Jonathan Rudd, immigrant ancestor, was born in England. He settled as early as 1640 in New Haven, Connecticut, and soon afterward in Saybrook, Connecticut.
He is first found in April 1640 on the records of the Particular Court of Hartford, CT. He appears to be quite young, perhaps a late teenager, he was then of New Haven. How he reached Connecticut is unknown, no parents to be found in early colonial records. Apparently he was of English descent, although the RUDD name is often found in very early records of Ireland, Scotland and Wales as well as England. Many Rudd ministers are found in England.
Jonathan removed soon to Saybrook, where he took the Oath of Fidelity 1 Oct 1644 and was made Freeman. He was Admitted Freeman and took the oath of Allegiance in 1651, in Hartford.
He was a prominent citizen of Saybrook, assistant to Captain Mason in the fort there in 1652; sealer of leather in 1656, and held various other places of trust and honor.
Jonathan and Mary were married under romantic circumstances in the winter of 1647 by John Winthrop of New London, who was acting under a MA commission.
In the winter of 1646/47, Jonathan Rudd and Mary Metcalf of Saybrook wished to be married but there was no magistrate or minister in Saybrook. As the winter was very severe, the magistrate from Hartford was unable to make the trip to Saybrook. The distance to Hartford and the snows of winter turned the bridegroom's thought to journey to Pequot Harbour (now New London).
There Jonathan Winthrop, afterward Governor of Connecticut, held authority from the Colony of Mass. to marry. At that time New London was part of the Massachusetts Colony and Winthrop was not authorized to perform. the ceremony in Connecticu so the home of the betrothed was beyond his jurisdiction. Midway between her home and that of the "squire," a little rivulet "rippled down the boundary line" between the two colonies. The stream, now known as Bride Brook, was considered to be the boundary between the Connecticut and Massachusetts colonies.
So here, by arrangement, a cavalcade from New London, marshaled by the worthy magistrate, met the bridal party from Saybrook. The parties met on the stream bank and Winthrop officiated at the marriage on the east bank or Massachusetts side where he had authority and the bridal couple on the west side of the rivulet, the ceremony was performed. Hence the little ice-bound, snow-covered stream has ever since been known as "Bride Brook."--(Bingham, p. 171.)
See "Atlantic", April 1876, for a poem by G.P. Lathrop on the subject.
"Connecticut Nutmegger", Vol. 6, June 1973:
A dower chest belonging to the bride with the initials JR and MM carved on it has been preserved. Until recently it was owned by the Bingham family and a photograph of it is in the Bingham Genealogy. It was last owned by the Lyman-allen Museum in New London until two years ago when the ladies of the society raised funds to purchase it. The chest now stands in the keeping room of the house.
Documentation of the Bride Brook wedding is unusually good. During the 1670s there were some excellent hay fields in the vicinity of the Lee House. The right to cut the hay was claimed by farmers from both New London and Lyme. John Winthrop, Jr. testified before the court that was attempting to settle the boundary dispute and told of the wedding and established Bride Brook as the boundary at that time. The dispute remained unresolved until finally it was agreed to settle the matter by means of a fist fight; each town selecting a man to represent it. The fight was held and the man from Lyme won. As a result, the boundary was moved about 2-1/2 miles eastward where it remained until 1839 when East Lyme was formed from parts of Lyme and Waterford."87
From "Some Ancestors and Descendants of Joseph Rudd, Jr., 1740-1818 and his wife, Sarah Story, 1744-1842," by Dorothy Rudd DuMond:
"The Bride Brook Wedding - 1646/7
By Charles Boynton Martin,
Descendant of Bride Brook Marriage
In quaint East Lyme there is a stream
That flows from lake to sea
Bride Brooke is its romantic name --
It lives in history.
Between Peqwuot and Old Saybrook
It was the boundry[sic] line
When they were little separate states
In old colonial time.
Young Jonathan Rudd of fair Saybrook
A married man would be
And he would wed 'mid winter's cold
Brook no delay would he.
In snow-bound Saybrook none was found
The nuptial knot to tie;
The Governor of Pequot was asked,
Who sent this kind reply.
"Within the limits of Pequot
I'll gladly marry thee
So meet me at the boundary stream
Where it flows out to sea."
The day was fixed; the parties made;
They all set forth with glee --
But oh! in flood the little brook
A river proved to be.
When hopes are high and lovers young
And hearts are all aquiver,
What shame a marriage to postpone
Justs for a raging river!
The governor pointed up the stream
Where banks were close together
And where the voice could bridge the brook
Through the blustery weather.
And there the wedding was performed
Across the boundry[sic] river
While cakes of ice were floating by
'Mid cold that made them shiver.
The snow flakes wove the bridal veil
Her train - the drifting snow
The winds played in the pine tree tops
A march both sweet and low.
The wild fowl flying overhead
The Indians lurking nigh
Were witness of their plighted troth
Beneath the vaulted sky.
The prayer by John Winthrop offered up
The vows that there were made
Are written in the books above
Where records never face.
And Winthrop at that time and place
Gave to that little river
The name of Bride Brooke as its own
Which it will keep forever.
