did not need to be naturalized Any birth date for him should be considered an estimate. Same for the births of the children. As of Nov 30, 2021, the birth dates had a range of 42 years. Not reasonable if he had one wife. The maiden name of his wife should not be assumed to be Fielding. (See notes, etc.). His wife Elizabeth was named in his will, but that does not prove she was the mother of any or all of Peter's children.

At the time of his death in 1743, Peter Rucker provided a tremendous insight into the size of his family and his personal possessions. In his will (below), he left all of his property and his slaves to his wife, and upon his request, upon her death his assets were to be divided by each of his eight named children. During his life, Peter and Elizabeth Rucker acquired substantial land holdings in Orange and Culpepper counties in Virginia. The area in which his family initially lived in Orange County, Virginia, was east of Rippon's Run and on an area known as "Friendly Acres". The village settled by the Rucker family became known as Ruckersville, named for Captain John Rucker in 1732. Peter and Elizabeth Rucker's son, John Rucker, and his wife Susanna Coghill lived and prospered in Orange County. When Peter Rucker, planter of St. Mark's Parish, Orange County.

Will Book 1, p. 299
Probated Feb. 23, 1743
Will
In the name of God amen I Peter Rucker of Saint Marks Parish in the County of Orange planter being weak in body but of persued [perfect] mind and memory and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die 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 lend unto my beloved wife Elizabeth Rucker all my Estate both real and Personal during her natural life and after her Decease Divided in following manner.

Item I give and bequeath unto my beloved Daughter Margrett Tinsley and my son In-law Isack Tinsley a negro boy named Yorkshire to them and Their heirs for Ever.
Item I give and bequeath to my beloved Son Ephraim Rucker a negro girl named Fillis to him and his heirs for Ever.
Item I give unto my beloved Daughter Ann Cook and my son in Law Shem Cook a negro girl named Jeney her and her incries to them and their heirs forever.

Item I do desire that all the Remainder of my Estate both real and personal after my wife decides as foresaid to be Sold by my Executors hereafter named at Public auction to the highest bidder on Six months Cridet for current money the buyer giving good Security and the money arising by Sale to be Equally divided amongst my beloved Children by name as follows Thomas Rucker Elizabeth Pearce William Rucker Mary Offell James Rucker Ephriam Rucker and Ann Cook and To their heirs forever and lastly I do Constitute and appoint my beloved Sons James Rucker and Ephraim Rucker to be my whole and sole Executors of this my last will and Testament hereby revoking Disannulling all other Testaments and wills by me made Confirming this and no other to be my Last will and Testament.
I witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this 15 Day of January 1742/3

Peter R Rucker
His Mark

Signed sealed and published in the presence of:
William Jackson
William Offill
Michael Holt
At a Court held for Orange County on Thursday ye 23 Day of February. 1743. The Last Will and Testament of Peter Rucker Decided. being presented into Court by James Rucker and Ephraim Rucker Exrs. Therein named and proved by the oaths of Wm. Jackson and Mich. Holt two of the Witnesses Thereto who also made Oath that they saw William Offell sign the same as an Evidence and the sd Exrs. having severally Taken the Oath of an Exr. and having Entered into bond with Mic. Holt, George Holt and Richard Mauldin Junr., Their Securities, before their due Execution thereof, Probate is Granted them and the said will together with the Bond was admitted to record.
Teste:
Jonath Gibson

Brief Life History
This lineage is part of a couple of online DNA study groups linked to Relative Finder that suggests that this lineage is correct. Please do not change or delete parents at this time because there are at least 500 or more people who are cousins linked to this lineage through the online study group. Also, my personal family has DNA ties to this lineage on Ancestry.com and 23 and Me. Several of the DNA matches are tied to this line only. Every time this line is deleted or messed with; it creates problems with our study. We are also in the process of finding and proving that Maurice was in this line. This line is my direct line to my Great Grandparents. Peter's wife was Elizabeth Fielding was his wife as proven on Find a Grave and through marriage records. Thank you for your time in this matter. Sincerely, Mary Varner Zimmerman
[No marriage record from contemporary sources for Peter has ever been listed. Find a grave for events around 1700 should be considered someone's guess and NOT a source. DNA evidence cannot prove that someone who lived around 1700 had a specific wife. Ken Offill ]

