The following is a genealogy of a Rudge family that migrated from England to North Carolina by way of France. It is based on over thirty years of research using primary documents (baptism, census, marriage and death records etc.) as noted below. There are also several newspaper accounts and other items of family history. My quest to learn about this family has been inspired by the following passage from a letter written to me by a second cousin:

"Among these stories, that I haerd [sic] when I was in high school, was that our Rudges had left the West of England toward the end of the eighteenth century and lived for a time near London. One of them went to India and was connected with the East India Company." (letter from Kenneth Rudge Wilson Jones to David Rudge 20 Mar 1983)

and another letter rediscovered in October 2009:

"Grandfather John Rudge was also the engineer of the steam boat which carried Napolean's body up the Seine river & deposited it in his tomb at the Hotel D'Invalides, Paris, after bringing the body back from St. Helena. I do not know when Uncle John was born or the date. But Mother was born in France (Nantes) Jan 2-1851 [died April 18 1905] There were only these two children. Grandfather Rudge was born in London Eng April 7 1821 & Buried in Wilmington, NC. Grandmother Rudge was Louisa Mitchell Born Portsmouth Hampshire Eng. Jan 8 1822 died 1906 Sav'ah. Great grandmother & father Thomas Mitchell was born Fifershire Scotland Sept 30 1800. Died Sept 20-1871. Eliza Linnington was born New Port, Isle of Wight Eng July 10th 1799 died Oct 10 1862." (extract from a letter to Katherine Erma nee Rudge Griffith from Maud nee Banks Kaufmann dated 22 Dec 1956)

• Other resources to assist you with research on this branch
• Link to the Rudge Family Photo Album, which contains multiple old photos relating to this branch of the Rudge family.
• Link to the Coble Family Photo Album, which contains some additional photos relating to this branch of the Rudge family.
• Link to the Red Photo Album, which contains a few additional photos relating to this branch of the Rudge family.
• Index for this branch
• Combined index for all five branches of the Rudge family detailed at this site

1. William¹ RUDGE. He was born ca. 1778 and was baptized on 6 Jan 1778 at Smethwick, Staffordshire, England. According to the record of his son Edward Rudge's second marriage (below), William died on 16 Jul 1823. He was buried on 17 Jul 1823 at the Deadman's Place Independent Chapel [St. Saviours] on Union Street, Southwark, London, England. Baptism records for his children refer to him as an "engine worker", "laborer" and an "engineer."

I have determined that the following Smethwick baptism record refers to William on the basis of the following evidence. First, he and his wife Hannah have two children who are both baptized in Smethwick, Staffordshire, England. I contend that the reason why William and Hannah traveled from London to Smethwick was that William had family there. The date of the baptism 6 Jan 1778 is consistent with his marriage date (he would have been 21). The record of his burial specifically states he was 45 at the time of his death in 1823 (i.e. born ca. 1778). Smethwick is in the West of England. Finally, there is a broad similarity in naming patterns of children (William's second son was named Samuel, all three of his daughters were baptized with the name Elizabeth as either a first or middle name). Information about William's ancestry appears here.

BAPTISM RECORD: "6 Jan 1778 William son of Samuel & Elizabeth Rhudge" (Baptism Records for Smethwick, Staffordshire, England; LDS Batch no. C061732, Sheet 00, Source no. 0421591, Printout 1037057).

William married Hannah TAYLOR, daughter of Richard Grove(s) TAYLOR and Ann -, on 8 Jun 1799 in the Parish of St. George the Martyr, Southwark, Surrey England. In the record William is identified as of full age (i.e. 21 or older), a "Bachellor" and "of this parish." According to the marriage bond, he had been living in the parish for at least the last four weeks. Hannah must have been born about 1779, as she is identified in the marriage bond as a minor "Nineteen years and upwards" and of the same parish.

MARRIAGE BOND:"June 7th 1799. Commissary of Surrey. Appeared personally William Rudge and made Oath that he is of the Parish of St. George's Southwark, in the county of Surrey, a Batchelor, of the age of twenty one years and upwards and intendeth to intermarry with Hannah Taylor, of the same Parish, a Spinster and a Minor, of the age of Nineteen years and upwards and that he knoweth of no lawful Impediment, by Reason of any Pre-Contract, Consanguity, Affinity or any other lawful Means whatsoever, to hinder the said Marriage, and prayed a License to solemnize in the Parish Church of St. George's aforesaid and farther made Oath, that the usual Place of Abode of the said William Rudge hath been in the Parish of St. George's for the Space of four Weeks last pastWm. Rudge. Appeared also Richard Groves Taylor, of the Parish of St. George's, Southwark, in the county of Surrey, and made oath that he is the natural and lawful Father of the above named Hannah Taylor, and that he is consenting to the marriage of the said minor with the above mentioned William Rudge.Sworn before me R. G. Taylor. D. Gibson, Surrogate." (London and Surrey, England, Marriage Bonds and Allegations, London, England: London Metropolitan Archives, London, England (DW/MP/177/071)). Here's an image of the actual marriage bond.

MARRIAGE RECORD: "No. 559. William Rudge of this Parish a Batchellor and Hannah Taylor of the Same Parish Spinster and a Minor were Married in this Church by license with consent of Richard Grove Taylor the lawful Father of the [bride ?] this Eighth Day of June in the Year One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety-Nine By me Tho. Webster. This Marriage was solemnized between Us: William Rudge, Hannah Taylor in the Presence of R. G. Taylor and Richard Hust." (Marriage Records for the year 1799 from the Parish of St. George the Martyr, Southwark, Surrey England, p. 144.) Here's an image of the index card to this marriage.

Baptism records (below) indicate that William's family moved around in the London area, spent some time in Smethwick, Stafford Co. and Portsea, Hampshire Co. England, and then returned to London.

On 28 Feb 1821 William gave expert testimony with regard to the water supply to London that has been preserved in a record of committee hearings held by Parliament. In this record he identifies himself as "Engineer of the Southwark waterworks" (Parliamentary Papers, by Great Britain, Parliament, House of Commons, Published by HMSO, 1821, Reports from Committees (2) Bread, Supply of Water to the Metropolis; London Bridge; &c. Session 23 January to 11 July, 1821. Vol. V., pp. 68-69).

A record of his son Edward Rudge's third marriage (below) specifically refers to him as the late William Rudge who died in the Parish of Saint Saviour, London on 16 Jul 1823. This is confirmed by the following burial record:

BURIAL RECORD: "1823... July... 17 William Rudge aged 45 years St. Saviour" Register of Burials at Deadmans Place Independent Chapel on Union Street, in the parish of Southwark, London from 1805 to 1837. RG4/Piece 4360/Folio 94. Here's an image of the record.

After William died, Hannah apparently married Thomas ADAMS, father of her son-in-law, John ADAMS by her daughter, Ann Elizabeth nee RUDGE. Hannah's second marriage took place on 26 Mar 1837 at the Parish of St. George in the East, Stepney, Middlesex. She is referred to as a "widow", and he as a "widower." She appears with her husband Thomas as witnesses in records of her daughter Sarah Elizabeth RUDGE's marriage to Matthew POLLINGTON on 30 Jul 1838 in the Parish of St. George in the East, Middlesex, and also her son John RUDGE's marriage to Louisa MITCHELL on 9 Nov 1842 in the Parish of Westham, Essex, England.

In the 1841 census for Church Street Buildings in West Ham there is a record of a Thomas Adams (age 60-64), his wife [H]Anna[h Taylor Rudge] Adams (age 60-64) a son (by his first marriage), John Adams (aged 30-34) , John's wife Ann [Elizabeth Rudge] Adams (age 30-34) and their two children Maryann (age 2) and Eliza (age 3 mos). Eliza is the only one listed as having been born in the county of Essex, all the others are explicitly referred to as not having been born in that county. Neither Hannah nor Thomas appears in the 1851 census for Westham among the members of John ADAMS family (below).

BURIAL RECORD: "1845... May 4 Hanah [sic] Adams [age] 60 back [location of grave?] Rivett [undertaker]" Register of Burials at Brickfields Chapel or Stratford Congregational Church in the parish of West Ham, Essex from 1845 to 1851. RG4/ Piece 2421/ Folio 6. (Here's an image of the record.)

William RUDGE and Hannah TAYLOR had the following children:

	2	i.	William2 RUDGE (1800-1859)
	3	ii.	Samuel2 RUDGE (1802-1803)
	4	iii. 	Thomas 2 Rudge (1804-)
	5	iv.	Edward2 RUDGE (1807-)
		v.	John2 RUDGE (-1809)
	6	vi.	Ann Elizabeth2 RUDGE (1810-1877)
	7	vii.	Eliza Hannah2 RUDGE (1813-)
	8	viii.	Unnamed2 RUDGE (1817-1817)
	9	ix.	Sarah Elizabeth2 RUDGE (1818-1857)
	10	x.	John2 RUDGE (1822-1860)

1st BAPTISM RECORD: "15 Dec [1800] William S. of Willm Rudge Poplr Engineworker & Hannah" (Baptism Records for the year 1800 from the Parish of St. Dunstan Stepney, Middlesex England; LDS Batch C055761 Source 595420).

2nd BAPTISM RECORD: "28 [Jun 1801] William Son of William + Hannah Rudge Born 8 Dec 1800" (Baptism Records for the year 1800 from the Parish of St. George the Martyr, Southwark, Surrey England; LDS Batch C022441 Source 307689).

According to a civil record of his death, William married Ann EDMONDS on 10 May 1824 at the Parish of St. Dunstan, Stepney, Middlesex.

RECORD OF MARRIAGE: "William Rudge of this Parish, Bachelor, and Ann Edmonds of this Parish, Spinster, were married in this Church by Banns with the Consent of ___ this Tenth Day of May in the Year One thousand eight hundred and Twenty Four by me Evans James Curate. This Marriage was solemnized between us William Rudge and Ann Edmonds In the Presence of Ann Sandy and Muel (sp.?) Price" (no. 209, p. 70, Marriages solemnized in the Perish of St. Dunstan, Stepney, in the County of Middlesex; LDS film M055765 input 6006; Image of original)

According to his death and burial records (below), that given the date and place of birth undoubtedly refer to him, he ultimately migrated to Le Havre France, presumably after his marriage to Ann. The burial record identifies him as a widower and therefore he may have had children, none of whom was apparently baptized at Le Havre. (There are also no references to births of children to William and Ann among those indexed for the London area during the time period they were alive.)

An 1840 ship's manifest for the Normandie, the steamship charged with carrying Napolean's body lists William, son of William Rudge and Ann Tailor [sic] as a "mecanician" (engineer), with his brother John being identified as "chauffeur" (the person responsible for maintaining the furnace of the steam engine. (Roles des batiments de commerce 1730-1887 LeHavre (Seine Maritme)[FHL INT 1460928]

RECORD OF DEATH: "No. 193 Rudge 58 years old Friday, the twenty-eighth day of the month of January, one thousand hundred fifty nine, at eleven in the morning, the death of William Rudge, engineer, deceased this day at seven o'clock in the morning at his home on Saint Jacques Street No. 8, born in the parish of Saint George the Martyr, Southwark, county of Surrey, England, the ninth of December, one thousand eight hundred, son of the late William Rudge and the late Hannah, husband of Ann Edmond, no profession, married in Stepney, England for about thirty eight years. Thus declared on a declaration given to us by Edward Rudge, engineer, age fifty-two years old, brother of the deceased, and by Mestsidor le Francois, shopkeeper officer, age of thirty nine years, all friends of the deceased, living in this town. After the reading, they signed the present act together in their presence and certified according to the law by us. Adjunct to the provisional mayor of the town of Le Havre, and completed by the delegated functions of the pubic officer of the state. [signed] Edward Rudge; Lemaredeal" (Naissances, reconnaissances d'enfants, adoptions, marriages, deces 1859 [FHL INTL Film 1229344]. Image of original, including a complete translation.)

BURIAL RECORD: "William Rudge (widower) born in Southwark, in England, on Decr. 9th 1800, died on January 28th, and was buried on January 30th 1859 in St. Helene's cemetery by me. Hill Wilson, chaplain" (Miscellaneous Foreign Returns of Births, Marriages and Deaths 1627-1960, microfilm RG 33/57, Nantes Vol. 2, p. 183.)

BAPTISM RECORD: "2 [Jan 1803] Samuel Son of William + Hannah Rudge born 3 Jul 1802" (Christening Records for the year 1802 from the Parish of St. George the Martyr, Southwark, Surrey England; LDS Batch C022441 Source 307689).

BURIAL RECORD: "August 1803... 31 Samuel son of William Rudge from Kings Bench Wall." (Bishops Transcripts of the Burial Registry for St. George the Martyr, Southwark, Surrey, England).

BAPTISM RECORD: "1804 Apr 29 Thomas S. of Thomas [sic] & Hannah Rugg" at the Smethwick Chapelry (Old Smethwick Church), Smethwick, Stafford, England (Registers of the Old Church Smethwick v. 1 & 2, p. 62).

BAPTISM RECORD: "1807. Edward S. of Wm. & Hannah Rhudge Jan. 1." (Parish Records of Smethwick, Stafford, LDS Batch C061732 421591). This is the only baptism record I was able to find of an Edward Rudge son of William and Hannah that is age appropriate. (It is precisely the birth year it should be to be consistent with the one record we have that identifies Edward's age, 52, mentioned in a 1859 record of death for his brother, William Rudge (above), in which Edward is identified as a witness. The record of Edward's third marriage also refers to him as having been born in Smethwick, Stafford.) The connection to Smethwick suggests a possible set of parents for his father, William. This is discussed in detail here.

Edward first married Caroline BLINDELL, daughter of John Blindell, on 24 May 1826 at St. Nicholas, Deptford, Greenwich, Kent. She was born in 1806 and died ca. 1843.

BAPTISM RECORD: Caroline Blindell 10 Aug 1806, daughter of John Blindell. Baptisms in the Parish of St. John, Hackney. (LDS Batch C042152, Source 0569924, Printout 690499)

MARRIAGE RECORD: Edward Rudge Bachelor of this parish and Caroline Blindell of this parish were in this Church by Banns with the consent of ___ this 24th Day of May in the Year One thousand eight hundred and twenty six. By me D. Jones Curate. This marriage was solemnized between us: Edward Rudge, Caroline Blindell. In the presence of Hannah Rudge and James Burkhard. (Marriages solemnized in the Parish of St. Nicholas, Deptford in the County of Kent in the Year 1826, page 241. Film X097/251).

Edward and his first wife migrated to Le Havre France, as witnessed by the baptisms of two children and a record of the burial of a third. Caroline apparently died ca. 1843.

Edward second married Matilda Emma nee McDonogh LAMAIRE on 17 Jan 1844 at Southampton, Hampshire, England. She was born ca. 1809 and died at Le Havre, France in April 1847. She was buried on 26 Apr 1847 at St. Helene churchyard, Le Havre, France.

BURIAL RECORD: "Mathilda Emma [sic], age thirty eight years, wife of Mr. Edward Rudge, was buried at St. Helene on 26 April 1847. Geo M. Jukes, chaplain" (Miscellaneous Foreign Returns of Births, Marriages and Deaths 1627-1960, microfilm RG 33/57, Nantes Vol. 2, p. 81.)

Edward third married Marie FORD, daughter of John Ford, on 12 Aug 1848 in Southampton, Hampshire England (LDS Batch no. M02063-2; source film no. 1041728 ref. no. P95, #190). The index entry for this record identifies "Maria Ford" as single and the daughter of John Ford. It also identifies the groom, Edward Rudge, as a widower and son of William Rudge. Marie was born ca. 1809 in Southwark, England. Marie nee FORD RUDGE died on 28 Dec 1851 in Caen, France. There is no indication Edward had any children by her among the civil records of Le Havre, France.

RECORD OF DEATH: "No. 1210. Marie Ford late [?] Rudge Today, the twenty-eighth day of the month of December One thousand eight hundred fifty one at noon at the hotel of before us Louis Ricard assistant to the Mayor of Caen, department of Calvados, in their official function of the state and also including Jean Pierre Guston, [occupation ?], fifty one years old, living in Caen, Exponier [?] street, and Nicholas Le Baron, butcher, fifty-seven years old, living in this town, Caparion [?] street who before us declare that on this day at nine in the morning, Marie Ford, forty two years old, born in Southwark [?] (England), wife of Edward Rudge, engineer, living in Le Havre, Paris street, No. 9, and daughter of John Ford and of _________ is dead ..." [Registres de l'etat civil, 1793-1862, Caen (Calvados) Deces 1851, FHL INT 662896]

Edward fourth married Adele BELHAIRE, daughter of Jean Baptiste and Angelique nee Aviay Belhaire, on 9 Mar 1852. She was born on 13 Apr 1825 in the parish of Juger, Munich.

MARRIAGE RECORD: "No. 54. Rudge and Belhaire Tuesday Nine March one thousand eight hundred fifty two at 4 o'clock in the evening. Act of marriage between Edward Rudge, engineer, born at the Smethwick Chapel, Stafford County, England, the first of January eighteen hundred seven and dwelling on Notre Dame at the Port of Le Havre, adult son of the late William Rudge, who died in the Parish of Saint Saviour in London on the sixteenth of July, one thousand eight hundred twenty three and of Hannah Rudge, absent without notice, and widower of Marie Ford, who died at Caen, Department of Calvados, the 28th of last December...." (Le Havre Deces 1851-1852, Naissances 1852-53, Mariages 1852 FHL INT 1229257). A copy of the record along with a complete translation is located here. Later in the record it specifically states that Edward doesn't know his motherÕs current address and doesn't know whether she is alive or dead, and as such, cannot provide a letter of consent from her.]

Edward RUDGE and Caroline BLINDELL had the following children:

	11	i.	Thomas William3 RUDGE (1827-1855)
	12	ii.	Edward3 RUDGE (1829-)
	13	iii.	Zachariah Samuel3 RUDGE (1830-1846)
	14	iv.	Rosina3 RUDGE (1834-)
	15	v.	Sarah Eliza3 RUDGE (1836-)
	16	vi.	Ann3 RUDGE (1838-)

	17	vii.	Hannah2 RUDGE (1839-)
	18	viii.	Caroline Blindell Crouch2 RUDGE (1839-)
	19	ix.	John2 RUDGE (1841-)

BAPTISM RECORD: "9 [Dec 1810] Ann Elizabeth D. of William and Hannah Rudge" (Christening Records for the year 1810 from the Parish of St. Mary's, Portsea, Hampshire England; LDS Batch C062613 Source 919738).

She married John ADAMS, son of Thomas ADAMS, on 7 Sep 1835 at St. George In The East, Middlesex, England. John ADAMS was born ca. 1807/1811 in St. George In The East, Middlesex, England. He died between 1851 and 1861. John Adams was a bricklayer.

MARRIAGE RECORD: "John Adams of this Parish a Bachelor and Ann Elizabeth Rudge of this Parish a Spinster were Married in this Church by Banns with consent of [left blank] this 7th Day of Sept in the Year One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty-Five By me W. Tucker, curate. This Marriage was solemnized between Us: John Adams, Ann Elizabeth Rudge in the Presence of Thomas Adams and Margarett Beasell. No. 732." (Marriages solemnized in the Parish of St. George [in the East] Middlesex for the year 1835, p. 244.)

Ann Elizabeth and her husband appear in the 1841 census entry for her step-father and father-in-law, Thomas ADAMS noted above. In the 1851 census for Church Street in West Ham, Essex, England there is a record of a John Adams (aged 38) , his wife Ann Adams (age 40), daughters Ann (age 14), Sarah (age 12), Mary (age 12), Eliza (age 10), Matilda (age 5) , Hannah (age 3) , and John (age 3 mos). Ann appears in the 1861 census for West Ham, Essex, England for her son-in-law James GARRAD and his family. Ann is listed as 50, mother-in-law, born in Hampshire, Portsmouth. Also listed are James GARRAD, age 28, a blacksmith born in Suffolk, Ringshall, Sarah GARRAD, age 24, born in Middlesex, Mile End Town, and their child, Frederick J. GARRAD age 1 month, born in Essex, Plaiston. Also included is Maria [Hannah ?] ADAMS, age 13 and John Adams, age 10, who are listed as sister-in-law and brother-in-law of James, both born in West Ham, Essex. Ann Elizabeth Adams appears in the 1871 census for West Ham, Essex, England. She is listed as 61 years old (a Pew Opener born in Nk. Hampshire, England), living with her son John Adams (age 20), her daughter Sarah Ann nee Adams GARRAD (age 33) and her grandchildren, Friedrich (age 10) and Walter (age 7) GARRAD.