And lovers linger on its banks
And talk in voices low
Of lovers true who there were wed
In days of long ago.
The romantic marriage is so beautifully described by Miss Caulkins on page 48 of her "History of New London, Conn.". "Jonathan appears to have been quite a lad in his early years. He is thought to have been a native of England who came to America around 1640. He first appears at Hartford, Conn. on April 2, 1640 when, with other youths, he was before the court for being intimate with Mary Bronson. On Jan. 4,1643/4 he was fined in New Haven for defective arms. Three months later he was fined with others for attending a drinking party. He took the oath of fidelity on October 1, 1644. He seems to have returned shortly after to Hartford, and although he was mentioned in New Haven records on June 2, 1646 as having told Edward Parker some gossip he heard from the boatswain, he did not appear to testify in the case."It is not known when he settled in Saybrook except that he was there by the winter of 1646/7. He was made a freeman of the Conn. Colony May 15, 1651. On Feb. 23, 1652/3 he was appointed with Thomay Tracy to assist Capt. John Mason in fitting out the six great guns for the defense of Saybrook. He was made leather sealer for Saybrook on Oct. 4, 1656.
He must have been a reliable, able man to be assigned to such responsible duties. His home property adjoined the Meeting House yard, another larger grant close by.[64] "Jonathan's title of Lieut. which appears in records of his estate may have come from his being one of the two men appointed to assist Capt. mason at Saybrook Fort, but unlike his co-assistant Thomas Tracy, he does not seem to have been formally commissioned.
Jonathan died in July, 1658, as recorded in the inventory of his estate, filed August 28, 1658. A copy of this document is in the Conn. State Library. Probably Jonathan was not a seeker after religious liberty, but apparently came out of England a youth in search of adventure and advancement. In New Haven he was guilty of minor indiscretions during the first year of his residence there, but on becoming a free burgess in 1644 he assumed the stringent religious obligations incidental to citizenship in that colony, and appears henceforth to have taken up the responsibilities of life with earnestness and vigour. In a new country where each individual is thrown to a great extent upon his own resources for a livelihood, it is difficult to determine a man's actual social status by his pursuits. Jonathan was by vocation a leather worker and a farmer, and by avocation a soldier. In civil life he was among the Selectmen or governing board of the settlement, held one or two minor offices, and would probably have made greater impress on his time had not death so clearly cut short his career.
"Jonathan is a qualifying ancestor for Sons of Colonial Wars. The inventory of Jonathan's estate amounting to L106/03/10 was taken July, 1658 by John Westol and Stephen Post who were desired by the court of administer. Mr. Fitch was also desired to be helpful to the children as is declared are two sons and four daughters. Mr. Westol showed his accounts Jan. 2, 1663 and has paid debts totaling L95/08/00. Lieut. Jonathan Rudd of Saybrook, Inventory of the estate taken July 1658, amount L106-03-10; apprized[sic] by John Westil and Stephen Post. This Court desired these to Administer on the estate. Mr. Fitch is also desired to be helpful to the Children, as is declared are two sons and four daughters. June 2, 1663, Mr. Westell brought his books to me, wherein was an account of Debts paid upon the account of Jonathan Rudd, amount L96-08-00. The account was accepted by the magistrates.
"Test: Samuel Wyllys. Recorded by me, John Allyn, Secretary, May 23, 1667 (Manwaring's "Early Probate Records of Hartford County, Conn.; Vol. 1, page 148).
The disposal of the estate, only ten pounds being left after payment of debts, is found incidentally among various land items of Saybrook. "Lands of William Bushnell bought of Jno Westall, December 30, 1662." -- the above lands were formerly Jonathan Rudds and John Westall being administrator to that estate sold them to William Bushnell."[65] Saybrook 20 January 1684. Know all men that whereas upon certain personal knowledge as well as by sufficient testimony, Mr. John Wastoll in his lifetime upon mature deliberation did give and bequeath unto Nathan Rudd now of Norwich a Certain piece of land formerly belonging to Robert Williams of Kenelworth Recovered by the said Wastell by judgement of cost and seized and delivered by execution according to appraisal made by Mr. Edward Griswold and Leiftenant Henry Crane as appeareth under their hands" -- Thomas Buckingham Executor & John Kirtland, heir, quit claim any right to sd land. Saybrook January 20, 1684, the Rev'd Mr. Thomas Buckingham and John Kirtland executors to the estate of Mr. John Wastell dec'd acknowledged the above written deed before [there's nothing typed after this--on the next line is James Fitch Assistant. Saybrook 20 January 1684. Nathaniel Rudd of Norwich, County New London, Colony of Connecticut, assigns and makes over the contents of the above conveyance to Samuel Cogswell of Saybrook, and quit claims to Cogswell all claims on lands "which were formerly my father Lieut. Jonathan Rudd's, "for myself and my heirs,. Witnessed John Chapman and Samuel Jones. Acknowledged at Saybrook January 20, 1684.
Jonathan and Mary had 9 known children.
Children
John (1644-?)
Patience (1644-?)
Mary Mabel (1648-1726)
Patience (1649-<1700)
Nathaniel (1652-1727)
Jonathan II (1655-1689)
William (1655-?)