Notes for John Rucker:
ID: I631
Name: John RUCKER
NSFX: Gentleman
Title: Gentleman
Sex: M
Birth: 1680 in Essex County, Virginia 1 2 3
Event: LDS Reference #
_ALT_BIRTH: Y AFN: 1HBD-6R
Death: DEC 1742 in St. Mark's Parish, Orange County VA 1 2 3
Burial: JAN 1743
Ancestral File #: 1HBD-6R
LDS Baptism: 6 JAN 1931 3
Endowment: 6 FEB 1931 3
Event: Sealed to child (LDS) 5 JUN 1991 ARIZO 3
Note:
LDS AFN: 1HBD-6R

Rucker is a variation of the English occupational name Rock, for the man who spun wool or made distaffs, from the Middle English term rok = distaff, from Old Norse rokr. Other variations include Rocker and Rooker. The name Rock is generally a place name for the man who lived by a notable boulder or outcrop, from Middle English rocc = rock, or a place name for the man who lived at a settlement by that name. Rocke, and Rocks are variations of the place name.
Source: Surnames: What's In A Name? [there are also records for Rucker/Rückers in Germany]

"MARRIAGES OF VIRGINIA RESIDENTS" VOL II, PART 3, SURNAMES R-S P 92.
Rucker, John, d. 1742, son of Peter and Elizabeth (Fielding); m before 1704, Susannah Phillips, daughter of William and Susannah (Lloyd). John was Captain in the Orange County Militia.
Cowherd, p 325.

Note: This same volume and page list the marriages of many of the sons and daughters of the Rucker family during that time.

"SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF PILGRIMS, VOL III, THANKSGIVING" from "CUSTOMS AND FASHIONS OF OLD NEW ENGLAND" page 353.
Captain John Rucker (Pilgrim) (ca. 1682-Dec. 1742) m. 1706 Susannah Phillips (...1685-...1770)

[rucker.FTW]

JOHN RUCKER - b. About 1701

Sources list the wife of John Rucker
1. Susannah Unknown
2. Susannah Coghill (b. Before 1731, Essex County, Va. Died 1752, Orange County Virginia, daughter of Frederick and Sarah Coghill.
3. Susannah Phillips, daughter of William Phillips and Susannah LLoyd

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 Albemarle 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 Ruckersville, 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)

1725 John Rucker,

Please do not add any more children to Peter's family. Eight are named in the will and there are court records proving he had sons John and Peter even though they were not named in the will.

The birth dates for children are estimates. As of 5 Jan 2022, their names are probably correct. But some of the estimates may be way off. The birth estimates for the two youngest are based on the estimates of the births of their children. One woman probably did not have 10 children over a period of 44 years! His two oldest sons were probably adults when they arrived in Virginia about 1700.

In Jan 1707/8, John, Peter, and Thomas, sons of Peter Rucker, were mentioned in a court record which probably implies they were adults.

There is no good evidence of his origins, except he was not from England because he was naturalized in 1704. Settlers from England did not need to be naturalized Any birth date for him should be considered an estimate. Same for the births of the children. As of Nov 30, 2021, the birth dates had a range of 42 years. Not reasonable if he had one wife. The maiden name of his wife should not be assumed to be Fielding. (See notes, etc.). His wife Elizabeth was named in his will, but that does not prove she was the mother of any or all of Peter's children.