RECORD OF DEATH: "No. 560. [When and where died] Twenty-ninth of September 1877 16 Dirleton Road West Ham; Ann Elizabeth Adams; female; 68 years; Widow of John Adams, Bricklayer; [Cause of death] Chronic Bronchitis 9 years Heart disease certified by T. Vance L.R.C.P.; [signature, description and residence of informant] S.A. Garrad daughter, present at death, 16 Dirleton Road, West Ham; [when registered] First October 1877; [signature of registrar] Jhn March, Registrar."(Certified copy of an entry of death, 1877, Death in the subdistrict of West Ham in the County of Essex.)

Ann Elizabeth RUDGE and John ADAMS had the following children:

	20	i.	Sarah Ann3 ADAMS (1836-)
		ii.	Maryann3 ADAMS. Born ca. 1839. 
		iii.	Eliza3 ADAMS. Born ca. 1841 in West Ham, Essex, England.
		iv.	Hannah3 ADAMS. Born ca. 1842 in West Ham, Essex, England. According to her death certificate, she died of "Scarletina" on 21 Oct 1843 at the age of 7 months. (GRO Register Information Year 1843, Qtr. Dec. District: West Ham, Essex, vol. 12, p. 215.)
		v.	Matilda3 ADAMS. Born ca. 1846 in West Ham, Essex, England.
		vi.	Hannah3 ADAMS. Born ca. 1848 in West Ham, Essex, England.
		vii.	John3 ADAMS. Born 1851 in West Ham, Essex, England. 	

BAPTISM RECORD: "[When baptized] 22 January 1813 Eliza Hannah D. of William and Hannah Rudge; [Abode] Halfway Houses; [Quality, Trade or Profession] Laborer; [By whom the Ceremony was performed] Mchl Profsell" (Baptisms solemnized in the Parish of [St. Mary's] Portsea, in the County of Southampton in the Year 1813; LDS Batch C062613 Source 919739).

[Note: It is unlikely that she is the Hannah Rudge who married James Skelton in 1835-census entries for James and his wife indicate that Hannah was ten years younger.]

BURIAL RECORD: "June 1813... 10 unnamed male son of William Rudge from Kings Street born 8 Jun 1817." (Bishops Transcripts of the Burial Registry for St. George the Martyr, Southwark, Surrey, England).

BAPTISM RECORD: "[margin] born 29 April 1818; [When baptized] 24 [May 1818] Sarah Elizabeth Daughter of William and Hannah Rudge; [Abode] Banks End, Southwark; [Quality, Trade or Profession] Engineer; [By whom the Ceremony was performed] R. Burns, Minister" (Baptisms solemnized in the Parish of St. George The Martyr, Southwark, Surrey; LDS Batch C022442 Source 307692).

RECORD OF MARRIAGE: "[Year] 1838. Marriage solemnized at the Parish Church in the Parish of St. George [in the East] in the County of Middlesex. No. 263 [When Married] July 30 1838 [Name and Surname] Matthew Pollington [and] Sarah Elizabeth Rudge [Age] Full Age, minor; [Condition] Bachelor, Spinster; [Rank or Profession] Engineer, (none listed); [Residence at the Time of Marriage] 30 Cornwall St., 3 Old Forde; [Father's Name and Surname] Matthew Pollington, William Rudge; [Rank or Profession of Father] Laborer; Engineer. Married in the Parish Church according to the Rites and Ceremonies of the Established Church, After Banns by me, W. Tuckett, curate. This Marriage was solemnized between us, Matthew Pollington [and] Sarah Elizabeth Rudge X her mark, in the Presence of us, Thomas Adams and Hannah Adams."

Sarah nee Rudge Pollington and Matthew Pollington apparently migrated to Le Havre, France shortly after they were married, as witnessed by the baptisms of five children. Both are identified as witnesses at Sarah's brother Edward Rudge's second marriage on 9 Mar 1852.

RECORD OF DEATH: "No. 1015 Rudge 35 years old Sunday, the eighteenth day of the month of October, eighteen hundred fifty seven, at eleven in the morning. Certificate of the death of Sarah Elizabeth Rudge, no profession, deceased yesterday at 3 in the morning [?] at her home on Rue des Gallions no. 11, born on ... England, about 35 years old, daughter of the late William Rudge and the late Hannah Taylor, wife of Matthew Pollington, engineer, married in the Parish of Saint George, County of Middlesex, England the thirtieth of July, one thousand eight hundred thirty eight. Thus declare. On the declaration made to us by Samuel Phene, age forty-five years old, and by Thomas Ellison, age fifty-two years old, two merchants, friends of the deceased, residing in this town, After it was read, they signed the present act completed in their presence, certified according to the law by by us, adjunct to the provisional mayor of the town of Le Havre, and completed by the delegated functions of the pubic officer of the state. [signed] S. Phere; Thos. Ellison; Maire" (Marriages, deces 1857 Naissances, reconnaissances d'enfants, adoptions 1858 [FHL INTL Film 1229341]. Image of original including a complete translation.)

BURIAL RECORD: "Sarah Elizabeth Pollington (late Rudge), wife of William [sic] Pollington, engineer of Havre, died on October 17th, and was buried at the cemetery of St. Helene on October 20th, 1857 by me. Hill Wilson, chaplain" (Miscellaneous Foreign Returns of Births, Marriages and Deaths 1627-1960, microfilm RG 33/57, Nantes Vol. 2, p. 177.)

Sarah Elizabeth RUDGE and Matthew POLLINGTON had the following children:

	21	i.	Thomas John3 POLLINGTON (1842-1842)
	22	ii.	Louisa Maria3 POLLINGTON (1844-) 
	23	iii.	Charlotte Martha Elizabeth3 POLLINGTON (1848-)
	24	iv.	Caroline Matilda3 POLLINGTON (1848-)
	25	v.	Matilda Rosina3 POLLINGTON (1854-)

BAPTISM RECORD: "[margin] Born 7th April 1822; No. 1260. [When baptized] 12 [May 1822] John Son of William and Hannah Rudge; [Abode] Park St., Southwark; [Quality, Trade or Profession] Engineer; [By whom the Ceremony was performed] W. G. Plees, Minister" (Baptisms solemnized in the Parish of St. George The Martyr, Southwark, Surrey in the Year 1822; LDS Batch C022442 Source 307692).

John appears as a witness in the birth of his brother Edward's son John, on 15 Mar 1841 in Le Havre, France. This is significant in that it is evidence he lived there prior to his marriage.

He married Louisa MITCHELL, daughter of Thomas MITCHELL & Eliza LININGTON, on 9 Nov 1842 in Parish Church, West Ham, Essex Co. She was born on 8 Jan 1822 in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England. Louisa was baptized on 3 Mar 1822 at St. Marys, Portsea, Hampshire, England. She died after three days of paralysis on 2 May 1907 at her home on 613 Baynard St., Savannah, Chatham Co., GA and was buried at 4:30 pm on 3 May 1907 in the Laural Grove Cemetery, Savannah, Chatham Co., GA. Information about her family is located here. Here's a photograph of John and Louisa nee Mitchell Rudge.

RECORD OF MARRIAGE: "[Year] 1842. Marriage solemnized at the Parish Church in the Parish of Westham in the County of Essex. No. 268 [When Married] November 9; [Name and Surname] John Rudge [and] Louisa Mitchell; [Age] Full Age, Full age [Condition] Bachelor, Spinster; [Rank or Profession] Engineer, (none listed); [Residence at the Time of Marriage] Westham, Westham; [Father's Name and Surname] William Rudge Deceased, Thomas Mitchell; [Rank or Profession of Father] Engineer, Brewer. Married in the Parish Church according to the Rites and Ceremonies of the Established Church, After Banns by me, R. H. Howard. This Marriage was solemnized between us, John Rudge [and] Louisa Mitchell, in the Presence of us, Thomas Adams and Hannah Adams."

Baptism records for their first three children suggest that John and Louisa migrated to Le Havre, Seine Maritime, France shortly after their marriage with several other members of their family, including John's older brothers William and Edward, his older sister Sarah Elizabeth nee Rudge Pollington, their families and Louisa's parents, Thomas and Eliza Mitchell. They returned to the parish of St. George in the East, Middlesex, England, as witnessed by records of the deaths of two of their children, and then returned to Le Havre, where according to tradition (referred to by Kenneth Rudge Wilson Jones) John worked on the rebuilding and repair of the port. There is a record of his son John William's birth in Le Havre, Seine Maritime, and also their daughter Mary Louisa's birth in Nantes, Loire Atlantique, France (noted below). The family appears in the 1851 census for Nantes.

A "laving up list" (reference 120j27292) of the crew of the steamboat "La Bretagne", which was built in Le Havre in 1843 and engaged in offshore coastal traffic between Nantes and Lisbon under Captain Blanchent refers to John as follows: Left from the port of Nantes on 29 May 1854 and returned on 14 August 1854, John Rudge, chief mechanic, living in Nantes, born in Great Britain, age 39 years old, Hair and eyebrows blond, high forehead, ordinary nose, middle mouth, heavy chin and oval face. Wages 250 francs per month."

A note quoted verbatim at the top of this page claims John was the chief engineer on a steam boat charged with bringing Napolean's body back to France in 1840. He would have been 18 at the time. It is possible this is a reference to his father, who was an engineer.

"As you already know our great grandfather (your great great) John William Rudge was born in Le Havre, (France) while his father was engaged as an engineer in the rebuilding of the port. I have a daguerreotype of him and his older brother Thomas taken there, probably in about 1852-1855. I also recall that when they entered this country they came to Philadelphia first, then Savannah. There may be records of entry there in the immigration office. Mamma Carrie (my grandmother) and Aunt Kate always kept little bits of French phrases that they used to hear as children from this episode." (letter from Kenneth Rudge Wilson Jones to David Rudge 20 Mar 1983)

A descendant, William Jerome Rudge Jr. claimed that the early Rudges, like other immigrants, were trying to get away from poor economic conditions, "crooks and robbers" from England, outcasts who came for a new start. His daughter in law, Beverly Anne Cook Rudge, distinctly remembers him telling about the family's immigration from England. Someone was carrying a little boy up a gang plank The boy fell into the ocean and was fished out by someone, thus ensuring the Rudges made it to America."

I have located an immigration record (ship manifest) that refers to our John Rudge and his family and also a newspaper account of the arrival of the ship that appears in the 8 Nov 1858 issue of the New York Times. According to the newspaper article, they migrated aboard the ship Wm. Frothingham on 10 Sep 1858 from Le Havre, France. They ultimately arrived at the port of New York on 6 Nov 1858. On the ship's manifest are listed John Rudge (age 36), Louise Rudge (age 36), Mary Rudge (age 8 [sic]) and John Rudge (age 6 [sic]). An image of this immigration record is located here. A website devoted to the history of the ship that carried them, including an image of a portrait of the ship painted ca. 1875-1877, is located here.

John and his family appear in the 1860 census for Wrightsville Sound (Wilmington), New Hanover Co. NC taken in August next to his in-laws, Thomas and Eliza nee LINNINGTON MITCHELL. John and his wife are both listed as 38 years old and born in England; his son John William and daughter Mary Louise are listed as 11 and 9 years old respectively, both born in France.

John died of consumption on 30 Dec 1860 according to the original interment record. The record also indicates he was 38 years and 9 months old at the time of death, born "In England", died "In Wilmington", and buried in the Public Ground.

OBITUARY: "In this town, on the morning of the 30th inst., Mr. JOHN RUDGE, aged 38 years and 9 months. The friends and acquaintances of the family are invited to attend the funeral, from his late residence on Second street (next door to Wm. Mitchell's), at 3 o'clock this afternoon, 31st inst." The Daily Journal, Wilmington, N. C. Monday December 31, 1860, v. 10, no. 97, whole number 2867, p. 3. (Essentially the same obituary appears in The Wilmington Daily Herald, Wilmington, N. C. for Monday December 31, 1860 and also The Wilmington Journal, 3 Jan 1861, v. 17, no. 19.)

After the death of her husband (ca 1860-61) Louisa and her children migrated to Columbia, Richland Co. SC , where, according to an application for membership into the United Daughters of the Confederacy written by her granddaughter (Katherine Erma Rudge) transcribed below under the entry for her son, John William, ran away from home to join the Confederacy. Why she moved to Columbia and what she did during the Civil War are unclear, but in any event she and her daughter Mary Louise returned to Wilmington shortly thereafter where they reunited with her son.

CITY DIRECTORY: "Rudge, L. Rudge res. s. w. cor. Market & 7th" (William H. Bernard's Wilmington and Fayetteville Directory 1866-'7, p. 96.)

On 18 Aug 1866, Louisa and her two surviving children were received by the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, also known as the Front Street Station M.E. Church South, in Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC "on profession of faith in Christ." She is also mentioned as a member on a list of church members dated Nov 1869 and 1870, the latter mentioning that she and her daughter were "removed by certificate in Feb 1873". Louisa moved in with her daughter's (Mary Louise RUDGE (BANKS)) family in Wilmington, New Hanover Co., NC (1870 census), where she is referred to as "Louisa Roger" age 48.

Shortly afterwards, Louisa apparently migrated with her son, John William, to Monroe, Union Co. NC ca. August 1875 when he opened a tin shop. She briefly went into business with her daughter-in-law, Caroline Virginia nee PAE RUDGE, as a dress maker. An early announcement suggests Louisa had been living in Monroe for some time prior to the opening of the store on 24 Apr 1877.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF STORE OPENING - "MILLINERY AND DRESS MAKING. Mrs. L. and Mrs. Carrie V. Rudge, we understand, will open, at an early day, a millinery and dress making establishment in the room recently occupied by Mr. J. S. Lucas. Goods are already bought and will be here in a few days. Circulars announcing day of opening will be distributed shortly. Mrs. L. Rudge has been working here for some time in the dress making department and has displayed much taste and experience in her work." (16 Apr 1877 Monroe Enquirer p. 3)

AD FOR STORE - "MILLINERY GOODS.-Mrs. Rudge."; "NEW STOCK OF MILLINERY GOODS. New Opening on Tuesday April the 24th. Mrs. L. Rudge and Mrs. Carrie V. Rudge respectfully call the attention of the citizens of Monroe and surrounding country to the fact that they will have ready for exhibition at their Millinery Store, next door to Stewarts Clothing store, on Tuesday the 24th inst, a fine and select stock of Ladies and Childrens Hats and Bonnets trimmed and untrimmed, Ribbons, Trimmings, Flowers and Millinery Goods generally. A Dress making department is in connection with the above, where customers can be accommodated on short notice, in fashionable styles, and low prices. A call is respectfully solicited." (23 Apr 1877 Monroe Enquirer p. 3)

The Monroe Enquire features weekly ads for the store with Louisa's name through 13 Oct 1877, after which time subsequent ads only mention her daughter-in-law.

Louisa subsequently moved back to live with her daughter (Mary nee RUDGE BANKS), and shows up with them in an 1880 census entry for Baxley, Appling Co., GA (1880 census). The family ultimately ended up in Savannah, Chatham Co. GA. Louisa appears as a separate entry in several Savannah City directories (1883, 1884, 1893, 1894, 1896-1906), most of which refer to her as the widow of J. Rudge. According to the 1883 and 1884 Savannah city directories, Louisa worked as a housekeeper for a hotel called Screvens House.[Home of commercial travel on Johnson Square. Rooms were $2.00-3.00 per night.] Louisa apparently moved around a great deal within the city, as almost no two entries in these directories give the same address. She curiously does not appear in the soundex index for the 1900 census for Savannah.

NEWSPAPER ARTICLE DETAILING AN INTERVIEW SHE HAD: "FORTUNE GOES BEGGING. A SAVANNAH LADY THE SUPPOSED HEIRESS TO $100,000. Mrs. Rudge, Formerly of England, Sought for by Chancery Attorneys With an Estate to Dispose of - A Slight Difference in Names and Localities All That Stands in the Way of Her Assuming the Property - A Chat With Mrs. Rudge. EKINS-RUDGE-MRS. RUDGE, FORMERLY of Great Barford, Bedfordshire, England, (nee Ekins), if living, or her children if dead, may bear of something to her advantage by applying to PATTISON, WIGG & KING, solicitors, 11 Queen Victoria st., London, or to J. ARTHUR BARRATT, Consellor [sic] -at-Law, 11 Pine st., New York. This advertisement appeared in Sunday's New York Herald. The Herald, in commenting upon it says: It appears from the information imparted by Mr. Barratt to a Herald reporter that Mrs. Rudge, whose maiden name was Ekins, accompanied her husband to Canada about twenty years ago, and subsequently coming with him to this country, settled down either at Washington or somewhere in the neighborhood. Since then nothing has been heard of Mrs. Rudge by her relatives, and she is now being sought in order that she may claim her share of an estate left by a bachelor relative. This relative died about twenty-five years ago, and his estate got into chancery. After a great number of years had passed, a settlement was effected, not, however, before the estate had been well taxed for legal expenses. The money has since been distributed among the family, and Mrs. Rudge is entitled to her share- a quite considerable one if she can furnish the proper proofs of her identity. Mr. Barratt represents the London solicitors and will conduct an examination of all claimants that present themselves in this city. If the proofs are satisfactory the property will be transferred to the claimants. MRS. RUDGE IN SAVANNAH. The name of Rudge is by no means a common one, and friends of Mrs. Louisa Rudge, of No. 32 Henry street, in this city, believe that the description is imperfect and that it refers to Mrs. Rudge, of Savannah. A MORNING NEWS reporter had a very pleasant interview with Mrs. Rudge yesterday at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. John Banks. She is a typical English lady of 67 years, with hair white as the driven snow, but it is no index of her vigor, for in conversation and carriage she seems ten years younger. Mrs. Rudge says that her attention was called to the Herald advertisement and comments by a family friend, Mr. H. C. Houston. She was not prepared to believe that she was the person referred to for two reasons. One is that her maiden name was Mitchell, and second, that she never resided in Canada. It was true, however, that she had relatives in England, and there were proceedings in chancery by relatives of her husband before he died. That, however, was in Staffordshire, and not in Great Barford. A NEIGHBOR OF CHARLES DICKENS. Mrs. Rudge was the daughter of Thomas Mitchell, and her husband's father was William Rudge, a famous engineer. Charles Dickens, she says, lived right across from the old place of the Rudges, and the name of a leading character in one of the great novelist's works she thinks may have been suggested by that fact. She says she married John Rudge Nov. 9, 1842, and showed the certificate of the Parish Clerk, which sets forth that John Rudge and Louisa Mitchell were united in marriage on that date in the parish church of West Ham, Essex county. Her husband was also a celebrated engineer, and the couple resided in Spain, France and Italy, and in October, 1858, emigrated to this country, settling at Wilmington, NC. Her father had come over from England six years before, and owned a watering place near Wilmington which he named Masonboro Sound, but the people called it Mitchell's Sound. The husband of Mrs. Rudge contracted a violent cold, which brought on consumption, from which he died Dec. 30, 1860. MOVED TO SAVANNAH. Mrs. Rudge moved to Savannah in June 1871, where she has since resided. She has two children, Mrs. John Banks, wife of the carpenter of that name, with whom she resides, and one son, John William Rudge, living in Richmond, Va. She has a sister living in Savannah, Mrs. Eliza Hazelton, wife of Samuel J. Hazelton, the carpenter, on Montgomery street, who has three daughters. While Mrs. Rudge does not feel warranted in affirming that she is the person advertised for, she is free to say that there may be property coming from both sides of the family tree, the Rudges and the Mitchells. She intends communicating at an early date with the London and New York lawyers whose names are given in the advertisement, and is prepared by the best documentary evidence to establish her connection by blood and legal marriage with the Rudges and Mitchells of England. Mrs. Rudge is an intelligent lady, of pleasing address, refined by education and travel, and her friends in this city, who are many, sincerely hope that she will come into a rich legacy. It is understood that the amount awaiting the right Mrs. Rudge is in the neighborhood of $100,000." (30 Mar 1899 Morning News (Savannah, GA) p. 9)

COMMENTARY ON CONNECTION TO CHARLES DICKENS: There is a rather obvious problem with the claim our ancestor William Rudge (1778-1823) was a neighbor of Charles Dickens (1812-1870), namely our ancestor died when the latter was only a boy and long before Louisa had even met her future husband. But there might be a grain of truth to it. William and Hannah had two daughters baptized in the Parish of St. Mary's, Portsea Hampshire England, before (9 Dec 1810) and after (22 Jan 1813) Charles Dickens was baptized (4 Mar 1812) at the same church. So it is possible William and Hannah lived across the street from Charles Dicken's father, John Dickens. I conjecture Louisa picked up the story from her mother in law, Hannah nee Taylor Rudge Adams, and that she learned of it sometime after Feb - Nov 1841 when Dickens' novel Barnaby Rudge was first published in a series of installments appearing in a magazine entitled Master Humphrey's Clock. I imagine the publication of the latter served to remind Hannah that they used to live across the way from Dickens' father. Biographies of Charles Dickens emphasize how the memories of his early childhood served as inspiration for his writings. I suspect "Rudge" was a simple, memorable name that he picked up on as a child. Beyond this, I don't see any basis for thinking any of the characters in the novel stem from any association the Dickens family had with ours.