Daughter Rudd (1657-)
Child Rudd (1662-?)
[rev 11-13-15]
He is first found in April 1640 on the records of the Particular Court of Hartford, CT. He appears to be quite young, perhaps a late teenager, he was then of New Haven. How he reached Connecticut is unknown, no parents to be found in early colonial records. Apparently he was of English descent, although the RUDD name is often found in very early records of Ireland, Scotland and Wales as well as England. Many Rudd ministers are found in England.
Jonathan removed soon to Saybrook, where he took the Oath of Fidelity 1 Oct 1644 and was made Freeman. He was Admitted Freeman and took the oath of Allegiance in 1651, in Hartford.
He was a prominent citizen of Saybrook, assistant to Captain Mason in the fort there in 1652; sealer of leather in 1656, and held various other places of trust and honor.
Jonathan and Mary were married under romantic circumstances in the winter of 1647 by John Winthrop of New London, who was acting under a MA commission.
In the winter of 1646/47, Jonathan Rudd and Mary Metcalf of Saybrook wished to be married but there was no magistrate or minister in Saybrook. As the winter was very severe, the magistrate from Hartford was unable to make the trip to Saybrook. The distance to Hartford and the snows of winter turned the bridegroom's thought to journey to Pequot Harbour (now New London).
There Jonathan Winthrop, afterward Governor of Connecticut, held authority from the Colony of Mass. to marry. At that time New London was part of the Massachusetts Colony and Winthrop was not authorized to perform. the ceremony in Connecticu so the home of the betrothed was beyond his jurisdiction. Midway between her home and that of the "squire," a little rivulet "rippled down the boundary line" between the two colonies. The stream, now known as Bride Brook, was considered to be the boundary between the Connecticut and Massachusetts colonies.
So here, by arrangement, a cavalcade from New London, marshaled by the worthy magistrate, met the bridal party from Saybrook. The parties met on the stream bank and Winthrop officiated at the marriage on the east bank or Massachusetts side where he had authority and the bridal couple on the west side of the rivulet, the ceremony was performed. Hence the little ice-bound, snow-covered stream has ever since been known as "Bride Brook."--(Bingham, p. 171.)
See "Atlantic", April 1876, for a poem by G.P. Lathrop on the subject.
"Connecticut Nutmegger", Vol. 6, June 1973:
A dower chest belonging to the bride with the initials JR and MM carved on it has been preserved. Until recently it was owned by the Bingham family and a photograph of it is in the Bingham Genealogy. It was last owned by the Lyman-allen Museum in New London until two years ago when the ladies of the society raised funds to purchase it. The chest now stands in the keeping room of the house.
Documentation of the Bride Brook wedding is unusually good. During the 1670s there were some excellent hay fields in the vicinity of the Lee House. The right to cut the hay was claimed by farmers from both New London and Lyme. John Winthrop, Jr. testified before the court that was attempting to settle the boundary dispute and told of the wedding and established Bride Brook as the boundary at that time. The dispute remained unresolved until finally it was agreed to settle the matter by means of a fist fight; each town selecting a man to represent it. The fight was held and the man from Lyme won. As a result, the boundary was moved about 2-1/2 miles eastward where it remained until 1839 when East Lyme was formed from parts of Lyme and Waterford."87
From "Some Ancestors and Descendants of Joseph Rudd, Jr., 1740-1818 and his wife, Sarah Story, 1744-1842," by Dorothy Rudd DuMond:
"The Bride Brook Wedding - 1646/7
By Charles Boynton Martin,
Descendant of Bride Brook Marriage
In quaint East Lyme there is a stream
That flows from lake to sea
Bride Brooke is its romantic name --
It lives in history.
Between Peqwuot and Old Saybrook
It was the boundry[sic] line
When they were little separate states
In old colonial time.
Young Jonathan Rudd of fair Saybrook
A married man would be
And he would wed 'mid winter's cold
Brook no delay would he.
In snow-bound Saybrook none was found
The nuptial knot to tie;
The Governor of Pequot was asked,
Who sent this kind reply.
"Within the limits of Pequot
I'll gladly marry thee
So meet me at the boundary stream
Where it flows out to sea."
The day was fixed; the parties made;
They all set forth with glee --
But oh! in flood the little brook
A river proved to be.
When hopes are high and lovers young
And hearts are all aquiver,
What shame a marriage to postpone
Justs for a raging river!
The governor pointed up the stream
Where banks were close together
And where the voice could bridge the brook
Through the blustery weather.
And there the wedding was performed
Across the boundry[sic] river
While cakes of ice were floating by
'Mid cold that made them shiver.
The snow flakes wove the bridal veil
Her train - the drifting snow
The winds played in the pine tree tops
A march both sweet and low.
The wild fowl flying overhead
The Indians lurking nigh
Were witness of their plighted troth
Beneath the vaulted sky.
The prayer by John Winthrop offered up
The vows that there were made
Are written in the books above
Where records never face.
And Winthrop at that time and place
Gave to that little river
The name of Bride Brooke as its own
Which it will keep forever.
And lovers linger on its banks
And talk in voices low
Of lovers true who there were wed
In days of long ago.