At the time of his death in 1743, Peter Rucker provided a tremendous insight into the size of his family and his personal possessions. In his will (below), he left all of his property and his slaves to his wife, and upon his request, upon her death his assets were to be divided by each of his eight named children. During his life, Peter and Elizabeth Rucker acquired substantial land holdings in Orange and Culpepper counties in Virginia. The area in which his family initially lived in Orange County, Virginia, was east of Rippon's Run and on an area known as "Friendly Acres". The village settled by the Rucker family became known as Ruckersville, named for Captain John Rucker in 1732. Peter and Elizabeth Rucker's son, John Rucker, and his wife Susanna Coghill lived and prospered in Orange County. When Peter Rucker, planter of St. Mark's Parish, Orange County.

Will Book 1, p. 299
Probated Feb. 23, 1743
Will
In the name of God amen I Peter Rucker of Saint Marks Parish in the County of Orange planter being weak in body but of persued [perfect] mind and memory and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die 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 lend unto my beloved wife Elizabeth Rucker all my Estate both real and Personal during her natural life and after her Decease Divided in following manner.

Item I give and bequeath unto my beloved Daughter Margrett Tinsley and my son In-law Isack Tinsley a negro boy named Yorkshire to them and Their heirs for Ever.

Item I give and bequeath to my beloved Son Ephraim Rucker a negro girl named Fillis to him and his heirs for Ever.
Item I give unto my beloved Daughter Ann Cook and my son in Law Shem Cook a negro girl named Jeney her and her incries to them and their heirs forever.

Item I do desire that all the Remainder of my Estate both real and personal after my wife decides as foresaid to be Sold by my Executors hereafter named at Public auction to the highest bidder on Six months Cridet for current money the buyer giving good Security and the money arising by Sale to be Equally Divided amongst my beloved Children by name as follows Thomas Rucker Elizabeth Pearce William Rucker Mary Offell James Rucker Ephriam Rucker and ann Cook and To their heirs forever and lastly I do Constitute and appoint my beloved Sons James Rucker and Ephraim Rucker to be my whole and sole Executors of this my last will and Testament hereby revoking Disannulling all other Testaments and wills by me made Confirming this and no other to be my Last will and Testament.
I witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this 15 Day of January 1742/3

Peter R Rucker
His Mark

Signed sealed and published in the presence of:
William Jackson
William Offill
Michael Holt
At a Court held for Orange County on Thursday ye 23 Day of February. 1743. The Last Will and Testament of Peter Rucker decided. being presented into Court by James Rucker and Ephraim Rucker Exrs. Therein named and proved by the oaths of Wm. Jackson and Mich. Holt two of the Witnesses Thereto who also made Oath that they saw William Offell sign the same as an Evidence and the sd Exrs. having severally Taken the Oath of an Exr. and having Entered into bond with Mic. Holt, George Holt and Richard Mauldin Junr., Their Securities, before their due Execution thereof, Probate is Granted them and the said will together with the Bond was admitted to record.
Teste:
Jonath Gibson

Brief Life History
This lineage is part of a couple of online DNA study groups linked to Relative Finder that suggests that this lineage is correct. Please do not change or delete parents at this time because there are at least 500 or more people who are cousins linked to this lineage through the online study group. Also, my personal family has DNA ties to this lineage on Ancestry.com and 23 and Me. Several of the DNA matches are tied to this line only. Every time this line is deleted or messed with; it creates problems with our study. We are also in the process of finding and proving that Maurice was in this line. This line is my direct line to my Great Grandparents. Peter's wife was Elizabeth Fielding was his wife as proven on Find a Grave and through marriage records. Thank you for your time in this matter. Sincerely, Mary Varner Zimmerman
[No marriage record from contemporary sources for Peter has ever been listed. Find a grave for events around 1700 should be considered someone's guess and NOT a source. DNA evidence cannot prove that someone who lived around 1700 had a specific wife. Ken Offill ]

John Rucker (b. 1680, d. December 1742)
John Rucker (son of Peter Rucker and Elizabeth Fielding) was born 1680 in Essex County, Virginia, USA, and died December 1742 in St. Mark's Parish, Orange County, Virginia, USA. [John's birth in 1680 in Virginia is very doubtful since his father was naturalized in Virginia, which means he was not born in the British Colonies or in England. Ken Offill]