OBITUARY: "Mrs. Louisa Rudge. Mrs. Louisa Rudge died at her home No. 613 Barnard street, yesterday morning at 8:30 o'clock as a result of a stroke of paralysis which she suffered Monday. It was known from the first that she could not recover. Mrs. Rudge was 85 years of age and up to the time of her recent illness had enjoyed the best of health. She was the oldest living member of Grace Methodist Church and was an active worker in its interest. She was born at Portsmouth, Hampshire, England January 8, 1822, and came to America in 1858. She leaves behind one son, John W. Rudge of Monroe, N.C. and seven grandchildren. Mrs. R. J. Warrick, Mrs. Walter W. Metzger, Mrs. John M. Blaine, Mrs. Jule Kaufman, Miss Georgia Banks and Messrs. John S. and Robert E. Banks. Mrs. Rudge was the mother of Marie Louise Banks, who died April 18, 1906. The funeral will take place this afternoon at 4:30 o'clock from Grace Methodist Church, and the services will be conducted by the Rev. W. T. Darley, the pastor, assisted by the Rev. W. A. Nisbet of Westminster Presbyterian Church. The interment will be in the family lot in Laurel Grove Cemetery. The following will act as pall bearers: Messrs. W. W. Metzger, John M. Blaine, Jule Kaufman, John S. Banks, R. E. Banks, Harry T. Kramer, and R. J. Warrick." (Savannah Morning News Friday, May 3 1907 p. 5); SECOND OBITUARY: "SAVANNAH TEN YEARS AGO. Thursday, May 2, 1907... Mrs. Louisa Rudge, eighty-five years of age, died at her residence, No. 613 Bernard street. " (2 May 1917 Savannah Morning News (Savannah, GA) Section A, Page 6, Column 3)

FUNERAL NOTICE: "Rudge-The relatives and friends of Mrs. Louisa Rudge are requested to attend her funeral this Friday afternoon May 3 at 4:30 o'clock from Grace Memorial Church. Interment private" (Savannah Morning News Friday, May 3 1907 p. 2)

John RUDGE and Louisa MITCHELL had the following children:

	26	i.	Thomas George3 RUDGE (1843-ca.1855)
	27	ii.	Hannah Caroline Eliza3 RUDGE (1845-1848)
	28	iv.	Violet Sarah3 RUDGE (1846-1848)
	29	v.	John William3 RUDGE (1849-1915)
	30	vi.	Marie Louise3 RUDGE (1851-1906)

BAPTISM RECORD: "Thomas Wm. S. of Edward [and] Caroline Rudge. [Abode] New Road. [Father's occupation] Engineer [By whom the ceremony was performed] D. Markus, Rector." (Baptisms solemnized in the Parish of St. Mary Whitechapel in the County of Surrey in the year 1827).

Thomas William married Elizabeth Ann Frances HAWKINS, daughter of James and Margaret nee - Hawkins, ca. 1847 in Poplar, London England. She second married Thomas William's brother Edward. She was born on 7 Aug 1825 in Limehouse, London and died Oct 1865 in Sheppley, Kent Co. England.

Thomas William RUDGE and Elizabeth Ann Frances nee HAWKINS had four children, the last three of whom were born in Sheppy, Kent Co. England:

	31	i.	Caroline Blindell4 RUDGE (b. 1848)
	32	ii.	James John4 RUDGE (1850-1935)
	33	iii.	John4 RUDGE (1856-1885)
	34	iv.	William Edward4 RUDGE (b. 1858)

BAPTISM RECORD: "b. 13 Jan 1829 Edward S. of Edward [and] Caroline Rudge. [Abode] Long Lane, Southwark. [Father's occupation] Engineer [By whom the ceremony was performed] J. Weston, Curate." (Baptisms solemnized in the Parish of St. George the Martyr in the County of Surrey in the year 1829).

Edward appears in the 1851 UK census entry for John and Mary Crouch. He is identified as their nephew, unmarried, age 22, a boiler maker, and having been born in St. George in the East, Middlesex, England. (Crouch is one of his younger sister's given names. This suggests Mary's maiden name was Blindell. Interestingly, John and Mary's daughter in this entry (Hannah, age 11) is identified as having been born in France.)

Edward Rudge married Elizabeth Ann Frances nee HAWKINS RUDGE, widow of his brother Thomas William Rudge, at St. Paul's, Chatham, Kent, on 18 Oct 1857. She was born on 7 Aug 1825 in Limehouse, London and died Oct 1865 in Sheppley, Kent Co. England. (In the marriage record she is referred to as having the last name Read and identified as a widow. A notice from a law journal article confirms that indeed she is one and the same person who married his brother Thomas William.)

LAW ARTICLE MENTIONING HIM: "MARRYING A DECEASED HUSBAND'S BROTHER. -At the Sheerness Police Court, on March 2, Edward Rudge, boiler-maker, was summoned for the sum of 1 L. 4 s., being six weeks' arrears of contributions towards the maintenance of his son, aged twenty-eight, who is an inmate of Chatham Lunatic Asylum. -Evidence was given to show that, from 1883, when ordered to pay 4s. weekly was made, the payments were kept up regularly until Christmas last, when defendant refused to pay, alleging that the marriage was illegal. -The defendant stated that in October, 1857, he married, at St. Paul's Church, Chatham, Elizabeth Ann Frances Hawkings Rudge, who had been previously married (in 1847) to his elder brother Thomas, who was supposed to have died abroad a few years after his marriage. -Mr. Athawes, stipendary magistrate, said as the marriage came within the prohibited degree of affinity he had no alternative but to give the defendant the relief he sought for. He did so, however, with regret." (The Law Journal v. 21, page 147 (6 Mar 1886)) A later article (Saturday 6th March 1886, 'The Salisbury Times, etc' Wiltshire, England.) alleges she intentionally used the name Reed as her maiden name during the second marriage to prevent the clergyman from asking questions about the relationship.

In the 1861 UK census, Edward and Elizabeth have an entry in Sheppy, Sheerness, Marine Town, Kent, England. Edward is listed as 33 years old a boiler maker and born in Whitechapel, London. His wife Elizabeth is listed as 36 years old from Limehouse, London. Four children are listed with them, Caroline B. Rudge (age 12), James J. Rudge (age 10), John Rudge (age 5) and William E. Rudge (age 3). Caroline B. is identified as being born in London, Bow; James J. in London, Limehouse. The remaining two children are listed as born in Kent, Sheerness. (Caroline B. and James John appear to be Edward's niece and nephew/step-children by his brother Thomas William.)

Edward RUDGE and Elizabeth Ann Frances nee HAWKINS RUDGE had one child born in Sheppy, Kent Co. England:

	35	i.	Elizabeth Ann4 RUDGE (1863)

Edward second married Caroline Jessie nee CROUCH, daughter of John Crouch, on 14 Jan 1866. He is identified as a widower; she, single. Caroline Jessie nee CROUCH was born ca. 1827 in Edmonton, Middlesex (London). She died on 10 Feb 1890 at Whitechapel, Middlesex (London).

In the 1871 UK census, Edward and his wife Caroline Jessie have an entry in Minster, Sheerness, Sheerness, Kent, England. Edward is listed as 42 years old a boiler maker and born in Whitechapel, Middlesex. His wife Caroline Jessie is listed as 47 years old from Edmonton, Middlesex. Four children are listed with them, James John Rudge (age 20), John Rudge (age 15), William Edward Rudge (age 12), and Elizabeth Ann Rudge (age 7). James John is identified as a boilermaker, born in Limehouse, Middlesex. The other children are all identified as being born in Sheerness.

In the 1881 UK census, Edward and his wife Caroline J. have an entry in Minster in Sheppy, Kent, England. Edward is listed as 52 years old a boiler maker and born in London, Whitechapel. His wife Caroline Jessie is listed as 50 years old from London, Edmonton. Two children are listed with them, William E. Rudge (age 22 and a blacksmith), and Elizabeth A. Rudge (age 17). Both are identified as being born in Kent, Sheerness.

According to her death certificate, Caroline Jessie nee - Rudge died on 10 Feb 1890 of a cerebral hemorage at the Black Horse Yard, George Yard, Whitechapel, Whitechapel Church, London, England. She is identified as 63 years old and the wife of Edward Rudge, boilermaker. (GRO Register Information Year 1890, Qtr. Mar. District: Whitechapel, Middlesex, London, vol. 1c, p. 292.)

According to his death certificate, Edward died on 28 Jul 1894 of Hemiplegia at the Infirmary, Baker's Row, Whitechapel, Mile End New Town, London, England. He was 65 years old. His occupation is listed as "Boiler Maker (Journeyman) of George Yard". (GRO Register Information Year 1894, Qtr. Sept. District: Whitechapel, London Middlesex, vol. 1c, p. 156.)

BAPTISM RECORD: "29 Aug [1830] Zachariah Samuel. S. of Edward [and] Caroline Rudge. [Abode] illegible [Father's occupation] Engineer [By whom the ceremony was performed] D. Markus." (Baptisms solemnized in the Parish of St. Mary Whitechapel in the County of Surrey in the year 1830).

BURIAL RECORD: "Zacharia [sic] Samuel Rudge, age 15, was drowned on the 6th and buried at St. Helene's cemetery on the 8th of June, 1846. Geo M. Jukes, chaplain" (Miscellaneous Foreign Returns of Births, Marriages and Deaths 1627-1960, microfilm RG 33/57, Nantes Vol. 2, p. 66.)

BAPTISM RECORD: "23 Jul [1834] Rosina D. of Edward [and] Caroline Rudge. [Abode] illegible [Father's occupation] Engineer [By whom the ceremony was performed] D. Markus." (Baptisms solemnized in the Parish of St. Mary Whitechapel in the County of Surrey in the year 1834).

Rosina married Bernard Joseph LAPIER.

RECORD OF DEATH: "19 November 1870... Record of the death of Rosalie Rudge who died this day at 4 pm, journalist by profession, age 36, born [in the parish of] St. Mary Whitechapel (England), residing in Toulon, Pont de Bois, daughter of the late Edward Rudge and the late Caroline Blindel, a journalist, wife of Bernard Joseph Lapiere, journalist, living in Toulon..." (RG35/Piece 13/ Folio 396)

BAPTISM RECORD: "28 Feb [1836] Sarah Eliza D. of Edward [and] Caroline Rudge. [Abode] Jane St. [Father's occupation] Engineer [By whom the ceremony was performed] D. Mathias, Rector." (Baptisms solemnized in the Parish of St. Mary Whitechapel in the County of Surrey in the year 1836).

BAPTISM RECORD: "Ann Blindell, and Hannah, Daughters of Edward Rudge, and of his wife Caroline (late Blindell) were publickly baptized by me, on Sunday the 6th Febry, 1842. Ann Blindell was born 11 Feb 1838; Hannah was born 12 Decemr 1839; both at Havre. Geo M. Jukes, chaplain" (Miscellaneous Foreign Returns of Births, Marriages and Deaths 1627-1960, microfilm RG 33/57, Nantes Vol. 1, p. 230.)

BAPTISM RECORD: "Ann Blindell, and Hannah, Daughters of Edward Rudge, and of his wife Caroline (late Blindell) were publickly baptized by me, on Sunday the 6th Febry, 1842. Ann Blindell was born 11 Feb 1838; Hannah was born 12 Decemr 1839; both at Havre. Geo M. Jukes, chaplain" (Miscellaneous Foreign Returns of Births, Marriages and Deaths 1627-1960, microfilm RG 33/57, Nantes Vol. 1, p. 230.)

Hannah Rudge married Alfrede Edouard COQUELIN on 15 Nov 1859 in Le Havre, France.

MARRIAGE RECORD: On Saturday the fifteenth day of November, one thousand eight hundred fifty-nine at ten in the morning, an act of marriage between Alfrede Edouard Coquelin and Anna Rudge, seamstress (?), daughter of Edward Rudge and the late Caroline Blindell. (Naissances, reconnaissances d'enfants, adoptions, marriages, deces 1859 [FHL INTL Film 1229344]. Image of original along with a complete translation.)

BAPTISM RECORD: "4 Feb [1846] Caroline Blindell Crouch D. of Edward [and] Caroline Rudge. [Abode] 7 Hereford Terrace [Father's occupation] Engineer [By whom the ceremony was performed] Wm. Austed, curate. [when born] 12 Dec 1839" (Baptisms solemnized in the Parish of St. Mary Whitechapel in the County of Surrey in the year 1846, p. 220).

Caroline Blindell Crouch married Frederick BROWN on 16 Aug 1857 at St. Mary Stratford, Poplar (Middlesex), London, England. He was commercial clerk.

RECORD OF MARRIAGE: "[Year] 1857. Marriage solemnized at the Parish Church in the Parish of St. Mary Stratford in the County of Middlesex. No. 356 [When Married] Aug 16 1857 [Name and Surname] Frederick Brown [and] Caroline Blindell Crouch Rudge [Age] Full Age, 18 yrs; [Condition] Bachelor, Spinster; [Rank or Profession] Commerical Clerk, (none listed); [Residence at the Time of Marriage] Bow, Bow; [Father's Name and Surname] Jacob Brown, Edward Rudge; [Rank or Profession of Father] Grocer; Engineer. Married in the Parish Church according to the Rites and Ceremonies of the Established Church, After Banns by me, G. T. Deiffield, Rector. This Marriage was solemnized between us, Frederick Brown [and] Caroline Blindell Crouch Rudge, in the Presence of us, John Valentine Crouch and Mary Ann Crouch." (GRO Reference Year 1857, District Poplar (London, Middx), Volume 1c, Page 1071.

RECORD OF BIRTH: "No. 216. Rudge Monday, the fifteenth day of the month of March, one thousand eight hundred forty one, at noon. Record of the birth of an infant who is present and recognizably of the male sex, born the thirteenth of the month at six o'clock in the evening, son of Edouard Rudge, engineer, thirty years old, born in Birmingham, England, and of Caroline Blindel thirty years old, born in London also in England and dwelling in Le Havre, Place da fries road, No. 8, married in Deptford, England, the twenty fourth of May one thousand eight hundred thirty six, thus declare that he will be recognized by the Christian name Jean. On the requisition made to us by Augustin Gausin, age of fifty seven, a doctor, dwelling at Le Havre, and also in the presence of those who assisted in the delivery of the newborn baby his father in the presence of the first witness, Jean Rudge, twenty two years old, the second witness, Henry Adams, twenty two years old, both engineers and dwelling in Le Havre the [?] and both signed after reading it in the presence of the constable in accordance with the law by us, adjuncts of the Mayor of the town of Le Havre and in compliance with the functions of public officers. Matthew Pollington. John Rudge. Henry Adams" [Le Havre Deces 1840-1841, Naissances 1841-1842, Mariages, 1841 FHL INT 1229297]

	i.	Frederick J.4 GARRAD. Born ca. 1861 in Plaistow, Essex.	
	ii.	Walter4 GARRAD. Born Circa 1864 in West Ham, Essex.

RECORD OF BIRTH: "No. 188. Pollington. Monday, the seventh day of the month of March, one thousand eight hundred forty two, at noon. Record of the birth of a child who is present and recognizably of the male sex born the fifth of the month at two o'clock in the afternoon, son of Matthew Pollington, engineer, twenty five years old, born in London, England, and of Sarah Rudge, age twenty three, and born in London, England, and dwelling in Le Havre, Sidecoq (?) Street No. 37, married near (?) London in the year one thousand eight hundred thirty eight, thus declare him to have received the Christian names of Thomasse Jean. On the requisition made to us by his father in the presence of the first witness, Jean Rudge, twenty two years old, the second witness, Henry Adams, twenty two years old, both engineers and dwelling in Le Havre the ? and both signed after reading it in the presence of the constable in accordance with the law by us, adjuncts of the Mayor of the town of Le Havre and in compliance with the functions of public officers. [witnesses] Matthew Pollington, John Rudge, Henry Adams" [Le Havre Deces 1840-1841, Naissances 1841-1842, Mariages, 1841 FHL INT 1229297]

BAPTISM RECORD: "Thomas John, born at Havre 5th March 1842, son of Matthew Pollington, and of Sarah his wife (late Rudge) was publickly baptized by me on Sunday the 3rd April 1842. Geo M. Jukes, Chaplain" (Miscellaneous Foreign Returns of Births, Marriages and Deaths 1627-1960, microfilm RG 33/57, Nantes Vol. 1, p. 234.)

BURIAL RECORD: "Thomas John Pollington, age 5 months, was buried at St. Michaels Churchyard at Ingorville on Monday the 1st of August 1842. Geo M. Jukes, Chaplain" (Miscellaneous Foreign Returns of Births, Marriages and Deaths 1627-1960, microfilm RG 33/57, Nantes Vol. 1, p. 238.)

BAPTISM RECORD: "Louisa Maria, Daughter of Matthew Pollington, and of Sarah his wife (late Rudge), born at Havre on the 23rd of last May, was publickly baptized by me on Sunday the 11th August, 1844. Geo M. Jukes, Chaplain" (Miscellaneous Foreign Returns of Births, Marriages and Deaths 1627-1960, microfilm RG 33/57, Nantes Vol. 2, p. 29.)

BAPTISM RECORD: "Charlotte Martha Elizabeth, Daughter of Matthew Pollington, and of his wife Sarah (late Rudge) was publickly baptized by me on Sunday the 20th of Feby, 1848. Geo M. Jukes, Chaplain" (Miscellaneous Foreign Returns of Births, Marriages and Deaths 1627-1960, microfilm RG 33/57, Nantes Vol. 2, p. 96.)

Note: She cannot be the Charlotte Pollington who married James Shepherd BULBECK on 30 Oct 1875 in South Bersted, Sussex, England because that Charlotte Pollington is known to a descendant as having been born 28 Aug 1856.

BAPTISM RECORD: "Caroline Matilda, Daughter of Matthew Pollington, and of Sarah his wife (late Rudge), was publickly baptized by me on Sunday the 21st of December, 1851. Geo M. Jukes, Chaplain" (Miscellaneous Foreign Returns of Births, Marriages and Deaths 1627-1960, microfilm RG 33/57, Nantes Vol. 2, p. 140.)

She might be the Caroline Pollington who married William WILLARD on 23 Apr 1868 in South Bersted, Sussex, England.

BAPTISM RECORD: "Matilda Rosina, daughter of Matthew Pollinton [sic], and of Sarah his wife, was publickly baptized by me on the 17th day of December, 1854. Geo M. Jukes, Chaplain" (Miscellaneous Foreign Returns of Births, Marriages and Deaths 1627-1960, microfilm RG 33/57, Nantes Vol. 2, p. 158.)

BAPTISM RECORD: "Thomas George, son of John Rudge, and his wife Louisa (late Mitchell) was publickly baptized by me, on Sunday the 2nd of July 1843; he was born at Havre 15th June 1843. Geo M. Jukes, chaplain" (Miscellaneous Foreign Returns of Births, Marriages and Deaths 1627-1960, microfilm RG 33/57, Nantes Vol. 2, p. 10.)