The romantic marriage is so beautifully described by Miss Caulkins on page 48 of her "History of New London, Conn.". "Jonathan appears to have been quite a lad in his early years. He is thought to have been a native of England who came to America around 1640. He first appears at Hartford, Conn. on April 2, 1640 when, with other youths, he was before the court for being intimate with Mary Bronson. On Jan. 4,1643/4 he was fined in New Haven for defective arms. Three months later he was fined with others for attending a drinking party. He took the oath of fidelity on October 1, 1644. He seems to have returned shortly after to Hartford, and although he was mentioned in New Haven records on June 2, 1646 as having told Edward Parker some gossip he heard from the boatswain, he did not appear to testify in the case."It is not known when he settled in Saybrook except that he was there by the winter of 1646/7. He was made a freeman of the Conn. Colony May 15, 1651. On Feb. 23, 1652/3 he was appointed with Thomay Tracy to assist Capt. John Mason in fitting out the six great guns for the defense of Saybrook. He was made leather sealer for Saybrook on Oct. 4, 1656.
He must have been a reliable, able man to be assigned to such responsible duties. His home property adjoined the Meeting House yard, another larger grant close by.[64] "Jonathan's title of Lieut. which appears in records of his estate may have come from his being one of the two men appointed to assist Capt. mason at Saybrook Fort, but unlike his co-assistant Thomas Tracy, he does not seem to have been formally commissioned.
Jonathan died in July, 1658, as recorded in the inventory of his estate, filed August 28, 1658. A copy of this document is in the Conn. State Library. Probably Jonathan was not a seeker after religious liberty, but apparently came out of England a youth in search of adventure and advancement. In New Haven he was guilty of minor indiscretions during the first year of his residence there, but on becoming a free burgess in 1644 he assumed the stringent religious obligations incidental to citizenship in that colony, and appears henceforth to have taken up the responsibilities of life with earnestness and vigour. In a new country where each individual is thrown to a great extent upon his own resources for a livelihood, it is difficult to determine a man's actual social status by his pursuits. Jonathan was by vocation a leather worker and a farmer, and by avocation a soldier. In civil life he was among the Selectmen or governing board of the settlement, held one or two minor offices, and would probably have made greater impress on his time had not death so clearly cut short his career.
"Jonathan is a qualifying ancestor for Sons of Colonial Wars. The inventory of Jonathan's estate amounting to L106/03/10 was taken July, 1658 by John Westol and Stephen Post who were desired by the court of administer. Mr. Fitch was also desired to be helpful to the children as is declared are two sons and four daughters. Mr. Westol showed his accounts Jan. 2, 1663 and has paid debts totaling L95/08/00. Lieut. Jonathan Rudd of Saybrook, Inventory of the estate taken July 1658, amount L106-03-10; apprized[sic] by John Westil and Stephen Post. This Court desired these to Administer on the estate. Mr. Fitch is also desired to be helpful to the Children, as is declared are two sons and four daughters. June 2, 1663, Mr. Westell brought his books to me, wherein was an account of Debts paid upon the account of Jonathan Rudd, amount L96-08-00. The account was accepted by the magistrates.
"Test: Samuel Wyllys. Recorded by me, John Allyn, Secretary, May 23, 1667 (Manwaring's "Early Probate Records of Hartford County, Conn.; Vol. 1, page 148).
The disposal of the estate, only ten pounds being left after payment of debts, is found incidentally among various land items of Saybrook. "Lands of William Bushnell bought of Jno Westall, December 30, 1662." -- the above lands were formerly Jonathan Rudds and John Westall being administrator to that estate sold them to William Bushnell."[65] Saybrook 20 January 1684. Know all men that whereas upon certain personal knowledge as well as by sufficient testimony, Mr. John Wastoll in his lifetime upon mature deliberation did give and bequeath unto Nathan Rudd now of Norwich a Certain piece of land formerly belonging to Robert Williams of Kenelworth Recovered by the said Wastell by judgement of cost and seized and delivered by execution according to appraisal made by Mr. Edward Griswold and Leiftenant Henry Crane as appeareth under their hands" -- Thomas Buckingham Executor & John Kirtland, heir, quit claim any right to sd land. Saybrook January 20, 1684, the Rev'd Mr. Thomas Buckingham and John Kirtland executors to the estate of Mr. John Wastell dec'd acknowledged the above written deed before [there's nothing typed after this--on the next line is James Fitch Assistant. Saybrook 20 January 1684. Nathaniel Rudd of Norwich, County New London, Colony of Connecticut, assigns and makes over the contents of the above conveyance to Samuel Cogswell of Saybrook, and quit claims to Cogswell all claims on lands "which were formerly my father Lieut. Jonathan Rudd's, "for myself and my heirs,. Witnessed John Chapman and Samuel Jones. Acknowledged at Saybrook January 20, 1684.
Jonathan and Mary had 9 known children.
Children
John (1644-?)
Patience (1644-?)
Mary Mabel (1648-1726)
Patience (1649-<1700)
Nathaniel (1652-1727)
Jonathan II (1655-1689)
William (1655-?)
Daughter Rudd (1657-)
Child Rudd (1662-?)