Notes for John Rucker:
ID: I631
Name: John RUCKER
NSFX: Gentleman
Title: Gentleman
Sex: M
Birth: 1680 in Essex County, Virginia 1 2 3
Event: LDS Reference #
_ALT_BIRTH: Y AFN: 1HBD-6R
Death: DEC 1742 in St. Mark's Parish, Orange County VA 1 2 3
Burial: JAN 1743
Ancestral File #: 1HBD-6R
LDS Baptism: 6 JAN 1931 3
Endowment: 6 FEB 1931 3
Event: Sealed to child (LDS) 5 JUN 1991 ARIZO 3
Note:
LDS AFN: 1HBD-6R

Rucker is a variation of the English occupational name Rock, for the man who spun wool or made distaffs, from the Middle English term rok = distaff, from Old Norse rokr. Other variations include Rocker and Rooker. The name Rock is generally a place name for the man who lived by a notable boulder or outcrop, from Middle English rocc = rock, or a place name for the man who lived at a settlement by that name. Rocke, and Rocks are variations of the place name.
Source: Surnames: What's In A Name? [there are also records for Rucker/Rückers in Germany]

"MARRIAGES OF VIRGINIA RESIDENTS" VOL II, PART 3, SURNAMES R-S P 92.
Rucker, John, d. 1742, son of Peter and Elizabeth (Fielding); m before 1704, Susannah Phillips, daughter of William and Susannah (Lloyd). John was Captain in the Orange County Militia.
Cowherd, p 325.

Note: This same volume and page list the marriages of many of the sons and daughters of the Rucker family during that time.

"SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF PILGRIMS, VOL III, THANKSGIVING" from "CUSTOMS AND FASHIONS OF OLD NEW ENGLAND" page 353.
Captain John Rucker (Pilgrim) (ca. 1682-Dec. 1742) m. 1706 Susannah Phillips (...1685-...1770)

[Rucker. TW]

JOHN RUCKER - b. About 1701

Sources list the wife of John Rucker
1. Susannah Unknown
2. Susannah Coghill (b. Before 1731, Essex County, Va. Died 1752, Orange County Virginia, daughter of Frederick and Sarah Coghill.
3. Susannah Phillips, daughter of William Phillips and Susannah LLoyd

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 Albemarle 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 Ruckersville, 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)

1725 John Rucker,

Please do not add any more children to Peter's family. Eight are named in the will and there are court records proving he had sons John and Peter even though they were not named in the will.

The birth dates for children are estimates. As of 5 Jan 2022, their names are probably correct. But some of the estimates may be way off. The birth estimates for the two youngest are based on the estimates of the births of their children. One woman probably did not have 10 children over a period of 44 years! His two oldest sons were probably adults when they arrived in Virginia about 1700.

In Jan 1707/8, John, Peter, and Thomas, sons of Peter Rucker, were mentioned in a court record which probably implies they were adults.

There is no good evidence of his origins, except he was not from England because he was naturalized in 1704. Settlers from England did not need to be naturalized Any birth date for him should be considered an estimate. Same for the births of the children. As of Nov 30, 2021, the birth dates had a range of 42 years. Not reasonable if he had one wife. The maiden name of his wife should not be assumed to be Fielding. (See notes, etc.). His wife Elizabeth was named in his will, but that does not prove she was the mother of any or all of Peter's children.

At the time of his death in 1743, Peter Rucker provided a tremendous insight into the size of his family and his personal possessions. In his will (below), he left all of his property and his slaves to his wife, and upon his request, upon her death his assets were to be divided by each of his eight named children. During his life, Peter and Elizabeth Rucker acquired substantial land holdings in Orange and Culpepper counties in Virginia. The area in which his family initially lived in Orange County, Virginia, was east of Rippon's Run and on an area known as "Friendly Acres". The village settled by the Rucker family became known as Ruckersville, named for Captain John Rucker in 1732. Peter and Elizabeth Rucker's son, John Rucker, and his wife Susanna Coghill lived and prospered in Orange County. When Peter Rucker, planter of St. Mark's Parish, Orange County.