Thomas is included in the entry for this family in the 1851 census for Nantes, Loire Atlantique, France and is listed as 8 years old. According to a story in my family, he died from cholera at the age of about 14 while in Spain (France ?). He is not listed in the 1860 Wilmington NC census for his family.

BAPTISM RECORD: "Hannah Caroline Eliza, daughter of John Rudge, and of Louisa his wife (late Mitchell) born at Havre on the 1st of May, 1845, was publickly baptized by me, on Sunday the 8 of June, 1845. Geo M. Jukes, chaplain" (Miscellaneous Foreign Returns of Births, Marriages and Deaths 1627-1960, microfilm RG 33/57, Nantes Vol. 2, p. 48.)

RECORD OF BURIAL: "20 Nov [1848] Anna Rudge [age] 3, [denomination] Wesleyan"England & Wales, Non-Conformist and Non-Parochial Registers, 1567-1970 [data base on line]. Provo, UT, USA; Ancestry.com Operations, Inc. 2013

BAPTISM RECORD: "Violet Sarah, daughter of George [sic] Rudge, and of his wife Louisa (late Mitchell) was publickly baptized by me, on Sunday the 5th of December, 1847. Geo M. Jukes, chaplain" (Miscellaneous Foreign Returns of Births, Marriages and Deaths 1627-1960, microfilm RG 33/57, Nantes Vol. 2, p. 93.)

RECORD OF BURIAL: "12 Nov [1848] Violet Sarah Rudge [age] 1, [denomination] Wesleyan"England & Wales, Non-Conformist and Non-Parochial Registers, 1567-1970 [data base on line]. Provo, UT, USA; Ancestry.com Operations, Inc. 2013

RECORD OF BIRTH: "16:101. Thursday, the eighteenth day of the month of February, of the year one thousand eight hundred and forty-nine at noon. [Record of the] occurrence of the birth of an infant who is here and recognizably of the male sex, born yesterday at seven in the evening, son of John Rudge, mechanic [engineer ?], 28 yrs. old, born in Westham, England, & Louise Mitchele, 28 yrs. old, born in Portsmouth, also in England, and residing in Le Havre, Rue des Gallions... They were married in Westham on the ninth of November, 1842. The child was given Jean Williams [John William] as his first [and middle] name[s]. At our request, his father, [furnished two witnesses (?)]. The first witness, Yves Mene Chopier, forty years of age and, a second witness, Joseph Aubree, age thirty-six years, [verified] the two were truly married and residing in Le Havre. The petitioners and witnesses having signed this after reading it in our presence and having favorably in our presence certified their signatures, in accordance with the law and the mayor of the town of Le Havre, we hereby fulfill the delegation of the functions of the civil public officer. John Rudge. Chopeir. Aubree. Yves E. Pasquien [?] [Frederic Perquer was provisional mayor of Le Havre in 1848, this may be his signature.]" A copy of the original record is located here.

John William migrated to this country with his mother and sister ca. 1857-59, and appears in the 1860 census entry noted for his parents above. After the death of his father John William migrated with his mother and sister to Columbia, Richland Co. SC according to his daughter Katherine Erma Rudge's application for membership in the United Daughters of the Confederacy (transcript below). Then, at the age of 14, he ran away from home to join the Confederacy, where according to tradition he served as a cabin boy on a blockade runner.

The actual story is more complicated. He began his military career in January of 1863 at Camp Maloney, Adams Run, Charleston Co. SC as a private in Company K of the 16th Regiment of the South Carolina Infantry. According to muster rolls he served for about a year as a "musician" and a "drummer." His muster roll card for Jan-Feb 1863 identifies him as being stationed at Adams Run; his muster roll cards for Mar-Apr and May-Jun 1863 identify him as being on detached duty, which suggests but does not imply he saw action with his unit. The unit was ordered to Wilmington in March of 1863 and served in that time before returning to Adams Run; the unit then left by rail on 4 May of 1863 from Charleston, SC to Jackson, MS, near Vicksburg. The unit was transferred to the command of General Statesrights Gist's brigade on 4 Jul 1863 after the fall of Vicksburg and transferred to Rome, GA. His muster roll card for Jul-Aug 1863 identifies him as a "Drummer -Extra on Daily duty - Transferred to the Band, Aug 31/63." Field and Staff muster roll cards for Sep-Oct and Nov-Dec 1863 identify him as a "musician". His Field and Staff muster roll card for Jan-Feb refers to him as "Deserted January 1, 1864 and gone to Bermuda." This latter entry is particularly intriguing as Bermuda was a major site of blockade runner traffic.

It is curious to note that neither his nor his son's obituaries (below) mention this infantry service, focusing instead on his later more exciting service as a cabin boy aboard a blockade runner that operated out of Fort Fisher in Wilmington. His daughter's application for membership in the United Daughters of the Confederacy states further that he was captured in Havana and subsequently placed in a New York City prison:

"My father has been dead several years and I do not remember his company or regiment. (My application blank was never returned.) I know he saw service about a year or two as he was born in 1849 and was too young to go to war. My grandmother was living in Columbia S.C. at the time and my father ran away from home and joined the army. He was taken in and served as drummer boy. He afterwards ran the blockade, was captured and taken to Havanna. from there he was taken to New York City and was there when Lee surrendered. I joined the U.D.C. when our chapter was organized. Mrs. J. D. Rast was Chapter Pres. and Mrs. H. H. London was State Pres." (Transcript of Katherine Erma nee Rudge Griffith's application to become a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy - 21 Oct 1923). In a separate note to a cousin she further indicates that as a drummer boy he was present at the Battle of Lookout Mountain, and that he ran the blockade between Wilmington and Nassau. (undated set of notes by Kate nee Rudge Griffith returned to her in a letter from Lelia nee Houston Brett Owen-Wilson dated 28 Nov 1949).

A ship manifest provides evidence that he was on board the ship "Morro Castle" when it traveled on 4 May 1865 from Havana, Cuba to New York City. John Rudge is listed as a student and 14 years old. (Passenger and Crew Lists Arriving at New York, New York, National Archives, Microfilm roll M237_251; Line 36, list no. 315.) The Civil War ended with Lee's surrender on 9 Apr 1865, and as such it is possible his imprisonment actually took place in Cuba.

I've been unable to find any other records that provide any further information on his imprisonment. Here's a photograph taken of him during his confederate service. Here are some photographs of a dagger he owned during his service. The story of John William's confederate service has been featured on a site devoted to the history of the SC 16th infantry developed and maintained by Steven Baston.

After the Civil War, John William returned to Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC where he became a tinner for a firm called A.W. Lawson & Co. and resided with his mother.

CITY DIRECTORIES: "Rudge, John Tinner A.W. Lawson & Co. [Manufacturers and Dealers in Tin and Sheet Iron Ware] 24 North Front St. [s.w. corner of Front and Princess]" (Frank D. Smaw's Wilmington Directory 1866-67, pp. 105, 131.) "Rudge, J. A.W. Lawson & Co. [Tin and Sheet Iron Workers s.w. corner of Front and Princess] Bds. Mrs. L. Rudge [res. s. w. cor. Market & 7th]" (William H. Bernard's Wilmington and Fayetteville Directory 1866-'7, pp. 68, 96.)

John is listed by name on a petition of a part of a group not larger than 40 requesting to form the "Wilmington Hook and Ladder Company" that was presented to the state legislature on 26 Feb 1867 (Entry appearing in a chapter of a book entitled "Chapter CVII. An Act to Incorporate the Wilmington Hook and Ladder Company" in Public Laws of the State of North Carolina Passed by the General Assembly at the Sessions of 1866-'67, pp. 370-372.).

As mentioned in connection with his mother above, John William became a member of the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church (aka Front Street Station M.E. Church South) on 18 Aug 1869. He is included on a list of church members dated 1870, and apparently remained a member after his mother and sister left in Feb 1873, as he wasn't removed at that time. His name is included on a list dated 1880 where he is referred to as having been "removed by certificate"- no specific date given. [There is no reference to his wife (below) becoming a member of this church.]

The 1870 census for Wilmington taken in July includes John William in an entry for Lucy Tilley's boarding house. Mrs. Tilley is listed as a widow with two daughters, Lina and Melvina. John William is identified as "Tinner," age 22 yrs old, and born in NC. Next to him is Thomas Tolar, "Tinner," age 24, born in VA. Also appearing are two railroad engineers from NC, "James Exum" (38 yrs. old) and "Harry Blackman" (48 yrs. old). A black "houseservant, Richard Gibbs (16 yrs old) is also included, who is identified as not able to read or write.

John William married Caroline Virginia PAE, daughter of Archibald PAE & Sophia BATH, on 11 Oct 1870 in Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC. She was born on 4 Mar 1844 in Richmond, Henrico Co. VA. She died of angina pectoris on 19 Jul 1922 in Monroe, Union Co. NC and was buried on 20 Jul 1922 in the Monroe City Suncrest Cemetery, Monroe, Union Co. NC. One of the censuses lists her occupation as "Milliner" (ladies hat maker). She was also a member First Presbyterian Church, Monroe Union Co. NC. Information about her ancestry is located here. Here's a collection of 10 photographs of Caroline Virginia nee Pae Rudge that span her lifetime, including one that appears to have been taken on the day of their marriage.

RECORD OF MARRIAGE: "John Rudge married Carrie V. Pae, 3rd dau. of Archie Pea, Esq. of VA, 11 Oct. 1870." (St. James Church Records, Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC)

MARRIAGE ANNOUNCEMENT - "MARRIED. In this city, on the 11th inst. by the Rev. F. M. Wood, Mr. JOHN W. RUDGE to Miss CARRIE V. PEA, third daughter of Archie Pea, Esq., formerly of Virginia. Richmond and Petersburg papers please copy." (Wilmington Journal 21 Oct 1870, v. 26.) 2nd MARRIAGE ANNOUNCEMENT - "MARRIED. In this city, on the 11th inst. at the residence of the bride's father by Rev. Frank H. Wood, Mr. John W. Rudge and Miss Carrie V. Pea, daughter of Archie Pea, formerly of Petersburg, VA. Petersburg papers please copy." (Daily Journal & Wilmington Morning Star 14 Oct 1870, v. 7, no. 18.)

John William Rudge opened an account at the Freedman Bank on 3 Jun 1873. The record identifies him as a "tin smith" and includes the initials of his immediate family, also mentioning that his father is dead. (Freedman Bank Records, Account no. 6992; Film no. 4098525, images 725.)

CITY DIRECTORIES: "Rudge, W. John - Tinner with A. H. Neff (Hardware, tin ware and stoves at 19 S. Front Street) Residence- 3rd Street between Red Cross and Walnut Streets." (T. M. Haddock's 1871 Wilmington City Directory for Wilmington, NC p. 200.) "Rudge, W. John, tinner Residence- h Hanover bet 3d and 4th" (Sherrif & Co.'s Wilmington N.C. Directory and General Advertiser For 1875-6, p. 124.) The residence listed in the latter is identical with that of John William's father-in-law, Archibald PAE.

John William and his family (including his mother, Louisa nee MITCHELL RUDGE) moved to Monroe, Union Co. NC ca. Apr 1874 or 1875 according to their respective obituaries. Ads for his tin store, called "The Big Coffee Pot", first appear in August of 1875.

AD FOR HIS STORE: "The Big Coffee Pot. HAVING OPENED A NEW TIN SHOP over Jno. D. Stewart's store, I announce to the public that I am prepared to furnish any and all kinds of TIN WARE, either Wholesale or Retail, cheap for cash. Roofing, Guttering, and in fact anything in the TIN LINE done as well and as cheaply as can be had in this market. I claim that merchants in this section will save at least freights from buying from me, and I further guarantee the quality of the ware to be equal to any and better than that generally sold North. Look for the BIG COFFEE POT, over Stewart's Dry Goods Store. J.W. RUDGE Aug. 30, 1875 14-tl." (31 Aug 1875 Monroe Enquirer p. 3)

The Monroe Enquirer features several ads for his tin shop that indicate he specialized in selling tin stoves and worked during the summer installing or repairing roofs and gutters.

"J. W. Rudge of the town of Monroe" is identified as the recipient of a mortgage deed against $22 owed to him by E.P. Chaney that was signed on 3 Oct 1876 (Union County NC Deed Record Book 8, p. 341). Union County has records of several additional land transactions involving John William and his wife between 1880 and 1922, most of which are conducted in his wife's name.

John William and Caroline Virginia lived on 203-205 North Crawford St., ca. 1880-1900. The house was built in 1880 and sold to Dr. Stephen J. Welsh in 1901 . Dr. Welsh is said to have added 12 rooms to the original three, creating the present two-story, Classical Revival Style frame residence. According to a tradition related to me by Katherine Niven, the three children born in Monroe were all born in this house. Our information about the house contradicts this, since only Archie was born after 1880. It may be that the 1880 structure replaced a house which previously existed on the same lot. After selling the house, they moved to Washington St.

John continued to work as a tinner to support his family while they lived in Monroe. An ad appearing in a local paper gives some details of the sort of work he did:

"Practical Tinner. Forty Years at the Business. I am prepared to do all kinds of Roofing, Guttering, Ridge Moulding, all kinds of Ornaments for churches and houses. I do all kinds of shop and repair work and guarantee first class work. Shop on Washington Street. 'Phone 209. John W. Rudge" (The Monroe Journal 20 Sep 1910 p. 8; 27 Sep 1910 p. 7; 4 Oct 1910 p. 4; 11 Oct 1910 p. 2.)

Annual reports for the City of Monroe published in the Monroe Journal mention John William did repair work for the city on an occasional basis as well (e.g. "Annual Statement... Nov 1909 J. W. Rudge, repairing $9.50" (17 May 1910 The Monroe Journal p. 3).

Caroline Virginia had her own millinery business- several ads for her hat shop also appear in local newspapers from 1877-1890. Here's an ad for her store:

"To The Ladies AND FORMER CUSTOMERS Mrs. Carrie V. Rudge wishes to inform them that she has again resumed the millinery business and has just received a full supply of new goods. If you want to see something pretty, and of the latest style, just give me a call. I have some of the finest and as cheap goods as was ever on this market. For Beaver and Felt Hats. Two hundred different shapes. All Milan and Canton Straws. Birds and Wings from 25 cents up to $3.00, according to quality. Bandeau and Feathered Pompons. A variety of Ostrich Tips. A new supply of Ribbons and Velvet. Over a hundred yards of veiling, different colors. Dress and Hat Buckles. A lot of fancy Hat Pins and cheap Belts. Bonnets, Hats, Children's Caps MADE TO ORDER Satisfaction guaranteed. We don't ask you to buy, but come and see; we will be glad to show you our goods. Very Respectfully, MRS. CARRIE V. RUDGE" (20 Nov 1890 The Monroe Register p. 4)

John William was a fellow in the Masonic Lodge at Monroe, Union Co. NC. We have a large plaque, given to us by Steve Kenney, which includes a photograph of him. The plaque reads as follows- "November 29, 1887. Masonic Record and Emblematic John W. Rudge History of Fortitude, Temperance, Prudence and Justice. [Along left] This is to certify that Monroe Lodge No. 244 is a just and lawfully constituted Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, working under a charter from the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of North Carolina. Dated at Raleigh this 5th day of December AD 1860 AC 5860. [Along right] This is to certify that John W. Rudge whose signature appears on the margin in his own handwriting has been regularly initiated as an Entered Apprentice, passed to the Degree of a Fellow Craft, and Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason and that he is now a Member of the Monroe Lodge No. 244 located in Monroe NC. And we recommend him as such to all Brothers and Fellows wherever dispersed upon the Globe. [Along bottom] Initiated as an entered apprentice April 10th 1879 A. L. 5879., Passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft November 25, 1887 A. L. 5887. Called from Labor to Retirement A. D. 18__ A. L. 58__." We also have the Masonic sealing ring he once wore.

The 1880 census for Monroe taken on 3 Jun 1880 includes an entry for John William, his wife, mother-in-law and three children along with a black servant, Robert Blair (35 yrs old, from NC). Blair was a former slave and a cook for the first Monroe Light Infantry Company [aka Company D] of the NC State Guard, which John William was affiliated with as a drummer from 1882-1897. A newspaper account of this company is located here.

It is unclear where John William (and his family) lived during the period between 1880 and 1905. There are several references to his ongoing involvement in a number of activities associated with Monroe, such as his membership with the Masons, the State Guard, a local church and the 1900 census noted below. Yet there are several Savannah, GA city directories (1889, 1893, 1895, 1900, and 1904) that contain entries for either John or John W. Rudge, a tinner or foreman that most certainly refer to him. Several of the newspaper ads I've found for his tinner's shop announce his return to business in Monroe. Several records of land transactions in Union County also suggest he was absent at the time of sale. A write-up of his daughter Katherine Erma Rudge's wedding (29 Jun 1904) strongly suggests he wasn't present. The most logical explanation is that while his residence was in Monroe, he maintained an apartment in Savannah, perhaps on a seasonal basis, to acquire more work. The ad for his wife's business above, directed to her former customers, suggests the family may have accompanied him to Savannah on at least one occasion.

SAVANNAH CITY DIRECTORIES: "Rudge, John W. foreman Lovell & Lattimore, r 216 1/2 Montgomery" (1889 City Directory for Savannah, GA p. 352.); "Rudge, John W. tinner Lovell & Lattimore, r Duffy se corner Montgomery" (1893 City Directory for Savannah, GA p. 393.); "Rudge, John W. forman Lovell & Lattimore, bds 204 Duffy" (1895 City Directory for Savannah, GA p. 362.); "Rudge, John W. tinner r 207 Duffy w" (1900 City Directory for Savannah, GA p. 718.); "Rudge, John W. tinner P.H. Cotton bds 119 Gordon w" (1904 City Directory for Savannah, GA p. 926.)

"Mr. & Mrs. John Rudge - were received by certificate (usually means a transfer from some other church, but back in those days, I cannot tell you exactly what it meant then!) - 10-18-1891. Our records indicate that they both died while members here (no date indicated)." (Letter from Joyce J. Kelley, Office Administrator, First Presbyterian Church, Monroe to Dave Rudge 21 Apr 1995)

In the 1900 census for Monroe, NC John William and his family are included as an entry. John William is listed as 51 years old, born January 1849 in France, a tinner, married 29 years and living at Washington Street. The house is indicated as mortgaged. His wife is listed as 50 years old and born March 1850 in VA. His son William John and daughter Katherine Erma are also included in this entry. [There is no entry for John William (or his mother) in the soundex to the 1900 census for Savannah, GA.]

Among his various other attributes, John William RUDGE was also an inventor. I have obtained a copy of the letters patent for a combination fertilizer and cotton seeder from the U.S. Patent Office (patent no. 806, 005, applied for on 7 Aug 1905 and awarded 28 Nov 1905). A brief write up of the invention in a local paper describes it as follows:

"A Valuable Invention. Mr. J. W. Rudge of this place has invented a combination cotton planter and guano distributor that is destined to be a great success. The planter opens the trench, drops in the guano, puts a small quantity of dirt upon it, then covers and packs them. All the planters at present in use put in only the seed after the ground has been previously prepared and the guano put in. It will be seen at once that Mr. Rudge's invention saves a great deal of labor and will be a valuable instrument to the cotton farmer. It will be about the size of an ordinary planter. Mr. Rudge has been working upon his idea for several years, and succeeded in getting his model in shape this springand used it in actual cotton planting, the seed which he planted coming up beautifully. A patent has been applied for and will no doubt be secured at once, as the patent attorneys at Washington say that the records of the government office show no invention of a like character. Mr. Rudge expects to organize a company and manufacture his machines here." (The Monroe Journal, 23 Jun 1903, p. 3)

According to subsequent newspaper articles, John William and his son William John RUDGE formed a company to manufacture and market the invention by 15 Aug 1905. Here's a copy of the patent. Ads for the invention appear in successive issues of the paper appearing on 12 and 19 Apr 1910:

"NEW COTTON PLANTER - I want to plant your cotton to demonstrate the value of our 'Combined Fertilizer Distributor and Cotton Seed Planter.' It puts in the guano and covers it up, and then the seed and covers them up, all in one operation, and can be regulated to put the fertilizer and seed to any desired depth. The most economical machine for planting ever invented. See them at work. John W. Rudge" (The Monroe Journal 12 Apr 1910, p. 5; 19 Apr 1910 p. 5)

"HENRY BELK. Of Fish and Fishing.... Most folks of middle age today never know the well as the only water supply for the home. I recall the late Sam [sic] Rudge of Monroe. He was a tinner of imagination. He invented a gadget to empty a bucket of water at the well without having to pick up the bucket and hold it and pour the water out. His device consisted of a prong about three inches high mounted in the center of a tin boxlike contraption that was mounted on the well curb. Rudge's invention included a well bucket with a hinged stopper about the size of a dollar. The pressure of the water as it came up out of the well would keep this stopper closed. One swung the bucket and let it down on the tin box in such a fashion that the spring pushed up the stopper and let the water run out. Arranged with a spout at one end, the box was fixed so that the spout was level with the edge of the bucket to be filled. This stood on a shelf on the curb at the right height. It worked. It saved the back and arm-breaking toil of lifting and emptying heavy buckets. Rudge might have made a fortune out of his invention but the world changed and he didn't invent anything to go along with the change. " (16 Mar 1958 Greensboro Daily News (Greensboro, NC) p. 52.)