[rev 11-13-15]
Jonathan Rudd, immigrant ancestor, was born in England. He settled as early as 1640 in New Haven, Connecticut, and soon afterward in Saybrook, Connecticut.
He is first found in April 1640 on the records of the Particular Court of Hartford, CT. He appears to be quite young, perhaps a late teenager, he was then of New Haven. How he reached Connecticut is unknown, no parents to be found in early colonial records. Apparently he was of English descent, although the RUDD name is often found in very early records of Ireland, Scotland and Wales as well as England. Many Rudd ministers are found in England.
Jonathan removed soon to Saybrook, where he took the Oath of Fidelity 1 Oct 1644 and was made Freeman. He was Admitted Freeman and took the oath of Allegiance in 1651, in Hartford.
He was a prominent citizen of Saybrook, assistant to Captain Mason in the fort there in 1652; sealer of leather in 1656, and held various other places of trust and honor.
Jonathan and Mary were married under romantic circumstances in the winter of 1647 by John Winthrop of New London, who was acting under a MA commission.
In the winter of 1646/47, Jonathan Rudd and Mary Metcalf of Saybrook wished to be married but there was no magistrate or minister in Saybrook. As the winter was very severe, the magistrate from Hartford was unable to make the trip to Saybrook. The distance to Hartford and the snows of winter turned the bridegroom's thought to journey to Pequot Harbour (now New London).
There Jonathan Winthrop, afterward Governor of Connecticut, held authority from the Colony of Mass. to marry. At that time New London was part of the Massachusetts Colony and Winthrop was not authorized to perform. the ceremony in Connecticu so the home of the betrothed was beyond his jurisdiction. Midway between her home and that of the "squire," a little rivulet "rippled down the boundary line" between the two colonies. The stream, now known as Bride Brook, was considered to be the boundary between the Connecticut and Massachusetts colonies.
So here, by arrangement, a cavalcade from New London, marshaled by the worthy magistrate, met the bridal party from Saybrook. The parties met on the stream bank and Winthrop officiated at the marriage on the east bank or Massachusetts side where he had authority and the bridal couple on the west side of the rivulet, the ceremony was performed. Hence the little ice-bound, snow-covered stream has ever since been known as "Bride Brook."--(Bingham, p. 171.)
See "Atlantic", April 1876, for a poem by G.P. Lathrop on the subject.
"Connecticut Nutmegger", Vol. 6, June 1973:
A dower chest belonging to the bride with the initials JR and MM carved on it has been preserved. Until recently it was owned by the Bingham family and a photograph of it is in the Bingham Genealogy. It was last owned by the Lyman-allen Museum in New London until two years ago when the ladies of the society raised funds to purchase it. The chest now stands in the keeping room of the house.
Documentation of the Bride Brook wedding is unusually good. During the 1670s there were some excellent hay fields in the vicinity of the Lee House. The right to cut the hay was claimed by farmers from both New London and Lyme. John Winthrop, Jr. testified before the court that was attempting to settle the boundary dispute and told of the wedding and established Bride Brook as the boundary at that time. The dispute remained unresolved until finally it was agreed to settle the matter by means of a fist fight; each town selecting a man to represent it. The fight was held and the man from Lyme won. As a result, the boundary was moved about 2-1/2 miles eastward where it remained until 1839 when East Lyme was formed from parts of Lyme and Waterford."87
From "Some Ancestors and Descendants of Joseph Rudd, Jr., 1740-1818 and his wife, Sarah Story, 1744-1842," by Dorothy Rudd DuMond:
"The Bride Brook Wedding - 1646/7
By Charles Boynton Martin,
Descendant of Bride Brook Marriage
In quaint East Lyme there is a stream
That flows from lake to sea
Bride Brooke is its romantic name --
It lives in history.
Between Peqwuot and Old Saybrook
It was the boundry[sic] line
When they were little separate states
In old colonial time.
Young Jonathan Rudd of fair Saybrook
A married man would be
And he would wed 'mid winter's cold
Brook no delay would he.
In snow-bound Saybrook none was found
The nuptial knot to tie;
The Governor of Pequot was asked,
Who sent this kind reply.
"Within the limits of Pequot
I'll gladly marry thee
So meet me at the boundary stream
Where it flows out to sea."
The day was fixed; the parties made;
They all set forth with glee --
But oh! in flood the little brook
A river proved to be.
When hopes are high and lovers young
And hearts are all aquiver,
What shame a marriage to postpone
Justs for a raging river!
The governor pointed up the stream
Where banks were close together
And where the voice could bridge the brook
Through the blustery weather.
And there the wedding was performed
Across the boundry[sic] river
While cakes of ice were floating by
'Mid cold that made them shiver.
The snow flakes wove the bridal veil
Her train - the drifting snow
The winds played in the pine tree tops
A march both sweet and low.
The wild fowl flying overhead
The Indians lurking nigh
Were witness of their plighted troth
Beneath the vaulted sky.
The prayer by John Winthrop offered up
The vows that there were made
Are written in the books above
Where records never face.
And Winthrop at that time and place
Gave to that little river
The name of Bride Brooke as its own
Which it will keep forever.