This lineage is part of several online DNA Study Groups!
This lineage is part of a couple of online DNA study groups linked to Relative Finder that suggests that this lineage is correct. Please do not change or delete parents at this time because there are at least 500 or more people who are cousins linked to this lineage through the online study group. Also, my personal family has DNA ties to this lineage on Ancestry.com and 23 and Me. Several of the DNA matches are tied to this line only. Every time this line is deleted or messed with; it creates problems with our study. We are also in the process of finding and proving that Maurice was in this line. This line is my direct line to my Great Grandparents. We appreciate your time in this matter. Sincerely, Mary Varner Zimmerman

Link to The Rucker Family Society
http://www.theruckerfamilysociety.org

John Rucker (b. 1680, d. December 1742)
John Rucker (son of Peter Rucker and Elizabeth Fielding) was born 1680 in Essex County, Virginia, USA, and died December 1742 in St. Mark's Parish, Orange County, Virginia, USA. [John's birth in 1680 in Virginia is very doubtful since his father was naturalized in Virginia, which means he was not born in the British Colonies or in England. Ken Offill]

John Rucker (b. 1680, d. December 1742)
John Rucker (son of Peter Rucker and Elizabeth Fielding) was born 1680 in Essex County, Virginia, USA, and died December 1742 in St. Mark's Parish, Orange County, Virginia, USA. [John's birth in 1680 in Virginia is very doubtful since his father was naturalized in Virginia, which means he was not born in the British Colonies or in England. Ken Offill]

The web-based trees, as well as the Geni trees for this family seem to lack a great deal of documentation, especially about Peter Rucker's ancestry. For lack of evidence, we have removed links to Ambrose Levi Rucker, DOUBTFUL father of Peter Rucker and Elizabeth Ann Rucker, [DOUBTFUL mother of Peter Rucker].

The Rucker Family Society (http://www.theruckerfamilysociety.org), does not believe that there is adequate evidence to claim any ancestry for Peter Rucker:

"We really, truly, don't know Peter Rucker's European origin. As of 2009, the best genealogical research has failed to produce substantiated evidence convincing enough to trace him across the Atlantic Ocean. Early researchers made claims which cannot be proven by any primary sources, and these claims continue to confuse and convince neophyte genealogists who may be eager to believe. Remember that earlier research is not necessarily better research, and we mustn't believe everything we read. The Rucker Family Society has a great interest in tracing the origin of our American family's founder and encourages all members in their efforts to put together the pieces of this puzzle."

Peter Rucker, Immigrant to America

                          by Jean Brydon

                          February 1995 

http://www.theruckerfamilysociety.org/peterrucker.html

Peter1 Rucker, Immigrant to America, circa 1700 (1), settled in Essex Co., VA. He married shortly thereafter and began the Rucker dynasty.

• b. ca 1675, in Europe (2)
• d. ca 1744, Orange Co., VA (3)
• m. ca 1700, to Elizabeth ______ (maiden name unknown) (4)
• Birth date and place unknown
• d. ca 1752, Culpeper Co., VA, when Peter Rucker's estate was divided
• (D. B. 1, p.400, 21 Feb 1752, Culpeper Co., VA).

The Rucker's lived in Essex County, later moving to Spotsylvania Co., where John Rucker purchased land for them (5). In 1734 Spotsylvania Co. became Orange, in 1848 it became Culpeper, and in 1793, Madison.