In the 1910 census for Monroe, NC taken on 16 Apr John William and his wife are included as an entry. John William is listed as 60 years old, born in France/England, a tinner, married 39 years and living at Washington Street. The house is indicated as being owned freely. His wife is listed as 60 years old, born in VA and having no occupation.

"While walking in his yard Thursday night Mr. J. W. Rudge became ill and fell in an unconscious condition. For a long time he was speechless and it was thought that he had become paralyzed. However, it was found to be a case of uric acid poisoning, and he is now some better." The Monroe Journal 9 Dec 1913, p. 5.

According to the record of his death, and his obituary below, he was moved to a sanatorium in Morganton, Burke Co. NC shortly after this incident where he remained for the remaining two years of his life.

OBITUARY - "Death of Mr. J. W. Rudge. Mr. John W. Rudge died last night at the Hospital at Morganton. A telegram came to the family yesterday saying that he had become worse. Mr. W. J. Rudge, his son, left yesterday for Morganton by automobile but did not reach Morganton before his father died. The remains are expected to arrive on the 8 o'clock train tonight. The funeral will be held tomorrow at 11 o'clock at the residence of Mr. J. T. Griffith, with the burial ceremony of the Masonic Order. Mr. Rudge lost his health some years ago, and finally was taken to the hospital two years ago in the hopes that he could be benefited. But this hope proved vain. He was sixty-six years old. He was born in France, though of English descent, and came to this country at the age of ten years. He was one of the youngest boys in the service of the Confederate government, and was employed during the war as a cabin boy on Confederate blockade runners plying in and out of the port of Wilmington. His recollections of the dangers and hardships of this service was very vivid. Soon after his marriage he came to Monroe, where the family has resided since. Mr. and Mrs. Rudge came to Monroe 41 years ago last April. Mr. Rudge engaged in the tin business and was a very superior workman and contractor and did the pioneering work of that kind in all this section. He was a quiet man who attended to his affairs with zeal. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church. His wife and three children survive him. They are Mr. W. J. Rudge, Mrs. J. B. Coble and Mrs. J. T. Griffith, all of Monroe. Mr. Rudge is one of the very last of the older citizens of Monroe." (3 Dec 1915 The Monroe Journal p. 5)

FUNERAL NOTICE: "Notice to Masons. All members of lodge A. F. and A. M. are requested to meet at the hall tonight at 7:30 for the purpose of making arrangements for participating in the funeral of Mr. J. W. Rudge." (3 Dec 1915 The Monroe Journal)

After the death of her husband, Carrie Virginia moved in with her daughter Katherine Erma and son-in-law, James Thomas GRIFFITH on West Windsor Street in Monroe, NC. She is included in the entry for them in the 1920 census for Monroe, taken 13 Jan. In it Carrie is listed as 70 years old, a mother-in-law, and widowed.

FIRST OBITUARY - "MRS. CARRIE VIRGINIA RUDGE DIES SUDDENLY. One of Monroe's Best Women Passed Away at Midnight Hour Tuesday Night. Mrs. Carrie Virginia Rudge died Tuesday night at 12:30 o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. James T. Griffith on West Windsor street, following an acute attack of heart disease of about half-hour duration. Mrs. Rudge was a native of Richmond, Va. She was born in that city on March 4th, 1844, and was therefore a little more than 78 years of age. Before marriage she was Miss Carrie Virginia Paye. Her ancestors were of Scotch-English descent, but for several generations they had been Virginians. One brother, Mr. James A. Paye of Scottsburg, Va., survives. Mrs. Rudge moved with her husband, the late J. W. Rudge, to Monroe from Wilmington 47 years ago, and Mr. Rudge died in 1915. One son, Mr. W. J. Rudge, and two daughters, Mrs. Carrie Coble and Mrs. James T. Griffith, all of Monroe, survive. For a number of years Mrs. Rudge had made her home with Mrs. Griffith and received all the kind consideration possible for children to bestow upon a beloved mother. Deceased was a devoted member of the Presbyterian church and she was a most excellent lady of strong christian character, kindly inclinations, and a helpful spirit. She was a devoted mother and loved her grand-children as her own. She was a lady of wide acquaintance, and numbered her friends by the thousands in North Carolina and Virginia. Funeral services were conducted at home of Mrs. Griffith Wednesday afternoon at 6 o'clock. Drs. H. E. Gurney, former pastor of the Monroe Presbyterian Church and a long time friend of the Rudge family conducted the services. The remains were interred in the Monroe Cemetery in the presence of a large concourse of relatives and friends who had gathered to pay their last tribute of respect to this good woman, the large and beautiful floral offerings bespeaking to some extent the love and esteem in which she was held by all who knew her. Messrs. J. H. Lee, M. F. Blakeney, I. A. Stewart, S. O. Blair, R. A. Morrow, W. Wolfe, and G. M. Beasley were the pall bearers." (21 Jul 1922 The Monroe Journal, p. 1)

SECOND OBITUARY- "DEATH OF MRS. J.W. RUDGE. Mrs. Carrie Virginia Rudge died Wednesday night, July 19th, at 12:30 o'clock in the home of her daughter, Mrs. James T. Griffith, on West Windsor street, following an acute attack of heart disease of half-hour duration. Mrs. Rudge was a native of Richmond, Va., having been born in that city March 4, 1844, and she was therefore 78 years of age. Her maiden name was Paye, her ancestors being of Scotch-Irish descent, but for several generations had been Virginians. Only a brother of her father's family survives, he being Mr. James A. Paye, of Scottsburg, Va. Mrs. Rudge came with her husband, the late J.W. Rudge, to Monroe 47 years ago, from Wilmington, N.C. Mr. Rudge died in 1915. Surviving are one son, Mr. W. J. Rudge, and two daughters, Mrs. Carrie Coble and Mrs. James T. Griffith, all of Monroe. Mrs. Rudge made her home for a number of years with Mrs. Griffith, receiving the loving consideration and kindness only a devoted daughter can give to her mother. Mrs. Rudge was a devoted member of the Presbyterian church. Hers was a strong character, and a most excellent lady, her life being one of kindliness, helpfulness and friendliness with those with whom she came in contact. She was devoted to her children and grandchildren, and her friends were numbered by her acquaintances, not only in Monroe, but throughout the States of Virginia and North Carolina. Funeral services were conducted yesterday afternoon at 6:30 o'clock from the home of Mr. Griffith. Drs. H. E. Gurney, pastor of Providence Church and a long time friend of the deceased, conducting services. His tribute was simple yet earnest and appreciative of a long life well spent and full of good works. Interment was in the Monroe Cemetery, a large congregation assembling to pay last respects to a dear old friend and neighbor. The floral offerings were profuse and beautiful. The pallbearers were Messrs. J. H. Lee, M. F. Blakeney, J. A. Stewart, S. O. Blair, R. A. Morrow, W. Wolfe, and G. M. Beasley."

THIRD OBITUARY - "DEATHS AND FUNERALS... MRS. CARRIE VIRGINIA RUDGE. Mrs. Carrie Virginia Rudge died Wednesday night at 12:30 o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. James T. Griffith on West Windsor street, following an acute attack of heart disease of about half-hour duration. Mrs. Rudge was a native of Richmond, Va. She was born in that city on March 4th, 1844, and was therefore a little more than 78 years of age. Before marriage she was Miss Carrie Virginia Paye. Her ancesters were of Scotch-English descent, but for several generations they had been Virginians. One brother, Mr. James A. Paye of Scottsburg, Va., survives. Mrs. Rudge moved with her husband, the late J. W. Rudge, to Monroe from Wilmington 47 years ago, and Mr. Rudge died in 1915. One son, Mr. J. W. Rudge, and two daughters, Mrs. Carrie Coble and Mrs. James T. Griffith, all of Monroe, survive. Funeral services were conducted at home of Mrs. Griffith Wednesday afternoon at 6:30 o'clock. Drs. H. E. Gurney, former pastor of the Monroe Presbyterian Church and a long time friend of the Rudge family conducted the services. The remains were interred in the Monroe Cemetery." (22 Jul 1922 The Charlotte Observer, p. 13.)

MEMORIAL NOTICE - "In Memoriam. 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, for they rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.' The Auxiliary of the Monroe Presbyterian church is poorer today because of the loss of a beloved member, Mrs. J. W. Rudge. Sorrow is brought to our hearts and into our work by the passing away of this good woman. We bow in humble submission to the will of our Heavenly Father, thankful for the memory of her who lived among us, and for the beautiful daily life she lived. To the members of the family we express our sincere sympathy. We record this testimony of our esteem in the minutes of our Auxiliary.- Miss Anna M. Blair, Mrs. R. A. Morrow, Mrs. I. B. Bourne." (15 Aug 1922 The Monroe Journal, p. 5)

John William RUDGE and Caroline Virginia PAE had the following children:

	36	i.	Bettie Louise4 RUDGE (1871-1879)
	37	ii.	Caroline Virginia4 RUDGE (1874-1962)
	38	iii.	William John4 RUDGE (1876-1940)
	39	iv.	Katherine Erma4 RUDGE (1879-1969)
	40	v.	Archie Clifton4 RUDGE (1881-1881)

She married John W. BANKS, son of John BANKS & Louisa T. WITHENBURY on 7 Sep 1868 in Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC. He was born ca. 1847 in NC. He died of "complications of the grip" on 4 Dec 1899 in Savannah, Chatham Co. GA and was buried on 5 Dec 1899 in Laurel Grove Cemetery, Savannah, Chatham Co. GA. The Wilmington 1870 census identifies his occupation a "lightman; later census records identify him as "working in a sawmill" and a lumber inspector. He was a veteran of the Civil War. He was also a member St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Savannah, Chatham Co. GA.

OBITUARY - "Mrs. Marie Louise Banks. After an illness of three months, Mrs. Marie Louise Banks, widow of the late John W. Banks, died at 6 o'clock yesterday morning. She was born at Nantes, France, Jan. 23, 1851, and moved to this country when a girl. She resided in Wilmington, N.C. for a number of years, where she married Mr. John W. Banks. During the illness of the deceased she was surrounded by her children and friends who administered to her every want and nursed her tenderly and faithfully to the end. Mrs. Banks was a devout member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. She is survived by her mother, Mrs. Louisa Rudge; a brother, Mr. J. W. Rudge of Monroe, N.C., and seven children, all residents of this city. They are Mrs. Robert J. Warrick, Mrs. Walter W. Metzger, Mrs. John M. Blaine, Mrs. J. Kaufmann, Miss Georgia Banks, and two sons, Messrs. Robert E. and John E. Banks. The funeral will take place this afternoon from the home of the deceased, No. 116 Duffy street east, at 4:30 o'clock. The interment will be in the family lot in Laurel Grove Cemetery. The services will be conducted by the Rev. Gilbert Ottmann, rector of St. Paul's Church. A quartette consisting of Mrs. Percy Wickenberg, Miss Eleanor Allen, Mr. R. C. Thomson and Mr. J. B. Goodman will sing the following hymns, which were favorites of the deceased: At the home, "Asleep in Jesus" and "Nearer, My God to Thee," at the grave, "Abide With Me" and "The Christian's Good Night." The following gentlemen will act as pallbearers: Mr. J. A. Thomas, Mr. G. W. Register, Mr. Harry T. Kramer, Mr. Samuel Payne, Mr. Thomas Warrick, and Mr. William K. Metzger." (Savannah Morning News 19 Apr 1906).

Extensive information on Mary Louisa nee RUDGE BANKS, her husband and descendants is located here.

31. Caroline Blindell⁴ RUDGE( Thomas William³, Edward², William¹). She was born on 15 Dec 1848 and baptized on 7 Jan 1849 at St. Mary, Strafford, Bow. She died in July 1896 in Westham, Essex Co. England. She married James MAW on 2 Aug 1870 at St. Anne, Limestone, England.

32. James John⁴ RUDGE( Thomas William³, Edward², William¹). He was born ca. Oct 1850 in Stepney (London), England. He died in Dec 1935. He was a boilermaker.

James John married Elizabeth Ann nee JONES, daughter of John and Mary Jane Jones, on 22 Jun 1873 at the Parish Church of Woolwich, Kent Co. England. James John RUDGE and Elizabeth Ann nee JONES had the following children:

	41	i.	Albert John5 RUDGE (1874-1937)
	42	ii.	Elizabeth Ann5 RUDGE (1877-)
	43	iii.	Ernlie James5 RUDGE (1878-1970)
	44	iv.	Beatrice5 RUDGE (1896-)

John Rudge married Mary Jane nee JONES.

John RUDGE and Mary Jane nee JONES had at least one child:

	45	i.	Mary Beatrice5 RUDGE (1881-1938)

William Edward appears with his siblings in the 1871 and 1881 census entries for his mother and step-father (and uncle) Edward Rudge. In the latter he is referred to as a blacksmith.

In 1883 he attempted to commit suicide and was subsequently made an inmate of Chatham Lunatic Asylum (see newspaper article under his step-father's entry above). He appears there in the 1891 census entry for the asylum where he is identified as an Anchorsmith.

NEWSPAPER ARTICLE ABOUT HIM: "SHOCKING INCIDENT. A shocking incident, caused by excessive drinking, has occurred in Sheerness. A young man named Edward Rudge, who is employed in Sheerness Dockyard as a boilermaker, plunged a pair of scissors into his throat, and then threw himself out of his bed room window, which is two stories high. He was picked up in a dreadful condition, and conveyed to the workhouse infirmary, where he is lying in a very critical state. " (Wed 17 Jan 1883 Portsmouth Evening News)

OBITUARY:"DIED, in this place. on the 27th inst. Bettie Louise, daughter of J. W. and C. V. Rudge. Aged 7 years, 8 mo's. The funeral will take place at five o'clock this evenin8 [sic]." (28 Jun 1879 Monroe Enquirer p. 3)

Carrie married John Bunyan COBLE Sr., son of John A. M. COBLE & Mariah ?, 2 Feb 1897 in Residence Of J. W. Rudge, Monroe, Union Co. NC. He was born on 8 Jun 1866 in Pleasant Garden, Guilford Co., NC. He died on 19 Apr 1920 in Monroe, Union Co. NC and was buried on 20 Apr 1920 in the Monroe City Suncrest Cemetery, Monroe, Union Co. NC. He was a locomotive engineer and a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Monroe Union Co. NC.

MARRIAGE -MARRIAGE - "Coble-Rudge. February 2nd 1897 will be a date ever memorable in the calendar of life to Mr. J. B. Coble and Miss Carrie Rudge, for on that date they vowed eternal constancy, fidelity and love one for the other and called upon God to witness that they were one and were pronounced man and wife by the minister. The marriage took place at the residence of the bride's father, Mr. J. W. Rudge at 10:30 o'clock. Only a few of the close friends of the bride and groom were present. The attendants were Mr. Frank Lowe with Miss Stella Bourne; Mr. Will Rudge with Miss Lizzie Andrews; Mr. Claude S. Jones, of Abbeville, S.C.; was best man and Miss Kate Rudge, sister of the bride, was bridesmaid. Rev. H. M. Dixon, pastor of the Presbyterian church performed the services. The groom is a native of Randolph county and is an engineer on the G.C. & N. road. he is a very popular man and has a host of friends in Monroe. The bride is a lady of most charming graces and noble Christian character. She is one of the most popular young ladies of Monroe and it is not a mere matter of form that we say that she is a woman worthy of the love of a husband who is so fortunate as to win her hand and heart. After the marriage Mr. and Mrs. Coble left for points in Georgia and Florida. They will be away about three weeks when they return and make Monroe their home. With their many other friends here we wish for Mr. and Mrs. Coble every joy that is ever vouchsafed to mortals and that their married life may reach as nearly to the perfection of happiness as it is possible."

OBITUARY -"MRS. CARRIE RUDGE COBLE. Monroe. - Mrs. Carrie Rudge Cobble, 87, passed away Saturday morning at her home, 504 Washington St., following a serious illness of eight weeks. Born in Wilmington, NC October 9, 1874, she was the daughter of the late John and Carolyn Pae Rudge. Her husband John B. Coble died in 1920. Mrs. Coble was a life long member of the First Presbyterian Church of Monroe. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Wilson Jones, Mrs. Louise Bareford, both of Monroe; four sons, Harry W. Coble, of Monroe, John B. Coble, of Alexandria, Ky., Wesley W. Coble, of Rome, Ga., David L. Coble, of Winter Park, Fla; a sister, Mrs. James T. Griffith, Sr. of Monroe; 12 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held today at 3 p.m. from Harris-Wells Chapel. Officiating will be Dr. Roy F. Whitley. Interment will be in Monroe Cemetery." (The Monroe Enquirer, 1 Oct 1962)

Photographs and extensive information on Carrie Virginia nee RUDGE COBLE, her husband and descendants are located here.

"Willie Rudge- received by certificate 10-2-1892- deceased." ["received by certificate usually means a transfer from some other church, but back in those days I cannot tell you exactly what it meant then!"] (Letter from Joyce J. Kelley, Office Administrator, First Presbyterian Church, Monroe to Dave Rudge 21 Apr 1995.)

According to family tradition, William John worked as a page for a North Carolina congressman. I have located two Washington, D.C. city directory entries for him that identify him as residing at the apartment where his aunt, Kate S. nee Pae Turpin was living at the time.

CITY DIRECTORIES: "Rudge, William J. clk 307 C nw" (BoydÕs City Directory, Washington, D.C. 1894, p. 854); "Rudge, William clk 307 C nw" (BoydÕs City Directory, Washington, D.C. 1895, p. 796)

In the late 1890's William John and his sister Caroline Virginia became employees of the very first Belks store, now a major department store chain that began in Monroe, Union Co. NC. Here's a photograph of them taken in 1890.

He married Ethel Josephine ADAMS, daughter of Henry Bethune ADAMS & Fannie PERSON, 7 Aug 1901 in his father-in-law's home by Rev. W. M. Bagley of the Central M. E. Church South, Monroe, Union Co. NC. She was born on 23 Aug 1876 in Monroe, Union Co. NC. She died of bronchopneumonia on 17 Jan 1963 in Concord, Cabarrus Co., NC and was buried on 19 Jan 1963 in the Monroe City Suncrest Cemetery, Monroe, Union Co. NC. She was a music teacher, and a member of the Central Methodist Church, Concord, NC. Here are two photographs of her piano. Information about her ancestry is located here. Here's a photograph of her. And here's a photograph of their house on Washington Street; here's another. Here's a photograph of their gravestones.