And lovers linger on its banks
And talk in voices low
Of lovers true who there were wed
In days of long ago.
The romantic marriage is so beautifully described by Miss Caulkins on page 48 of her "History of New London, Conn.". "Jonathan appears to have been quite a lad in his early years. He is thought to have been a native of England who came to America around 1640. He first appears at Hartford, Conn. on April 2, 1640 when, with other youths, he was before the court for being intimate with Mary Bronson. On Jan. 4,1643/4 he was fined in New Haven for defective arms. Three months later he was fined with others for attending a drinking party. He took the oath of fidelity on October 1, 1644. He seems to have returned shortly after to Hartford, and although he was mentioned in New Haven records on June 2, 1646 as having told Edward Parker some gossip he heard from the boatswain, he did not appear to testify in the case."It is not known when he settled in Saybrook except that he was there by the winter of 1646/7. He was made a freeman of the Conn. Colony May 15, 1651. On Feb. 23, 1652/3 he was appointed with Thomay Tracy to assist Capt. John Mason in fitting out the six great guns for the defense of Saybrook. He was made leather sealer for Saybrook on Oct. 4, 1656.
He must have been a reliable, able man to be assigned to such responsible duties. His home property adjoined the Meeting House yard, another larger grant close by.[64] "Jonathan's title of Lieut. which appears in records of his estate may have come from his being one of the two men appointed to assist Capt. mason at Saybrook Fort, but unlike his co-assistant Thomas Tracy, he does not seem to have been formally commissioned.
Jonathan died in July, 1658, as recorded in the inventory of his estate, filed August 28, 1658. A copy of this document is in the Conn. State Library. Probably Jonathan was not a seeker after religious liberty, but apparently came out of England a youth in search of adventure and advancement. In New Haven he was guilty of minor indiscretions during the first year of his residence there, but on becoming a free burgess in 1644 he assumed the stringent religious obligations incidental to citizenship in that colony, and appears henceforth to have taken up the responsibilities of life with earnestness and vigour. In a new country where each individual is thrown to a great extent upon his own resources for a livelihood, it is difficult to determine a man's actual social status by his pursuits. Jonathan was by vocation a leather worker and a farmer, and by avocation a soldier. In civil life he was among the Selectmen or governing board of the settlement, held one or two minor offices, and would probably have made greater impress on his time had not death so clearly cut short his career.
"Jonathan is a qualifying ancestor for Sons of Colonial Wars. The inventory of Jonathan's estate amounting to L106/03/10 was taken July, 1658 by John Westol and Stephen Post who were desired by the court of administer. Mr. Fitch was also desired to be helpful to the children as is declared are two sons and four daughters. Mr. Westol showed his accounts Jan. 2, 1663 and has paid debts totaling L95/08/00. Lieut. Jonathan Rudd of Saybrook, Inventory of the estate taken July 1658, amount L106-03-10; apprized[sic] by John Westil and Stephen Post. This Court desired these to Administer on the estate. Mr. Fitch is also desired to be helpful to the Children, as is declared are two sons and four daughters. June 2, 1663, Mr. Westell brought his books to me, wherein was an account of Debts paid upon the account of Jonathan Rudd, amount L96-08-00. The account was accepted by the magistrates.
"Test: Samuel Wyllys. Recorded by me, John Allyn, Secretary, May 23, 1667 (Manwaring's "Early Probate Records of Hartford County, Conn.; Vol. 1, page 148).
The disposal of the estate, only ten pounds being left after payment of debts, is found incidentally among various land items of Saybrook. "Lands of William Bushnell bought of Jno Westall, December 30, 1662." -- the above lands were formerly Jonathan Rudds and John Westall being administrator to that estate sold them to William Bushnell."[65] Saybrook 20 January 1684. Know all men that whereas upon certain personal knowledge as well as by sufficient testimony, Mr. John Wastoll in his lifetime upon mature deliberation did give and bequeath unto Nathan Rudd now of Norwich a Certain piece of land formerly belonging to Robert Williams of Kenelworth Recovered by the said Wastell by judgement of cost and seized and delivered by execution according to appraisal made by Mr. Edward Griswold and Leiftenant Henry Crane as appeareth under their hands" -- Thomas Buckingham Executor & John Kirtland, heir, quit claim any right to sd land. Saybrook January 20, 1684, the Rev'd Mr. Thomas Buckingham and John Kirtland executors to the estate of Mr. John Wastell dec'd acknowledged the above written deed before [there's nothing typed after this--on the next line is James Fitch Assistant. Saybrook 20 January 1684. Nathaniel Rudd of Norwich, County New London, Colony of Connecticut, assigns and makes over the contents of the above conveyance to Samuel Cogswell of Saybrook, and quit claims to Cogswell all claims on lands "which were formerly my father Lieut. Jonathan Rudd's, "for myself and my heirs,. Witnessed John Chapman and Samuel Jones. Acknowledged at Saybrook January 20, 1684.
Jonathan and Mary had 9 known children.
Children
John (1644-?)
Patience (1644-?)
Mary Mabel (1648-1726)
Patience (1649-<1700)
Nathaniel (1652-1727)
Jonathan II (1655-1689)
William (1655-?)