Issue (probably born in Essex Co., VA, birth dates are estimated) (6):

• 1. John 2 Rucker, b. ca 1701; m. Susannah _______.
• 2. Peter 2 Rucker, b. ca 1703, probably died young (7).
• 3. Thomas 2 Rucker, b. ca 1705; m. Elizabeth Reynolds.
• 4. Elizabeth 2 Rucker, b. ca 1708; m. William Pierce.
• 5. Margaret 2 Rucker, b. ca 1710; m. Isaac Tinsley.
• 6. William 2 Rucker, b. ca 1713; m. Honar _____.
• 7. Mary 2 Rucker, b. ca 1720; m. William Offill.
• 8. James 2 Rucker, b. ca 1723; m. Margaret _____.
• 9. Ephraim 2 Rucker, b. ca 1725; m. Margaret Vawter.
• 10. Ann 2 Rucker, b. ca 1727; m. Shem Cook.

Footnotes:

1. It was previously thought that Peter arrived in 1690, but that was taking into consideration that immigrants had to be in the country fourteen years to be naturalized. However, the law now believed applicable in the early 1700s required only a four-year residency, and the fourteen-year residency requirement for aliens was a late 1700s law. Final approval of Peter's petition for naturalization was granted on 8 May 1704, leading us to believe he arrived in the year 1700.

2. No evidence has been found as to Peter Rucker's origin. His name is Germanic, yet he was naturalized with several French refugees, leading historians to believe he came from Alsace-Lorraine, an area that was part French, part German. In 1700 many French Huguenots arrived in Virginia. Peter Rucker’s birth date is speculation.

3. Peter Rucker's Will was dated 18 Jan 1742/1743, and proved 23 Feb 1743/1744 (Will Book 1, p.299, Orange Co., VA).

4. The surname Fielding came from Whitley's book, and she has since admitted she was mistaken, and that Fielding was not Elizabeth's maiden name. There is no evidence of a Fielding living near the Rucker's in Essex Co. The family Coghill has been researched and no evidence exists of a female named Elizabeth Coghill. Frederick Coghill's wife's maiden name was Goss, but we can find no Elizabeth Goss.

5. Deed Book B, p.493, 5 Feb 1733/34, Spotsylvania Co., VA, 420 acres was deeded to Peter and Elizabeth Rucker from John Rucker.

6. Names of children are from Will of Peter Rucker, except for sons John, who predeceased his father by one year, and Peter (see #7).

7. The only record of son, Peter Rucker, was in the Frederick Coghill deed, dated 28 Jan 1707/8 (Deed Book 13, p. 91, Essex Co., VA): ". . . for the kind love and affection I owe unto John, Peter, and Thomas Rucker, sons of said Peter Rucker . . .."

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(Also see 2004 note by Jeannie Robinson below).

It is not clear exactly when and under what conditions Peter Rucker came to America, but he was naturalized in Virginia on April 24, 1704. Some accounts say that he had a two-step migration, from continental Europe to England, and from there to America. There are several conflicting accounts. One version says that Father Peter Rucker came to America after sons John and Thomas did. He settled in Essex Co, VA (later in Spotsylvania).

Peter Rucker's Naturalization from the Virginia House of Burgesses is dated Monday, 24 April 1704, approved by William Byrd, John Lightfoot, Robert Carter, John Custis, Phillip Ludwell, Henry Duke, Robert Quary and John Smith, Esq. The petitions that day were for naturalization of Jno. Veillon, Peter Fonyeilles, John Dep, Francois Colonies Jaqueline Jaques, Bartholomew Depuys, Isaac (Ifaac) Ssiguier (ffiguier), John Rossett (Roffett) and Paul Drapier; Cyprian Prou, Peter Rucker and Isaac Garret...the "French Refugees of Manakintown."

Edythe Rucker Whitley ("Rucker's and Connections" 1920) believed that he fled from Germany or France during the uprising between Catholics and Protestants between 1685 and 1700. "In England, there has been found that thousands of these refugees came to that country to make their home. After a short stay in England, they were sent by the crown to various Colonies. (See also Huguenots Immigration and Settlers by R.A. Brock). All Huguenots or such settlers were naturalized by proclamation in 1702, thus being the reason Peter Rucker was issued naturalization papers in the year 1704...."(p. 7)

Essex Co. Va deed book 13, p90-91, 1707/8 Frederick Coghill names Peter Rucker & his wife Elizabeth. Also, Coghill refers to "the kind love and affection I owe unto John Rucker, Peter Rucker & Thomas Rucker, sons of the within mentioned Peter Rucker."