RECORD OF MARRIAGE"Aug. 7, William J. Rudge to Josephine Adams, by Rev. W. M. Bagley." From list of marriage records for year 1901 appearing in an installment of an ongoing series "When Many of Our Ancestors United in Bonds of Marriage" (4 Aug 1922 The Monroe Journal p. 6)

ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT: "COMMING MARRIAGE. News Notes and Personals From Monroe. Correspondence of the News. Monroe, N.C., July 25. - Cards are out announcing the marriage of Mr. William J. Rudge and Miss Josephine Adams, Wednesday evening, August 7th at seven oÕclock. Miss Adams is one of MonroeÕs most accomplished and popular young ladies, a daughter of Mr. H. B. Adams. Mr. Rudge is a prosperous business young man of Monroe." (26 Jul 1901 Charlotte News (Charlotte, NC) p. 5)

MARRIAGE ANNOUNCEMENT: "WEDDINGS THREE. Six Popular Young People Embark on the Sea of Matrimony. August 7th, 1901 is a date which will long be remembered in at least three homes in this county. On that date the doors of those homes were thrown open and with open handed hospitality, with welcome unstinted the guests were received and merry jest and pleasant conversation went round well laden boards and in brilliantly lighted, flower-banked rooms. It was a wedding night and in those homes, surrounded by congratulating and admiring friends, standing before the ministers representing Him who in that early time of man's history, before sin or anything evil had fallen across man's pathway, established marriage and put upon it the seal of divine approval, six people entered into the estate of matrimony and took upon themselves its holy vows... Rudge-Adams. No more interesting social event has taken place in our city than was the marriage of Mr. W. J. Rudge and Miss Josephine Adams last evening. The residence of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Adams, on Washington street, was filled with friends of the contracting parties and that home presented a most attractive appearance and was in keeping with the welcome and hospitality always to be found in it. The decorations were palms, ferns and cut flowers. The prevailing color in the dining room was white and red. Promptly at the hour of seven the bridesmaids, Misses Kate Rudge and Pattie Adams, entered the parlor, the bride and groom following them. Mr. B.A. Horn was the best man. The marriage service was performed by Rev. W. M. Bagley, the beautiful ring service being used. The bride was attired in a handsome castor tailor made suit. Miss Rudge wore a dress of white organdie and Miss Adams wore pink organdie. After the marriage the guests were invited to the dining room where a very elegant supper was served. The guests present were, Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Jerome, Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Redwine, Dr. and Mrs. J. W. Stephenson, Dr. and Mrs. J. W. Belk, Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Morrow, Mr. and Mrs. R. Redfearn, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Rudge, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Coble, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Blakenay, Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Shannon, Dr. and Mrs. W. C. Houston, Rev. and Mrs. W. M. Bagley, Rev. and Mrs. H. M. Dixon, Mr. and Mrs. B. C. Ashcraft, Mrs. Vann, Mrs. Elizabeth Houston, Mrs. Ellen Fitzgerald, Misses Bulus and Iva Bagby, Anna Blair, Fannie Stephens, Kate Rudge and May Blakeney, Messrs. B. A. Horn, Rufus Armfield, Ed Crow, H. McLarty, Bonner Stewart, Dr. B. C. Redfearn, Chas. Redfearn and Henry Belk. The presents were many and valuable. The groom is the manager of the W.J. Rudge Co. and is one of Monroe's most successful and popular young business men. The bride is a most accomplished and brilliant lady, who by her charming manners and genial disposition has won many friends. She is one of the most accomplished musicians in the city. She is a teacher of music in the Monroe graded schools. Mr. and Mrs. Rudge left soon after their marriage for Jackson Springs, where they will spend their honeymoon. May life for them be long and happy."(Miss Minnie Simpson's Paper Aug 1901); SECOND MARRIAGE NOTICE: "PRETTY MARRIAGE AT MONROE. Mr. W. J. Rudge Leads Miss Josephine Adams to Hyman's Altar. Monroe, N.C. Aug 9. One of the most beautiful and impressive marriages of the season was solemnized here today. The contracting parties were Mr. W. J. Rudge and Miss Josephine Adams. The marriage took place at the beautiful residence of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry B. Adams, on Washington street. The house was decorated for the occasion with a profusion of lovely flowers and presented a most attractive appearance in keeping with the welcome and hospitality always to be found in it. The bridesmaids, Misses Kate Rudge and Pattie Adams, entered the parlor first, the bride and groom following. The marriage ceremony was performed by Rev. W. M. Bagley of the Methodist church. The bride was handsomely attired in a beautiful tailor made suit. Miss Rudge wore a lovely dress of white organdy, wearing diamonds and pearls. Miss Adams was beautifully dressed in pink organdy. After the marriage the guests were invited into a beautiful dining room where an elegant supper was served. The prevailing color in the dining room was white and red. The presents were many and exceedingly handsome and costly. The bride is the accomplished daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H.B. Adams, considered one of the most popular and distinguished lawyers of this section of the State. She is one of the most accomplished musicians in this section. The groom is general manager of the W. J. Rudge Co., and is one of our most prominent and prosperous young business men. After the ceremony the bride and groom left on the train for Jackson Springs, where they will spend a little while."; THIRD MARRIAGE ANNOUCEMENT: "MONROE WILL HAVE A FREE LIBRARY. Two Popular Couples United for Life's VoyageÑPersonal and Other Notes. Correspondence of the News. Monroe, N.C. The social events of the season were the wedding last evening of Mr. W. J. Rudge and Miss Josephine Adams, Prof. R. C. Barrett and Miss May Robertson. Mr. Rudge and Miss Adams were married promptly at 7 o'clock and after an elegant supper was served they took the 8:30 train for Jackson Springs. Mrs. Rudge is one of Monroe's most accomplished and popular young ladies. Mr. Rudge is one of Monroe's most successful business menÉ They are to be congratulated on securing the heart and hand of these young ladies. May the voyage of life be upon calm seas and under peaceful skies." (9 Aug 1901 Charlotte News (Charlotte, NC) p. 3); FOURTH MARRIAGE ANNOUCEMENT: "MARRIAGES AT MONROE. Miss Josephine Adams Married to Mr. W. J. Rudge and Miss May Robertson to Prof. R. C. Barrett. Special to the Observer. Monroe, August 8.- There were two marriages in Monroe last evening. At 7 oÕclock, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Adams, their daughter Miss Josephine, was married to Mr. W. J. Rudge, a popular young business man of Monroe. It was a beautiful home marriage. Everything about the home was in keeping with the occasion. There were beautiful decorations in palms, ferns and cut flowers. The marriage service was performed by Rev. W. M. Bagby, the ring service being used. The bride was handsomely attired in a tailor-made suit, while the bridesmaids, Misses Kate Rudge and Pattie Adams wore white and pink organdie, respectively. Mr. B. A. Hoon was best man. After the marriage an elegant supper was served to the guests. Mr. and Mrs. Rudge left last night for Jackson Springs, where they will spend their honeymoon." (9 Aug 1901 The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, NC) p. 8)

In Sketches of Monroe and Union County by Stack and Beasley (1902) the William Rudge Co. store is described as follows-- "The accompanying picture shows the pretty interior of the book, stationary, fancy goods and jewelry store of the W. J. Rudge Company, and a visit to this store will verify the impression made by the picture that this is one of the prettiest stores o its kind to be found in North Carolina. Not only is it pretty, but it is likewise commodious, having a floor space of 31X90 feet. That handsome building was recently erected by Belk Bros. and was constructed especially for this firm. The interior is finely finished, which, with the many large floor show cases, and other up-to-date furnishings, accounts for the fine effect upon a visitor when he enters the door. The company is incorporated and has the following officers--R. A. Morrow, president; Dr. J. M. Belk, vice president; W. J. Rudge, secretary and treasurer and general manager. Papers of incorporation were granted in October 1900, and the company has since been doing a thriving business. Mr. Rudge, the manager, is assisted by his sister, Kate Rudge, both of whom are exceedingly popular. Mr. Rudge is yet a very young man, and a bright future lies before him. The company has a large trade in school books, books of a general nature, magazines, jewelry and fancy goods." Eventually his wife's brother, Dr. W. C. Houston, bought him out. The store passed through the hands of several other proprietors (under different names) before being destroyed when a bomb blew up the entire block. Here are some photographs of William John Rudge in his store. Here's a website memorializing his store.

FIRST OBITUARY- "W.J. Rudge Succumbs At Monroe. Monroe, Nov. 28. W. J. Rudge, 64, prominent businessman of Monroe, died at 3 o'clock this morning in the Ellen Fitzgerald hospital here of a heart attack suffered late yesterday. The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock in the Presbyterian church. The pastor, Rev. D. F. McGeachy, will be in charge, assisted by Rev. G. B. Combs, pastor of Central Methodist church. Interment will be in the Monroe cemetery. He is survived by his widow, formerly Miss Josephine Adams; a son, W. J. Rudge, Jr. of Pittsfield, Mass.; a daughter, Mrs. Fanny Person Kenney of Tarboro; two sisters, Mrs. Carrie Coble and Mrs. James T. Griffith, both of Monroe. Mr. Rudge was born in Monroe and as a young man went to work for Dr. John M. and W. H. Belk. About 40 years ago the three, with the late R. A. Morrow, organized the W. J. Rudge company, jewelers and stationers, with Mr. Rudge in active charge. He was engaged in the same business continuously until his death. He was a Mason and took an active interest in affairs of the First Presbyterian church, being an elder at the time of his death."; SECOND OBITUARY- "MR. RUDGE DIES OF HEART ATTACK- Stricken at His Desk in Store, He Dies Some Hours Later in Hospital. Mr. William J. Rudge, for many years operator of a book, stationery, and jewelry business in Monroe, died in the Ellen Fitzgerald hospital at three 'clock this morning. About five o'clock yesterday afternoon, while sitting at his desk in his store, he received a heart attack and became unconscious. Hurried to the hospital, he remained unconscious till the end. The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at three o'clock in the Presbyterian church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. D. P. McGeachy, Dr. G. R. Combs of Central Methodist church, Rev. P. B. Upchurch of the First Baptist church, and Rev. F. . F. B. Drane of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. The active pall bearers will be Messrs. W. C. Sanders, Rupert Funderburk, J. V. Henderson, Allan Heath, C. A. Wilson, R. A. Morrow, William Morrow, and Sidi Stewart. Honorary pall bearers, among whom are the elders of the Presbyterian church will be Messrs. W. C. Correll, H. I. Duncan, L. H. Everette, G. B. McClellan, W. H. Morrison, G. M. Beasley, Dr. E. J. Williams, J. M. Morrow, C. H. Hough, L. F. Hart, art, F. G. Henderson, W. A. Lane, W. A. Henderson, A. L. Monroe, N. C. English, W. R. Kirkman, Dr. J. W. Ormand, L. S. Sloop and G. H. Clontz. Mr. Rudge was born in Monroe in July, 1876. His parents had come here from Wilmington the previous year before when the railroad came. Monroe was expected to soon be a big town and it did go into a boom. Mr. Rudge's father, the late John W. Rudge, was a tinner and contractor and put the roofs on all the early buildings erected here. As a youth he had a considerable career. His parents were English people who moved to France, where he was born. When he was eight years old his parents came to Wilmington and settled. At fourteen he ran away from home and got into the Confederate service. When the Confederacy was on its last legs, its ebbing commercial life blood was kept flowing through the Federal blockade at Wilmington. Blockade runners passed in and out under the guns of Fort Fisher, dodged through and around the Federal fleet at night. The cotton that they carried out and the goods they brought in from Nassau, Cuba and other ports, kept North Carolinian troops supplied after every other port of the Confederacy had fallen. Mr. Rudge was a cabin boy in the blockade fleet and ran under the gun many times, going and coming between Wilmington and Nassau. Mrs. Rudge, the mother of Mr. W. J. Rudge, was a Virginian, born and reared in Richmond. Mr. Rudge was educated in the Monroe schools and in Washington City. He came back from Washington and began in the store of Belk Bros. Almost accidentally he got into the business which he followed in after life. Rev. A. T. Latta, who had run a book store in Monroe for many years, wished to sell out on account of his age. The Belks, Mr. R. A. Morrow, and Mr. Rudge bought the store and greatly enlarged it, and Mr. Rudge managed it the remainder of his life, having bought out his partners many years before. Mr. Rudge was an elder in the Presbyterian church, a Mason, and a man who had a large circle of warm friends. He was of a keen mind, affable, kind and accommodating. His long years in the book and jewelry business had made him known to a great many people who will learn of his death with regret. Mr. Rudge is survived by Mrs. Rudge, who was Miss Josephine Adams, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Adams, and by one son and one daughter. The son is Mr. William J. Rudge J. of Pittsfield, Mass., and the daughter is Mrs. Steve Kenney of Tarboro. Two sisters survive, Mrs. Carrie Coble and Mrs. Jas. T. Griffith, of Monroe."(26 Nov 1940 Monroe Journal p. 1, 5)

FUNERAL NOTICE: "W. J. Rudge Is Taken By Death. Prominent Monroe Business Man Dies Suddenly of Heart Attack. LAST RITES WEDNESDAY. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at First Presbyterian church here for William John Rudge, 64, prominent business man of Monroe, who died at the local hospital at 3 o'clock Tuesday morning following a heart attack late Monday afternoon. The last rites were conducted by Rev. D. P. McGeachy, the pastor, assisted by Dr. G. R. Combs, Rev. P.B. Upchurch, and Rev. F. B. Drane. Interment was in Monroe cemetery. Active pallbearers were W. C. Sanders, Rupert Funderbunk, J. V. Henderson, Allan Heath, C. A. Wilson, R. A. Morrow, William Morrow, and Sidi Stewart. Honorary pallbearers, among whom are the elders of the Presbyterian church were: W. C. Correll, H. I. Duncan, L. H. Everette, G. M. Beasley, Dr. E. J. Williams, J. M. Morrow, C. H. Hough, L. F. Hart, F. G. Henderson, W. A. Lance, W. A. Henderson, A. L. Morrow, N. C. English, W. R. Kirkman, Dr. J. W. Ormand, L. S. Sloop, G. H. Clontz and N. M. Redfern. He is survived by his wife, formerly Miss Josephine Adams; a son, W. J. Rudge, Jr., of Pittsfield, Mass.; a daughter, Mrs. Fanny Person Kinney of Tarboro; and two sisters, Mrs. Carrie Coble and Mrs. James T. Griffith, both of Monroe. Mr. Rudge was born in Monroe in July 1876, the son of John W. and Caroline Pae Rudge. His father was born in France of English parents, while his mother was a native of Richmond, Va. They moved here from Wilmington. Mr. Rudge was educated in the Monroe schools and in Washington, D. C. He came back from Washington and began in the store of Belk Brothers. Almost accidentally he got into the business which he followed in after life. Rev. A. T. Latta, who had run a book store in Monroe many years, wished to sell out on account of his age. The Belks, R. A. Morrow, and Mr. Rudge bought the store and greatly enlarged it, and Mr. Rudge managed it the remainder of his life, having bought out his partners many years before. Mr. Rudge was an elder in the Presbyterian church, a Mason, and a man who had a large circle of warm friends. He was of keen mind, affable, kind and accommodating. His long years in the book and jewelry business had made him known to a great many people who will learn of his death with regret."

Josephine Ethel ADAMS (RUDGE) was originally brought up as a Methodist (present on the 1900 roll of official members of the Central M. E. Church, South, Monroe, NC), she switched to the Presbyterian church after her marriage, but apparently was never happy with this decision, and later went back to the Central Methodist Episcopal Church. (Received by certificate 10-24-1915; Was dismissed [from First Presbyterian Church] to Central M. E. Church on 5-3-1931 according to a letter by Joyce J. Kelley, Office Administrator of the First Presbyterian Church of Monroe, NC.)

After the death of her husband Josephine Ethel continued to live in Monroe, renting out part of her house as an apartment. A fire precipitated her move to Concord, Cabarrus Co. NC where she lived with her sister Nina Adams HOUSTON and brother-in-law William Cyrus HOUSTON until the end of her life.

OBITUARY-"Mrs. Jo Adams Rudge, 86, of 25 N. Union St., died Thursday at 10:30 p.m. in Cabarrus Memorial Hospital. Rites will be conducted by the Rev. Roy Bell, pastor of Central Methodist Church, at the home at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Burial will be in the Monroe Cemetery in Monroe. A native of Monroe, Mrs. Rudge was born on Aug. 23, 1876, a daughter of the late Henry B. and Fannie Person Adams. She was a member of the Central Methodist Church and had made her home for the past 20 years with Dr. and Mrs. W. C. Houston. Her husband, William J. Rudge Sr., died a number of years ago. Survivors include one son, William J. Rudge Jr. of Lennox, Mass.; two brothers, Hal B. of Lenoir and Dr. R. K. Adams of Concord; two sisters, Mrs. W. C. Houston and Miss Pat Adams, both of Concord; three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren." (17 Jan 1963, The Concord Tribune) 2ND OBITUARY - "Mrs. Rudge, Native of City, Succumbs. Mrs. W. J. Rudge, 86, a native of Monroe and former resident, died at 8:05 last night in Cabarrus Memorial hospital, Concord following a several months illness. Her late husband was a prominent Monroe merchant for many years operating the W. J. Rudge company, Jewelers, on Main street. Mrs. Rudge made her home in Concord, for the past 20 years, with Dr. and Mrs. W. C. Houston, the latter her sister. She was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry B. Adams of Monroe. Surviving are: one son, Wm. J. Rudge, Jr. of Lenox, Mass; two grandsons, W. J. Rudge III of Syracuse, N.Y., Stephen Kenney of Raleigh, a granddaughter, Mrs. Stedman King (Frances Kenney) of Elizabeth City; and 8 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers: Dr. R. K. Adams of Concord, Hal B. Adams of Lenoir, and two sisters, Miss Pat Adams, and Mrs. W. C. Houston of Concord. Her daughter, Mrs. Fannie Person Rudge Kenney, died a few years ago from a broken neck in a fall from the stairway at her home in Raleigh. Funeral rites for Mrs. Rudge will be on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at the home of Dr. and Mrs. W. C. Houston, 25 North Union Street, Concord. The Rev. Roy Bell, pastor of Central Methodist Church, Concord, will officiate. The body will be interred in the Monroe Cemetery."(Monroe Enquirer Journal, 18 Jan 1963)

William John RUDGE and Josephine Ethel ADAMS had the following children:

	46	i.	William Jerome5 RUDGE Jr. (1902-1972)
	47	ii.	Fannie Person5 RUDGE (1906-1962)

"Kate Rudge - received by confession or reaffirmation of faith (today that generally means confirmation for younger persons)10-18-1891. She became Mrs. James T. Griffith Sr. and died 11-10-1969 and I'm guessing she was still a member here at her death." (Letter from Joyce J. Kelley, Office Administrator, First Presbyterian Church, Monroe to Dave Rudge 21 Apr 1995)

She married James Thomas GRIFFITH, son of Charles Manley and Laura CLOUSE GRIFFITH, on 29 Jun 1904. He was born on 12 Apr 1979 in Arcadia, Davidson Co. NC. He died on 2 Jun 1955 and was buried on 4 Jun 1955 in the Monroe City Suncrest Cemetery, Monroe Union Co. NC. He was a traveling hardware salesman.

