The following information was assembled from numerous sources and cannot be used directly as proof of Qualifying Service or Lineage.
It is considered a research aid and is intended to assist in locating sources that can be used as proof.
State of Service: VA
Qualifying Service: Captain / Patriotic Service
Memorial Record for this Patriot found in Find-A-Grave Jan 2022. Burial Details Unknown
Directions to Cemetery / Gravesite:
Author: PZ Horton III
BENJAMIN RUCKER was born c 1730 in Spotsylvania, Virginia. He died on 10 Nov 1809 in Amherst, Virginia at about age: 79. He married Elizabeth about 1756. Her maiden name is currently unknown. She died in Washington, Illinois. Their burial is unknown.
Benjamin Rucker was an active participant in county affairs and was an attorney at law. He served as a sheriff and Justice of the Peace in Amherst County Virginia. He was issued a “Commission” by Ambrose Rucker to quiz wives’ when their husbands sold their land. He posted the Sheriff’s bond in Amherst County along with his brother, Ambrose Rucker on 3 May 1779. In 1775 he was appointed to the Committee of Safety. In 1780 he rendered material aid to the Revolutionary Military Militia to General Green by donating several hundred pounds of beef, fodder, corn, oats, pork, wheat, flower barrel, pasturage of beeves, and provided bacon for the troops.
Benjamin served as a Captain in the 2 Battalion Militia, Amherst, VA in 1780.
Benjamin is counted on the 1790 U. S. Census in Amherst County, Virginia.
Anthony and Benjamin Rucker were the inventors of the James River batteau, “which superseded the double dugout canoe and rolling road for transporting tobacco hogsheads”. A historical sign was erected near the James River in Virginia which says:
“Near here lived Anthony and Benjamin Rucker, inventors of the James River batteau, which superseded the double dugout canoe and rolling road for transporting tobacco hogsheads. These long (50 or 60 feet), double ended vessels dominated the commercial traffic on the James River between the 1770's and 1840's. A dispute arose in 1821 when the Rucker brothers' heirs sought to patent the design. A letter from Thomas Jefferson testifying to his presence at the first batteau's launch resolved the matter in the Rucker's favor”.
Benjamin Rucker and Elizabeth (maiden name unknown) had the following children: 1. JAMES2 RUCKER was born on 04 Sep 1758 in Albemarle, Virginia. He died on 10 Sep 1819 in Rutherford, Tennessee. He married (1) EUPHAN TATE, daughter of Henry Tate and Sarah Netherland, on 31 May 1781 in Bedford, Virginia. He married (2) NANCY READ on 31 Jan 1788 in Bedford, Virginia. She was born on 12 May 1765.
2. THOMAS RUCKER was born about 1760 in Amherst, Virginia.
3. LUCY RUCKER was born about 1763 in Amherst, Virginia.
4. MILDRED RUCKER was born about 1767 in Amherst, Virginia.
5. SOPHIA RUCKER was born on 07 Jul 1775 in Bedford, Virginia.
6. GIDEON RUCKER was born on 06 May 1777 in Bedford, Virginia.
7. BENNETT RUCKER was born on 31 May 1779 in Bedford, Virginia.
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