A Peter & Elizabeth Rucker sold 463 acres to JOHN GOFF in Albemarle Co. (on the James River) [now Amherst Co] in 1751. However, this Peter was either the son of Peter (1707) or the son of John (Will 1743)

Peter Rucker's will, dated 18 Jan 1743 (WB 1, p. 299, Orange County, Virginia) is as follows:

In the name of God amen, I Peter Rucker of St. Mark's Parish in the county of Orange planter being weak in body but of pursued mind and memory knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my last will and Testament in manner following:

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

Item I lend unto my beloved wife Elizabeth Rucker all my estate both real and personal during her natural life and after her decease to be divided in the following manner.

Item I give and bequeath my beloved daughter Margaret Tinsley and my son-in-law Isaac Tinsley a negro boy named Yorkshire to them and their heirs forever.

Item I give and bequeath to my beloved son Ephraim Rucker a negro girl named Phillis to him and his heirs forever.

Item I give and bequeath to my beloved daughter Ann Cook and my son-in-law Shem Cook a negro girl named Jeney to her and her increase to them and their heirs forever.

Item I do desire that the rest of my estate both real and personal after my wife's decease as aforesaid be sold by my Exr hereafter named at public auction to the highest bidder on six months credit for Current Money the buyer giving good security and the money arising from the sale to be equally divided amongst my beloved children by names as follows: Thomas Rucker, Elizabeth Pierce, William Rucker, Mary Offell, James Rucker, Ephriam Rucker, and Ann Cook and their heirs forever, and lastly I do constitute and appoint my beloved sons James and Ephriam Rucker to be my whole and sole Executors of this my last will and testament...this 18th day of Jan 1743.

Signed and sealed in the presence of Wm. Jackson, Wm. Offell, Mich. Holt.

Peter Rucker his X mark....

Will Probated 23 Feb 1743: At a Court held for Orange County on Thursday ye 23 Day of February. 1743. The Last Will and Testament of Peter Rucker Dec'd. being presented into Court by James Rucker and Ephraim Rucker Exrs. Therein named and proved by the oaths of Wm. Jackson and Mich. Holt two of the Witnesses Thereto who also made Oath that they saw William Offell sign the same as an Evidence and the sd Exrs. having severally Taken the Oath of an Exr. and having Entered into bond with Mic. Holt, George Holt and Richard Mauldin Junr., Their Securities, before their due Execution thereof, Probate is Granted them and the said will together with the Bond was admitted to record.

Test: Jonath Gibson

A posting on the Rucker family Gen Forum from 2004:

http://genforum.com/rucker/messages/1406.html Posted by: Jeannie Robinson December 11, 2004

In Reply to: Rucker's trace origin to Germany England then USA by Norma Kirchhofer of 1751

Your information is NOT helpful. You have used a Rucker book that is not correct.

Peter Rucker came to Virginia in 1700 from the continent--there is no evidence that he ever went to England (unless the ship stopped there on the way). He was NOT of German Nobility.

Peter then married in Virginia to Elizabeth _____, we DO NOT KNOW HER MAIDEN NAME.

Peter was naturalized in 1704 after being here four years.

Oldest son, John Rucker, was born IN VIRGINIA circa 1702 and married Susannah _____ (again we do NOT know her maiden name).

If you or anyone wants to know the correct information, get Sudie Rucker Wood's book, THE RUCKER FAMILY GENEALOGY, 1932.

The most up to date information can be purchased from Alice Rucker Allen at <mopchy@texas.net>. Her book, RUCKER HERITAGE had the correct information for Rucker's for the first four generations. For $35 it is well worth it.

I have been researching Rucker genealogy for 25 years and am the founder of the Rucker Family Society.

References

• Boddie Family charts, illustrations, & coat-of-arms. “Rucker.” page 169. < Ancestry Sharing >