MARRIAGE ANNOUNCEMENT: "Cards are out announcing the marriage of Mr. Jas. T. Griffith and Miss Kate Rudge, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Rudge, in the Presbyterian Church on June 29th, at 8 o'clock p.m." (21 Jun 1904 The Monroe Journal p. 3)

FIRST MARRIAGE NOTICE: "One of the prettiest weddings that Monroe has had for a long while was that of Mr. Jas. T. Griffith to Miss Kate Rudge last Wednesday evening at the Presbyterian church at 8 o'clock. Rev. G. H. Atkinson officiating. The ushers were Messrs. E. C. Winchester and J. A. Stewart. Mr. W. H. Payne was best man. Miss Pattie Adams was maid of honor. The bride came in with her brother, Mr. W. J. Rudge. The attendants entered the church in the following order: Miss Alice Seales with Mr. J. C. Sikes Jr., Miss May Blakeney with Mr. Ed Crow; Miss Faye Gaddy with Mr. Eugene Ashcraft; Miss Ola Brauer with Mr. E. J. Heath. Mrs. H. R. Laney presided at the organ. The bride was dressed in a becoming brown tailor made traveling suit and carried bride's roses. The bridesmaids were dressed in mull and carried pink carnations. Mr. Griffin is one of the best liked young men in town. He came here about two years ago, to take a position as a traveling salesman for the Heath Lee Hardware Company and is a native of Thomasville. He is jovial, amiable, and therefore popular. Mrs. Griffith is the daughter of Mrs. J. W. Rudge, and stands foremost among Monroe's young ladies for beauty and accomplishments, and is very popular with all who know her. The couple left for Jackson Springs to spend the honeymoon." (5 Jul 1905 The Monroe Journal p. 4); SECOND MARRIAGE NOTICE: ""MARRIAGE AT MONROE. Large number of People Witness the Rudge-Griffith Ceremony in the Presbyterian Church. Monroe, June, 29. A large crowd which occupied nearly every available foot of space in the Presbyterian church this evening at 8 o'clock and overflowed into the Sunday school room, vestible and steps was present to witness the marriage of Miss Rudge, the attractive daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John W. Rudge, to Mr. James T. Griffith. The church was beautifully decorated for the occasion. Festoons of hydrangea, palms, ferns and various other potted plants were gracefully draped over the pulpit. Rev. George H. Atkinson, the pastor of the bride, spoke the words that sealed their plighted troth. The ushers were the first of the bridal party to enter, Messrs. E.C. Winchester and James A. Stewart. Next were the bridesmaids and groomsmen to enter as follows: Miss Alice Scales with Mr. J.C. Sikes Jr., parting at the door and crossing over on the other side from the entrance at the altar, followed in the same manner by the other attendants-Miss May Blakeney with Mr. Ed. Crow; Miss Faye Gaddy with Mr. Eugene Ashcraft; Miss Ola Bruner with Mr. E. J. Heath. Next after the bridesmaids and groomsmen came the maid of honor, Miss Patti Adams, who wore a pink silk mull, down the middle aisle, then Mr. Griffith with his best man, Mr. T. J. Payne. Then followed the bride, who entered with her brother, Mr. W. J. Rudge. She was never more beautiful than in her simple gown of tailored suit of brown voll over brown taffeta silk with hat to match, carrying bride's roses. The bridesmaids wore white mull, carrying pink carnations. The bridal party entered the church to the music of Mendelssohn's march and retiring by Lohengrin's. Mrs. H.R. Laney was at the organ. A more beautiful marriage has never been witnessed in this city in years. The presents were various and numerous, and handsome to a degree, wealth of cut glass, silver and many other presents will be received from other places. Miss Rudge is the cultured and popular daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jno. W. Rudge. The groom came to Monroe about three years ago from Winston to accept a position with the Heath Hardware Company, and has made many friends in Monroe, as well as elsewhere. Mrs. C.M. Griffith, the mother of the groom, came down this morning from Thomasville to witness the marriage. The bride and groom left to-night for Jackson Springs to spend a couple of weeks."

STORIES TO REMEMBER THEM BY: "The Cobles had a tradition of tea every afternoon at 4:00 p.m. in the dining room. We went over every Sunday afternoon and took Mama Coble (Carrie Rudge Coble) for a drive if she was well enough and then back for tea. Aunt Kate always came with a big bear hug for everybody. She was tall and slim and pretty. She was taller than her husband or sister. She always drove a big black Roadmaster Buick (they got a new one every year.) Uncle Jim never drove. In fact, when he left on Monday for his work week he had a driver (a black man named Hazel)."(letter from Brenda Coble Robinson to David Rudge 18 June 2005)

Here are two photos of a card case given by Katherine to her niece. Here's a photo of her house.

FIRST OBITUARY: - "JAMES T. GRIFFITH DIES HERE SUDDENLY. Last Rites For Hardware Salesman Set for Saturday. James T. Griffith, 76, prominent Monroe resident, died at 11:45 a.m. today at the Union Memorial Hospital following two heart attacks. He had been ill for some time but his death was unexpected. He was at his usual duties yesterday. Mr. Griffith traveled for the Monroe Hardware Co. for 54 years, covering parts of North and South Carolina. He was an elder for more than 25 years of the First Presbyterian church and at one time served a 10-year period as superintendent of the Sunday school. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the First Presbyterian church, conducted by Dr. Roy F. Whitley. Mr. Griffith will be carried from McEwen Funeral Home to the home late Friday afternoon to remain until the funeral hour. Interment will be in Monroe cemetery. Mr. Griffith was born in Davidson county on April 12, 1879, the son of the late Charles Manley Griffith and Laura Clouse Griffith. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Kate Rudge Griffith, on son, James T. Griffith, jr.; one sister, Mrs. Dion Griffith Armfield, of New York City; one brother, Zed Griffith of Washington, D.C."; SECOND OBITUARY - "JAS. T. GRIFFITH. Heart Attack Proves Fatal. James Thomas Griffith, 76, of 403 West Windsor Street died at 11:45 Thursday morning in Union Memorial Hospital. He had suffered a heart attack a few hours earlier at his home. He had undergone a check up recently at the hospital following a similar attack and was thought to be doing nicely. Funeral service will be held Saturday morning at 11 o'clock at the First Presbyterian church, conducted by the pastor, Dr. Roy F. Whitley. Burial will be in Suncrest Cemetery, Monroe. The body, at the McEwen Funeral home, will be taken to the residence around 5 o'clock this afternoon. Active pallbearers will be: Sam Howie, Jr., William Austin, Edward Worley, Tom McGuirt of Lumberton, Charles M. Branch of Chesterfield, S.C. and G. Tom Helms. Honorary pallbearers will include Elders of the First Presbyterian Church W. Harvey Morrison, W. C. Correll, H. I. Duncan, L. A. Everett, D. B. Gettys, L. F. Hart, W. R. Kirkman, Carl McCain, Geo. B. McClellan, R. A. Morrow, W. T. Wall, G. J. Whitener, R. A. Willis, Jr., Boyeson Langley, Chas. H. King, Dr. John W. Ormand, Albert S. Orr. Other honorary pallbearers will be: Edwin Niven, Worth Plyler, Floyd Laney, Townley Stevens, Dr. G. M. Smith, D. L. Middleton, W. C. Saunders, Beecher Benton, B. F. Benton, M. R. Ezell of Chester, A. R. Hicks of Faison, Dr. W. C. Houston of Concord, Vance Hallman of Mt. Airy, Nelson Mauney of Shelby, C. R. Jones, Kinston, Bruce W. Synder, Kannapolis, James Morrow, F. W. Smith, and Claude A. Wilson, W. J. Bailey, Sanford. Members of the Van Dyke Book Club will be flowerbearers. Mr. Griffith was born April 12, 1879 in Arcadia, N. C., Davidson County, the son of Charles Manly and Laura Clouse Griffith. A salesman travelling for the Monroe Hardware Company, he was widely known throughout North and South Carolina. He served as an Elder of the First Presbyterian Church for more than 25 years, and was superintendent of the Sunday school for ten years. He is survived by his wif, the former Miss Kate Rudge; one son, James T. Griffith, Jr.; a sister, Mrs. Dion Griffith Armfield of New York City; and one brother, Zed Griffith of Washington, D. C. Mr. and Mrs. Griffith were married June 29th, 1904. They celebrated their 50th anniversary last year." (3 Jun 1955 The Monroe Journal, pp. 12)

TESTIMONIALS: "The latest of these was J.T. Griffith. Mr. Jim was a gentleman in every sense of the word. Quiet and unassuming, he went about his daily tasks and pleasures in a serene manner. He was a gentleman fisherman, which to those of the faith, is about the highest compliment that can be paid. With a keen business sense he did not fall short of worldy goods but something of the small boy remained with him during his mature life for he enjoyed no pleasure more than reading a Western story or seeing a Western movie. Mr. Jim was fond of playing setback, and while he had his own companions at the game, he was not averse to playing with younger people. I happened to fall into tht category and some of the most interesting games I played with Mr. Jim. Of his setback 'cronies' all have gone on, except possibly one, Walter Sanders, who is still strong in going to the church, business and in the fishing ponds. No doubt the spirit of Mr. Jim was welcomed by such former companions as Will Rudge, George Beasley, Cap Clontz, D. B. Snyder, Fred Huntley, Nee English, and others." (7 Jun 1955 Monroe Journal); "ANOTHER BLOW. THE GRIM Reaper has been singling out old friends in grievous numbers in recent days. This issue chronicles the departure of James T. Griffith, a gentleman long admired by this department. "Mr. Jim" was a special friend of my father and a favorite partner in those hard-fought set-back games they used to play. Mr. Jim and Mr. George were serious players and held their cards close to the chest. Walter Sanders and the late W. J. Rudge were their strongest adversaries until the latter's death. Messrs. Sanders and Rudge were exponents of the wide-open game and were not averse to distracting their opponents with talk and trickery. Some fierce battles ensued but never severe enough to disturb one of the strongest 4-way bonds of friendship I ever saw."; "'IN THE FATHER'S HOUSE' The Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Monroe records with deep grief its heavy and irreplacable [sic] loss when one of its most beloved and valued members, James T. Griffith, went to live in the Father's House. Nowhere outside the home where they loved him best and will miss him most, will this loss be felt more keenly than in the Session where he served with distinction for over a quarter of a century. Mr. Griffith graced his home and church and community with a charming and winsome and beautiful Christian life. We saw in his manly but gentle spirit the marks of a Christian. He placed service above self in his business and in his church. He served his church well as superintendent of the Sunday School for many years where he profoundly influenced the lives of the young. He, like his Master, was always to be found in the Home of the Lord on the Sabbath Day. His strength of character, his gentle spirit, his sympathetic disposition, his quiet and unassuming manner, and his beautiful Christian attitude made him one of God's noblemen. We are grateful for this Child of the King who walked among us like the fragrance of some rich and rare perfume. We are proud of his complete loyalty and utter devotion to his church. In life he was ours and in death we still proudly claim him as our own. It is ordered by the Session that a copy of this memorial be sent to the family, a copy sent to the local papers, and a copy be written permanently into the Sessional records. - Committee: Roy F. Whitley, Moderator; W. Harvey Morrison, Clerk."

OBITUARY - "Mrs. Kate Rudge Griffith, widow of James T. Griffith, died at 12:05 this morning at her home, 408 West Windsor St., following a period of declining health. She was the daughter of John William and Caroline Pae Rudge of Monroe, and was active in church and civic affairs. As a member of the First Presbyterian Church, she sang in the chancel choir for many years. She is survived by one son, James T. Griffith, Jr. of Monroe. Her husband died in 1955. The funeral will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. at McEwen's Colonial Chapel, conducted by Rev. Joe E. Stowe. Interment will be in Monroe's Suncrest Cemetery." (Monroe Enquirer Journal, Mon. November 10, 1969.)

Katherine Erma RUDGE and James Thomas GRIFFITH had the following children:

	48	i.	James Thomas5 GRIFFITH Jr. (1911-1976)
	49	ii.	Kathrine Virginia5 GRIFFITH (1918-1920)

OBITUARY: "Died... In this place on the 1st inst., Archie Clifton, infant son of J. W. and C. V. Rudge, aged 5 months and 20 days." (6 Oct 1881 The Monroe Enquirer v. ix no. 15, p. 3)

FUNERAL NOTICE: "We deeply sympathize with the bereaved families, in this place, whose households were visited by the angel of death during the past week and robbed of their tender babes. Since last Thursday, Messrs. E. N. Worley, W. H. Phifer, M. P. Stone, J. W. Rudge and Lee M. Howie have each lost their youngest child. Those of the three last lay corpses on the same day-Sunday." (6 Oct 1881 The Monroe Enquirer v. ix no. 15, p. 3)

41. Albert John⁵ RUDGE( James John⁴, Thomas William³, Edward², William¹). He was born on 31 Aug 1874 in Woolwich, Kent, England. He died on 16 Jan 1837 in Essex, Ontario, Canada.

Albert John Rudge married Annie Florence GRIMES. She was born ca. 1879 and died on 3 Mar 1957.

Albert John RUDGE and Annie Florence nee GRIMES had the following children:

	50	i.	Edith May6 RUDGE (1902-1970)
	51	ii.	Winnifred6 RUDGE (1904-1974)
	52	iii.	John Frederick6 RUDGE (1918-1990)

42. Elizabeth Ann⁵ RUDGE( James John⁴, Thomas William³, Edward², William¹). She was born ca.1877 in Woolwich, Kent Co. England.

43. Ernlie James⁵ RUDGE( James John⁴, Thomas William³, Edward², William¹). He was born on 14 Nov 1878 in Woolwich, Kent Co. England. He died on 8 Sep 1970 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Ernlie James married Marie Barb MOMBOURQUE (aka Mary Barbara), daughter of Elie and Julie nee Baron Mombourque, on 23 Jun 1902 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. She was born on 16 Aug 1876 in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada and died on 24 May 1924 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

OBITUARY: "MRS MARY B. RUDGE. THE death of Mrs. Mary B. Rudge, aged 47 years, of 18 Russell street. Mrs. Rudge was the wife of James and is survived by a grown family. Funeral services to be held from her home to St. Joseph's Church at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, for requiem mass, thence to Mount Olivet Cemetery, where interment will be made."

OBITUARY: "ERNIE JAMES (JIMMIE) RUDGE, 92, died Tuesday at Keddy's Nursing Manor. Born in Woolwich, Eng., he was the son of James John Rudge and Elizabeth Ann (Jones) Rudge. He is survived by one sister, Betty (Mrs. B. Davis), England; three sons, Ernlie, Halifax; Herbert and Albert, Lower Sackville; two daughters, Marie (Mrs. Ed Short), Mildred (Mrs. Sam Short), Halifax; 25 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Three children, Cecelia, Beatrice and Arthur, are dead. The body is at Cruikshank's Funeral Home, Robie Street. Funeral service will be held tomorrow at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery."

Ernlie James RUDGE and Marie Barb nee MOMBOURQUE had the following children:

	53	i.	Cecillia Marie6 RUDGE (1900-1942)
	54	ii.	Mary Margaret6 RUDGE (1906-1978)
	55	iii.	Herbert Francis6 RUDGE (1902-2002)
	56	iv.	Ernlie John6 RUDGE (1909-1973)
	57	v.	Albert George6 RUDGE (1910-1990)
	58	vi.	Beatrice Lillian6 RUDGE (b 1912)
	59	vii.	Arthur B.6 RUDGE (1916-1931)
	60	viii.	Mildred Evelyn6 RUDGE (d 1992)

44. Beatrice⁵ RUDGE( James John⁴, Thomas William³, Edward², William¹). She was born ca.1896 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

46. William Jerome⁵ RUDGE Jr. (William John⁴, John William³, John², William¹) He was born on 26 May 1902 in Monroe, Union Co. NC. He was baptized on 24 Oct 1915 in First Presbyterian Church, Monroe, Union Co. NC. He died of acute respiratory failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on 30 Oct 1972 in Hillcrest Hospital, Pittsfield, Berkshire Co. MA. A funeral was held at the Roche Funeral Home in Lenox, Berkshire Co. MA on 30 Oct 1972. His remains were cremated on 1 Nov 1972 at the Pittsfield Crematory in Pittsfield, Berkshire Co. MA and buried on 1 Dec 1972 in the Pittsfield Cemetery, Lot 191, Evergreen Slope, Grave 12C, in Pittsfield, Berkshire Co. MA. He was an electrical engineer by profession and worked as the manager of the Lightening Arrester and Cutout Division at General Electric in Pittsfield, Berkshire Co. MA. He was first violinist while a student at Trinity College (Duke University) and was an avid photographer. Here's a photograph of him.

"W. J. Rudge- was received by certificate 10-24-1915- Was placed on inactive rolls." (Letter from Joyce J. Kelley, Office Administrator, First Presbyterian Church, Monroe to Dave Rudge 21 Apr 1995)

"He graduated from Trinity College at Duke University in North Carolina (B. A., 1924; M. A. 1925) and earned Bachelor and Master's degrees in Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. [He received a BS and an MS in Electrical Engineering at MIT in 1928. The title of his thesis was "An Automatic Circuit for Recording Lightening Transients."] Member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity while undergraduate at Duke University. He began his General Electric career in 1926 as a cooperative student while attending MIT. He worked as a test engineer in the Lightning Arrester Development Engineering in Pittsfield Massachusetts in 1928 until November, 1930. He was transferred to Lightning Arrester Application Engineering for the next ten years until July 1940, when he was named Design Engineer. In 1945 he was promoted to Manager of Engineering for the newly formed Lightning Arrester & Cutout Section of the Distribution Transformer Department. He was named to the same position in the Distribution Protective Equipment Department in 1964. He retired from the General Electric Company on February 1, 1965. Mr. Rudge was a Professional Engineer and attained the rank of Fellow in the Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers (IEEE, formerly AIEE). He served as chairman for various subcommittees and was the author or co-author of more than 20 technical articles and papers relating to lightning protection of electrical equipment and systems. In 1964 he was elected to the Duke University Chapter of Tau Beta Pi, national honorary engineering fraternity, as an "eminent engineer" because of his "outstanding professional achievement". He was also affiliated with the American Standards Association, the National Fire Protection Association, and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. He was an active member of the Lenox Kiwanis Club, the Lenox Library Music Room Committee, and served on the Lenox Town Finance Committee for several years."(extracted from Biography of William Jerome Rudge, jr.)

He married Lena Anne WYSS, daughter of Alfred WYSS & Susanna Elizabeth BIERI, on 24 Mar 1930 in the First Methodist Church, Pittsfield, Berkshire Co., MA. She was born on 12 Feb 1902 in Lowell, Vergennes Co. MI. She was baptized on 9 Mar 1902 at the Zion Methodist Episcopal Church, Lowell, Vergennes Co. MI. She died on 18 Feb 1993 in Edgecombe Nursing Home, Lenox, Berkshire Co. MA and was cremated on 20 Feb 1993 in Pittsfield Cemetery Crematory, Pittsfield, Berkshire Co. MA. She was a housekeeper and an amateur Poet. She went to the Grand Rapids Public School and also attended Ithaca College for 2 Yrs. where she majored in Drama. She was famous in her family for her baking, particularly ornate cookies that she made for holidays. She was interested in flower arranging and collected music boxes. Here's a photograph of her.

HOW HE MET HIS WIFE: "My father was on assignment in the GE test program in Pittsfield, MA in the power business and he studied lightening. And one of the assignments that they gave him was to go out to Croton Dam in Michigan to take pictures and study lightening at a power facility. Well my mother's father was the superintendent of that dam, Alfred Wyss. (At the time there was no hotel in Croton Dam and Alfred Wyss used to entertain visitors to the dam, so anyone who visited the dam was put up in Alfred Wyss' house) And so when Dad was there doing his electrical research he obviously met the sisters, including my mother who was back at home during the summer from college. They drove back to Pittsfield and got married there, where William Jerome Rudge, jr. was staying at Mrs. Richie's boarding house while employed by General Electric there." (Recollection of his son, William Jerome Rudge III).