Daughter Rudd (1657-)
Child Rudd (1662-?)
[rev 11-13-15]
He is first found in April 1640 on the records of the Particular Court of Hartford, CT. He appears to be quite young, perhaps a late teenager, he was then of New Haven. How he reached Connecticut is unknown, no parents to be found in early colonial records. Apparently he was of English descent, although the RUDD name is often found in very early records of Ireland, Scotland and Wales as well as England. Many Rudd ministers are found in England.
Jonathan removed soon to Saybrook, where he took the Oath of Fidelity 1 Oct 1644 and was made Freeman. He was Admitted Freeman and took the oath of Allegiance in 1651, in Hartford.
He was a prominent citizen of Saybrook, assistant to Captain Mason in the fort there in 1652; sealer of leather in 1656, and held various other places of trust and honor.
Jonathan and Mary were married under romantic circumstances in the winter of 1647 by John Winthrop of New London, who was acting under a MA commission.
In the winter of 1646/47, Jonathan Rudd and Mary Metcalf of Saybrook wished to be married but there was no magistrate or minister in Saybrook. As the winter was very severe, the magistrate from Hartford was unable to make the trip to Saybrook. The distance to Hartford and the snows of winter turned the bridegroom's thought to journey to Pequot Harbour (now New London).
There Jonathan Winthrop, afterward Governor of Connecticut, held authority from the Colony of Mass. to marry. At that time New London was part of the Massachusetts Colony and Winthrop was not authorized to perform. the ceremony in Connecticu so the home of the betrothed was beyond his jurisdiction. Midway between her home and that of the "squire," a little rivulet "rippled down the boundary line" between the two colonies. The stream, now known as Bride Brook, was considered to be the boundary between the Connecticut and Massachusetts colonies.
So here, by arrangement, a cavalcade from New London, marshaled by the worthy magistrate, met the bridal party from Saybrook. The parties met on the stream bank and Winthrop officiated at the marriage on the east bank or Massachusetts side where he had authority and the bridal couple on the west side of the rivulet, the ceremony was performed. Hence the little ice-bound, snow-covered stream has ever since been known as "Bride Brook."--(Bingham, p. 171.)
See "Atlantic", April 1876, for a poem by G.P. Lathrop on the subject.
"Connecticut Nutmegger", Vol. 6, June 1973:
A dower chest belonging to the bride with the initials JR and MM carved on it has been preserved. Until recently it was owned by the Bingham family and a photograph of it is in the Bingham Genealogy. It was last owned by the Lyman-allen Museum in New London until two years ago when the ladies of the society raised funds to purchase it. The chest now stands in the keeping room of the house.
Documentation of the Bride Brook wedding is unusually good. During the 1670s there were some excellent hay fields in the vicinity of the Lee House. The right to cut the hay was claimed by farmers from both New London and Lyme. John Winthrop, Jr. testified before the court that was attempting to settle the boundary dispute and told of the wedding and established Bride Brook as the boundary at that time. The dispute remained unresolved until finally it was agreed to settle the matter by means of a fist fight; each town selecting a man to represent it. The fight was held and the man from Lyme won. As a result, the boundary was moved about 2-1/2 miles eastward where it remained until 1839 when East Lyme was formed from parts of Lyme and Waterford."87
From "Some Ancestors and Descendants of Joseph Rudd, Jr., 1740-1818 and his wife, Sarah Story, 1744-1842," by Dorothy Rudd DuMond:
"The Bride Brook Wedding - 1646/7
By Charles Boynton Martin,
Descendant of Bride Brook Marriage
In quaint East Lyme there is a stream
That flows from lake to sea
Bride Brooke is its romantic name --
It lives in history.
Between Peqwuot and Old Saybrook
It was the boundry[sic] line
When they were little separate states
In old colonial time.
Young Jonathan Rudd of fair Saybrook
A married man would be
And he would wed 'mid winter's cold
Brook no delay would he.
In snow-bound Saybrook none was found
The nuptial knot to tie;
The Governor of Pequot was asked,
Who sent this kind reply.
"Within the limits of Pequot
I'll gladly marry thee
So meet me at the boundary stream
Where it flows out to sea."
The day was fixed; the parties made;
They all set forth with glee --
But oh! in flood the little brook
A river proved to be.
When hopes are high and lovers young
And hearts are all aquiver,
What shame a marriage to postpone
Justs for a raging river!
The governor pointed up the stream
Where banks were close together
And where the voice could bridge the brook
Through the blustery weather.
And there the wedding was performed
Across the boundry[sic] river
While cakes of ice were floating by
'Mid cold that made them shiver.
The snow flakes wove the bridal veil
Her train - the drifting snow
The winds played in the pine tree tops
A march both sweet and low.
The wild fowl flying overhead
The Indians lurking nigh
Were witness of their plighted troth
Beneath the vaulted sky.
The prayer by John Winthrop offered up
The vows that there were made
Are written in the books above
Where records never face.
And Winthrop at that time and place
Gave to that little river
The name of Bride Brooke as its own
Which it will keep forever.
And lovers linger on its banks
And talk in voices low
Of lovers true who there were wed
In days of long ago.
The romantic marriage is so beautifully described by Miss Caulkins on page 48 of her "History of New London, Conn.". "Jonathan appears to have been quite a lad in his early years. He is thought to have been a native of England who came to America around 1640. He first appears at Hartford, Conn. on April 2, 1640 when, with other youths, he was before the court for being intimate with Mary Bronson. On Jan. 4,1643/4 he was fined in New Haven for defective arms. Three months later he was fined with others for attending a drinking party. He took the oath of fidelity on October 1, 1644. He seems to have returned shortly after to Hartford, and although he was mentioned in New Haven records on June 2, 1646 as having told Edward Parker some gossip he heard from the boatswain, he did not appear to testify in the case."It is not known when he settled in Saybrook except that he was there by the winter of 1646/7. He was made a freeman of the Conn. Colony May 15, 1651. On Feb. 23, 1652/3 he was appointed with Thomay Tracy to assist Capt. John Mason in fitting out the six great guns for the defense of Saybrook. He was made leather sealer for Saybrook on Oct. 4, 1656.
He must have been a reliable, able man to be assigned to such responsible duties. His home property adjoined the Meeting House yard, another larger grant close by.[64] "Jonathan's title of Lieut. which appears in records of his estate may have come from his being one of the two men appointed to assist Capt. mason at Saybrook Fort, but unlike his co-assistant Thomas Tracy, he does not seem to have been formally commissioned.
Jonathan died in July, 1658, as recorded in the inventory of his estate, filed August 28, 1658. A copy of this document is in the Conn. State Library. Probably Jonathan was not a seeker after religious liberty, but apparently came out of England a youth in search of adventure and advancement. In New Haven he was guilty of minor indiscretions during the first year of his residence there, but on becoming a free burgess in 1644 he assumed the stringent religious obligations incidental to citizenship in that colony, and appears henceforth to have taken up the responsibilities of life with earnestness and vigour. In a new country where each individual is thrown to a great extent upon his own resources for a livelihood, it is difficult to determine a man's actual social status by his pursuits. Jonathan was by vocation a leather worker and a farmer, and by avocation a soldier. In civil life he was among the Selectmen or governing board of the settlement, held one or two minor offices, and would probably have made greater impress on his time had not death so clearly cut short his career.
"Jonathan is a qualifying ancestor for Sons of Colonial Wars. The inventory of Jonathan's estate amounting to L106/03/10 was taken July, 1658 by John Westol and Stephen Post who were desired by the court of administer. Mr. Fitch was also desired to be helpful to the children as is declared are two sons and four daughters. Mr. Westol showed his accounts Jan. 2, 1663 and has paid debts totaling L95/08/00. Lieut. Jonathan Rudd of Saybrook, Inventory of the estate taken July 1658, amount L106-03-10; apprized[sic] by John Westil and Stephen Post. This Court desired these to Administer on the estate. Mr. Fitch is also desired to be helpful to the Children, as is declared are two sons and four daughters. June 2, 1663, Mr. Westell brought his books to me, wherein was an account of Debts paid upon the account of Jonathan Rudd, amount L96-08-00. The account was accepted by the magistrates.
"Test: Samuel Wyllys. Recorded by me, John Allyn, Secretary, May 23, 1667 (Manwaring's "Early Probate Records of Hartford County, Conn.; Vol. 1, page 148).
The disposal of the estate, only ten pounds being left after payment of debts, is found incidentally among various land items of Saybrook. "Lands of William Bushnell bought of Jno Westall, December 30, 1662." -- the above lands were formerly Jonathan Rudds and John Westall being administrator to that estate sold them to William Bushnell."[65] Saybrook 20 January 1684. Know all men that whereas upon certain personal knowledge as well as by sufficient testimony, Mr. John Wastoll in his lifetime upon mature deliberation did give and bequeath unto Nathan Rudd now of Norwich a Certain piece of land formerly belonging to Robert Williams of Kenelworth Recovered by the said Wastell by judgement of cost and seized and delivered by execution according to appraisal made by Mr. Edward Griswold and Leiftenant Henry Crane as appeareth under their hands" -- Thomas Buckingham Executor & John Kirtland, heir, quit claim any right to sd land. Saybrook January 20, 1684, the Rev'd Mr. Thomas Buckingham and John Kirtland executors to the estate of Mr. John Wastell dec'd acknowledged the above written deed before [there's nothing typed after this--on the next line is James Fitch Assistant. Saybrook 20 January 1684. Nathaniel Rudd of Norwich, County New London, Colony of Connecticut, assigns and makes over the contents of the above conveyance to Samuel Cogswell of Saybrook, and quit claims to Cogswell all claims on lands "which were formerly my father Lieut. Jonathan Rudd's, "for myself and my heirs,. Witnessed John Chapman and Samuel Jones. Acknowledged at Saybrook January 20, 1684.
Jonathan and Mary had 9 known children.
Children
John (1644-?)
Patience (1644-?)
Mary Mabel (1648-1726)
Patience (1649-<1700)
Nathaniel (1652-1727)
Jonathan II (1655-1689)
William (1655-?)
Daughter Rudd (1657-)
Child Rudd (1662-?)
[rev 11-13-15]