MARRIAGE ANNOUNCEMENT "CROTON GIRL WEDS IN EAST. Miss Lena Ann Wyss Becomes Bride of North Carolina Man. At a pretty ceremony in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Tuesday, March 25, Miss Lena Ann Wyss of Croton became the bride of William J. Rudge Jr., of Monroe, North Carolina, the wedding service being read by Dr. John Gratton of the First Methodist church of Pittsfield. The bride was given in marriage by her father, Alfred Wyss, and the happy couple were attended by Miss Milda Wyss, sister of the bride, and Howard B. Woods of Schenectady, New York. The ceremony which joined the lives of these fine young people marked the culmination of a friendship begun last summer when Mr. Rudge came to Croton as a member of the engineering staff which had charge of the General Electric Company's experimental station in the pretty up-river village. During his stay here, Mr. Rudge made many friends, both in Croton and Newaygo. The bride, who spent most of her life in Croton, is held in highest esteem by all, and a host of friends will join in extending congratulations and best wishes to the young couple. After a short wedding trip to Boston, Mr. and Mrs. Rudge returned to Pittsfield, where they will make their home. It is likely, however, that Mr. Rudge will be assigned to duty at Croton again this year, and in that event he and his bride will spend the summer months there." (3 Apr 1930); 2ND MARRIAGE ANNOUNCEMENT: "Miss Lena Anne Wyss, daughter of Alfred Wyss of Croton Dam, Mich., was married here Monday evening to William J. Rudge, Jr. of 292 North street, an electrical engineer with the General Electric Company. Mr. Rudge is the son of Mr. and Mrs. William J. Rudge of Monroe, N. C. The ceremony was performed by Rev. John Gratton at the First church parsonage." 3RD MARRIAGE ANNOUNCEMENT: "MICHIGAN GIRL WED HERE MONDAY TO G. E. ENGINEER Miss Lena Anne Wyss, daughter of Alfred Wyss of Croton Dam, Mich., was married here Monday evening to William J. Rudge, Jr. of 292 North street, an electrical engineer employed at the local plant of the General Electric company. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. John Gratton, pastor of the First Congregational church, at the parsonage, 130 Wendell avenue. The Attendants were Miss Wyss' sister and Howard O. Woods of Schenectady. Mr. Wyss and his two daughters arrived in Pittsfield Sunday for the wedding. Mr. Rudge is the son of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Rudge of Monroe, N. C. Following a short wedding trip the couple will return to Pittsfield where they will stay at the South Street inn for two weeks leaving at the end of that time for Michigan. In the fall Mr. and Mrs. Rudge will return to this city to make their home." 4TH WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT: "Rudge-Wyss. The wedding of Mr. William Jerome Rudge Jr., and Miss Ann Wyss of Newaygo, Michigan, was quietly solemnized on Tuesday, March 25th at the First Congregational church, Pittsfield, Mass., Rev. Dr. Grafton officiating. The bride is unusually charming and accomplished and during her visit in the Rudge home through the Christmas holidays won many friends here. Mr. Rudge is the son of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Rudge of this city. He attended Davidson college, while there being a member of the glee club, orchestra, engineer's club and Y.M.C.A. He was graduated from Duke University, Durham, with the class of 1924. While there he was a member of the Delta Sigma Pi fraternity. Later Mr. Rudge entered a school of electrical engineering at Boston, where he graduated with honors. He is now in charge of all proposition work in the lightening arrester department of the General Electric company, and this year will be stationed at Croton Dam, Michigan." (28 Mar 1930 The Monroe Journal p. 8); 5TH WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT "TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO April 3, 1930. At a pretty wedding ceremony in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Tuesday March 25, Miss L. Ann Wyss of Croton became the bride of William J. Rudge, jr. of Monroe, North Carolina, the wedding service being read by Dr. John Gratton of the First Methodist church of Pittsfield. The bride was given in marriage by her father, Alfred Wyss. Miss Milda Wyss, sister of the bride, and Howard B. Woods of Schenectady, New York, were the attendants." (A local Pittsfield, MA paper 1955)

Here's a photograph of William Jerome and Lena Anne nee WYSS RUDGE Jr. taken just before their son, William Jerome RUDGE III's wedding. Here's a photograph of the happy couple. Here's a color photograph of the bride and groom and their parents.

FIRST OBITUARY: "William J. Rudge of Lenox was prominent engineer. Lenox - William J. Rudge Jr., 70, of 10 Beecher Lane, a prominent engineer at General Electric in Pittsfield, died this morning at Hillcrest Hospital after a long illness. Mr. Rudge was born in Monroe, NC, on May 26, 1902, son of the late William J. and Josephine Adams Rudge. Held 4 degrees. He received bachelor of arts degrees from Trinity College and Duke University. While attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, from which he received bachelor's and master's degrees, he began in 1926 as a cooperative student at GE. In 1928 he joined the lightening arrester research section in Pittsfield, of which he became section engineer in 1945. He was named manager of engineering and the lightening arrester and cutout product section in 1950. Mr. Rudge authored and co-authored more than 20 technical articles and papers relating to lightening protection systems for electrical equipment. In 1954 he was named "eminent engineer" and elected to the Duke University chapter of Tau Beta Pi, national engineering honoring society. He retired from GE in 1965. He was an active member of the Kiwanis Club and Lenox Library Music Room Committee, and served on the Finance Committee for several years. Built music equipment. Mr. Rudge designed and built the original high-fidelity music reproduction equipment for the music room at the library in the early 1950s, and brought the equipment up to date through the years. Survivors include his wife, the former L. Anne Wyss; a son, William Jerome Rudge III of Clinton, N.Y., and four grandchildren. There will be no calling hours and no funeral service. Friends and associates who wish to express their sympathy may do so by supporting the engineering college of their choice. People locally may choose to donate to the Kiwanis scholarship fund or the Lennox Library." SECOND OBITUARY: "WM. J. RUDGE, JR. William J. Rudge, Jr. of Pittsfield, Mass., son of the late W. J. and Josephine Adams Rudge of Monroe, died Monday, Oct. 30, in a Pittsfield hospital where he was a patient in intensive care for about two months. He suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for many years and complications. He was educated in Monroe schools, and was a graduate of Davidson College, Duke University, and of MIT. Until his early retirement on account of ill health, he was an executive with General Electric, his only position. There was no funeral service. The body was cremated. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Ann Rudge, who was a Michigan native; one son, Wm. J. Rudge III; and four grandchildren. His sister was the late Mrs. Fannie Person Rudge Kenney of Raleigh." (The Monroe Enquirer Journal 3 Nov 1972, p. 8); THIRD OBITUARY: "WILLIAM J. RUDGE, JR. '24 A.M. '25, on Oct. 30. A native of Monroe, N.C., Mr. Rudge made his home in Lenox, Mass. From 1828 until he retired in 1965 he was associated with the General Electric Company in various capacities, his last position being that of manager of engineering for the distribution protective equipment department. Mr. Rudge was a Professional Engineer and attained the rank of Fellow in the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. In addition to his wife, a son, WILLIAM J. RUDGE '54, of Clinton, N.Y. survives." (Feb 1973 Duke Alumni News Register Vol. X, No. 1); FOURTH OBITUARY: "William J. Rudge Jr., long-time GE engineer. William J. Rudge Jr. (M, '27, SM '39, F '51, FL '63), who spent 37 years with the General Electric Co., died in October at the Hillcrest Hospital in Pittsfield, Mass., after an extended illness. He was 70 years old. Born in Monroe, N.C., Mr. Rudge earned the B.S. and M.S. degrees in science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He began his career with GE while still a student at M.I.T. and retired in 1965. A lightening arrester engineer for ten years, he was named a design engineer in 1940. In 1945 he was promoted to manager of engineering of the newly formed lightening arrester and cutout section of the Distribution Transformer Department. A professional engineer, Mr. Rudge served the AIEE as chairman of various subcommittees and wrote more than 20 technical articles on lightening protection of electric equipment and systems. He was affiliated with the American Standards Association, the National Fire Protection Association, and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. In 1964 he was elected an eminent engineer of Tau Beta PiÕs chapter at Duke University." (IEEE spectrum (February 1973) p. 103)

Here's a photograph of Lena Anne nee WYSS RUDGE taken at her granddaughter Susan Rudge Corney's wedding.

OBITUARY- "Anne W. Rudge Lenox --Mrs. Anne W. Rudge, 91, of Edgecombe Nursing Home died yesterday morning at the home. She had been a patient there for the past two years. She was born in Lowell, Mich., on Feb. 12, 1902, daughter of Alfred and Susanna Bieri Wyss and was a graduate from Union High School in Grand Rapids, Mich. She later attended Ithaca College, where she studied drama. After her marriage to William J. Rudge Jr. in March 1930, she moved to Pittsfield and later Lenox, where she and her husband resided for many years. He died Oct. 30, 1972. Mrs. Rudge was an amateur photographer and flower grower who took great pride in her annual gardens. She gave freely of her time, talent, and material wealth.. She leaves one son, William J. Rudge III of Clinton, NY; a sister, Mrs. Milda Wyss Miller of Fremont, Michigan; four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. The funeral will be conducted today at 9 at Roche Funeral Home by Rev. Doug Moschella Clark, pastor of Church-on-the-Hill. There will be no calling hours. Memorial donations may be made to: the Berkshire Botanical Garden, the Lenox Library or the American Red Cross, all in care of the funeral home." (The Berkshire Eagle, Friday, February 19, 1993) SECOND OBITUARY (unedited version)--"Anne Wyss Rudge. Anne Wyss Rudge, 91, of Edgecombe Nursing Home, Lenox, Massachusetts left this world on Feb. 18, 1993 to join her husband Bill in heaven. She was born in Lowell, Mich., on Feb. 12, 1902, the daughter of Alfred and Susanna Bieri Wyss (Swiss immigrants) of Croton Dam, Michigan. She graduated from Union High School in Grand Rapids, MI., and studied drama at Ithaca College in New York State. Lena Anne Wyss became Anne W. Rudge on March, 1930 when she married William J. Rudge Jr. in Pittsfield, Mass. An engineer, he worked his way up to Manager of Engineering for the lightening arrester and cutout business of General Electric over his 40 year career. He died in Pittsfield, MA October 30, 1972. Anne was a devoted wife, generous mother, homemaker, amateur photographer, gardener, and volunteer. Her neighbors and friends will remember the beautiful, decorated cookies she made for her family and friends on the holidays. She will be remembered for sharing her time, talent, and material wealth, especially to members of her family. She is survived by one son, William J. Rudge III of Clinton, NY and her daughter-in-law, Beverly Anne Rudge, Clinton, and one remaining sister, Milda Wyss Miller of Fremont, Michigan. She enjoyed God's blessing of four grandchildren: William J. Rudge IV and wife Patricia Duff Rudge of Big Indian, N.Y; Laura Anne Rudge Wolfe and husband Daniel J. Wolfe Jr. of Granby, Connecticut; David Wyss Rudge of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Susan Elizabeth Rudge Corney and husband James W. Corney of Ballston Lake, N.Y. She also enjoyed the blessing of two great grandchildren: Stephanie Alyssa Wolfe and Eric Alexander Wolfe. A final service was led for family members and friends at 9 A.M. on Friday, February 19 by Rev. Doug Moschella Clark of the United Church of Christ, Church on the Hill, in Lenox, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Berkshire Botanical Garden, P.O. Box 826, Stockbridge, MA 01262; The Lenox Library, Main Street, Lenox, MA 01240; or The American Red Cross, Berkshire County Chapter, 63 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield, MA 01201." [According to her son, William Jerome Rudge III, the service was actually held from 9:05-9:35 on Friday, February 19, 1993 at the Roche Funeral Home. All listed survivors but sister Milda Miller and David Rudge attended.] (Clinton Courier, Wed. Feb. 24, 1993)

William Jerome RUDGE Jr. and Lena Anne WYSS had one child:

	61	i.	William Jerome6 Rudge III. (1930-2020)

"Fannie Person Rudge- was received by certificate 6-4-1915. was placed on inactive rolls (so there is no further information on her)." (Letter from Joyce J. Kelley, Office Administrator, First Presbyterian Church, Monroe to Dave Rudge 21 Apr 1995)

She married Stephen Etheridge Winston KENNEY on 23 Jan 1927 in her father's home on Washington Street, Monroe Union Co. NC. He was born on 17 Apr 1902. He died on 27 Jun 1979 in Raleigh, Wake Co. NC and was buried on 29 Jun 1979 in the Monroe City Suncrest Cemetery, Monroe, Union Co. NC. He worked as Secretary-Treasurer for the Capital Lightning Protection Co. Inc.

FIRST MARRIAGE NOTICE - "IN WOMAN'S REALM. Kenney-Rudge. In a ceremony marked by beauty and simplicity, Miss Fannie Person Rudge was married, on Saturday at high noon to Mr. Stephen Estridge [sic] Winston Kenney, of Windsor. The ceremony took place at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Rudge's on Washington street, only the immediate families and a few close friends of the young couple being present. Rev. H.E. Gurney, D.D., a former pastor of the bride, officiated, reading the impressive Episcopal seremony [sic] from a prayer book which is an heirloom in the Gurney family. There was a charming disposal of cut flowers and potted plants throughout the lower floor of the Rudge home, and the vows were spoken before an improvised altar of palms and ferns artistically arranged in the living room. The bride entered with her father, Mr. W.J. Rudge, who gave her in marriage; and from the opposite door the groom entered with his best man, Mr. Harry Wood Coble. The bride was lovely in a gown of rough-patterned Venetian blue crepe with beige trimmings and accessories and becoming spring hat developed in beige tones. Following the marriage ceremony a buffet luncheon was served in the dining room, where the table was laid with an exquisite filet cloth and centered with a silver basket of pink and white carnations. Tall pink candles in silver holders, each tied with a butterfly bow of tulle, further carried out the color motif of pink and white. The bride is the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Rudge. She is a pretty, blonde, intellectual and talented, and possesses a charm of personality which endears her to many friends. She was educated at Salem College and is a gifted musician. The groom is the nephew and adopted son of Judge Francis D. Winston, of Windsor. Judge Winston and the bride's grandfather, the late Mr. H.B. Adams, were friends during the lifetime of the latter having met often both in the practice of law and during the sessions of the State legislature. Miss Rudge and Mr. Kenney first met at summer school at the University of North Carolina, where they formed the acquaintance which culminated in their romance and the marriage of Saturday noon. Mr. Kenney is a graduate of State University and he also received a degree in law at that institution. He is now a member of the law firm of Matthews, Winston and Kenney at Windsor. The bride and groom left after the ceremony for a wedding trip, after which they will make their home in Windsor. On Friday evening, Mr. and Mrs. James T. Griffith gave a dinner party in honor of Judge Francis D. Winston and Mrs. Winston, who were their house guests, having come especially to attend the marriage of their nephew, Mr. Stephen Kenney to Miss Fannie Person Rudge, niece of Mrs. Griffith. The centerpiece was a lovely flowering of cyclamen, and a four-course dinner was served. The guests were Judge Winston and Mrs. Winston, Miss Fannie Person Rudge, Mr. Stephen Kenney, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Wood Coble, and Miss Caroline Coble." (The Monroe Journal ?)

SECOND MARRIAGE NOTICE - "Kenney-Rudge. Monroe, Jan. 23.- The marriage of Miss Fannie Person Rudge, of this city, to Stephen Etheridge Winston Kenney, of Windsor, at the house of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. William J. Rudge, on Washington street, about one o'clock yesterday afternoon, was of unusual social interest in Monroe and about the State. Twenty-five years ago to the day and hour Mr. and Mrs. Rudge were married in the same room. On this occasion the young couple stood where the bride's parents stood to be married. Rev. H. E. Gurney, D. D. of the Presbyterian Church, officiated. Dr. Gurney is a lineal descendant of a former Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, and for the ceremonial used a Church of England Prayer Book which was used originally by his ancestor and in which are recorded marriages of a century and more ago, of relatives who have been leaders among English statesmen. Among the relatives attending the marriage were: Dr. W. C. Houston and Mrs. Houston and Miss Pattie Adams, of Concord; Dr. and Mrs. R. K. Adams, of Raleigh; Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Adams, Waxhaw; Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Adams, Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Snider, Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Griffith, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Coble, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Coble, Miss Henry Belk, Miss Annie Francis Redford, Miss Caroline Coble, and Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Rudge, Monroe; and Judge Francis D. Winston and Mrs. Winston, of Windsor. The ceremony was most beautiful and impressive in its sincerity and simplicity. The bride was attended by her father and the groom by his best man, Harry Coble. After the ceremony, Mr. and Mrs. Rudge entertained the company at a luncheon. Numerous costly gifts marked the high esteem in which Mr. and Mrs. Kenney are held in this and half a dozen other states. Mrs. Kenney is a descendant of the Bannockbury Bruces of England. Her Virginia connections as well as her North Carolinian connections are influential. Her uncle, Hon. W. J. Adams is Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. Her grandfather, H. B. Adams, was Monroe's leading lawyer and a public servant for years. She was a student of Salem College, specializing in music, in which she is most proficient. At school she was a member of the exclusive Theta Delta Pi sorority. She is a prime favorite with every one in her home town. Mr. Kenney is the adopted son of Judge and Mrs. Francis D. Winston. He is a lineal descendant of Governor John White of the Roanoke Colony, and his ancestor Josiah Bartlette, signed the Declaration of Independence for New Hampshire. He was a student of the University; a member of Zeta Psi and read law. He was licensed in September last and is now a member of the law firm of Winston, Matthews and Kenney, Windsor. The relatives and friends of this couple are fully warranted in anticipating a useful and happy life for them. After a bridal trip they will reside in Windsor where Judge and Mrs. Winston will put them in charge of Windsor Castle, so long known for its hospitality."

OBITUARY- "MRS FANNIE R. KENNEY Funeral services for Mrs. Fannie Rudge Kenney, 56, of 2511 Kenmore Dr., who died Monday night at her home, will be held at 11:30 today at the Church of the Good Shepherd with the Rev. James McDowell Dick officiating. Burial will follow in Monroe."(The News and Observer, Raleigh, NC, 29 May 1962 v. CXCIV no. 149 p. 19).

OBITUARY - "STEPHEN E. W. KENNEY. Stephen E. W. Kenney, 76, of 1225 Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh, husband of the late Fannie Person Rudge of Monroe, died yesterday in Raleigh. The funeral will be held tomorrow, June 29, at 11:30 a.m. in Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Raleigh. Burial will follow at 3 p.m. in the Monroe Cemetery. Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. Roy S. King (Frances) of Elizabeth City; one son, Stephen R. Kenney of Raleigh; and five grandchildren. The family will be at 3905 Stratford Court in Raleigh. Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, St. Mary's St., Raleigh, is in charge." (The Monroe Enquirer Journal, 28 June 1979, p. 6A)

Fannie Person RUDGE and Stephen E.W. KENNEY had the following children:

	62	i.	Frances Winston6 KENNEY (1928-2010)
	63	ii.	Stephen Rudge6 KENNEY (1930-2010)

James Thomas married Evelyn SNYDER on 4 Jun 1943 in Charlotte, Mecklenberg Co. NC. She was born on 14 Nov 1908. They appear in a group photograph here.

MARRIAGE ANNOUNCEMENT: "Griffith-Snyder. Rev. and Mrs. E. C. Snyder announce the marriage of their daughter, Margaret Evelyn, to Mr. James Thomas Griffith, Jr., lieutenant Army of the United States on Friday, June 4, 1943, Charlotte, N.C. Lt. Griffith is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jas. T. Griffith of Monroe. He is stationed at Fort Benning, Ga." (4 Jun 1943 The Monroe Journal p. 4)

OBITUARY - "JAMES T. GRIFFITH JR. James T. Griffith Jr., 408 West Windsor St. died this morning in an automobile accident. He was born Sept. 25, 1911, in Monroe, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. J. T. "Jim" Griffith (Kate Rudge), and married the former Evelyn Snyder. Griffith was associated for 42 years with the Monroe Hardware Co. Inc., of which his father was an employee for many years. He once played professional baseball for Cleveland, served in the U.S. Army, World War II, with the rank of Captain, was a member of the Monroe Lions Club, member and past deacon of the First Presbyterian Church. He was a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and held many golf championships. Arrangements will be announced by the McEwen Funeral Home." (28 May 1976 The Enquirer-Journal, Monroe NC p. 10)

OBITUARY - "Evelyn Griffith. Evelyn Snyder Griffith, 90, died Thursday (Feb. 4, 1999) at Union Regional Medical Center. Funeral service will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at McEwen Funeral Home Colonial Chapel. Burial will be in the Monroe City Cemetery. Born Nov. 14, 1908, in Union County, she was a daugther of the late Rev. E.C. and Maude Hamilton Snyder. She was a retired high school teacher. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Thomas Griffith. Survivors include a sister, Ruth Snyder Helms of Monroe. The family will receive friends tonight from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the McEwen Funeral Home Colonial Chapel." (The Monroe Enquirer Journal, 5 Feb 1999, page 2A)

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT: "Births... To Mr. and Mrs. James T. Griffith, city of Monroe, a daughter, Katherine Virginia, November 13." (24 Jan 1919 The Monroe Journal p. 4)

OBITUARY: "Death of Little Virginia Griffith. Monroe people were grieved to learn of the death of Virginia Griffith, the nineteen month old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Griffith, which occurred Friday night. The little child had been sick for two weeks, and her death was not unexpected. This is the first death to occur in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Griffith and they have the sympathy of their hundreds of friends in their bereavement. Funeral services were conducted Saturday morning by Dr. H. E. Gurney. Virginia was a beautiful child, and her loss will be severely felt. Among the out of town friends and relatives who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Griffith, of Thomasville; Mr. Zeb Griffith, of Thomasville, Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Armfield and Mr. Eugene Armfield, of Greensboro; Mr. H. E. Allen and Mr. G. M. Stanback, of Wadesboro." (29 Jun 1920 The Monroe Journal p. 1)

SECOND OBITUARY: "Virginia, the nineteen months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James T. Griffith, died last Friday night at 8 o'clock at the home of her parents on Washington street. Virginia was exceedingly bright and an interesting baby. She was a favorite with all who knew her and could talk wonderfully well for a child her age and was a beautiful baby. The parents have the sympathy of a host of friends in their bereavement-the first that has come to them as parents. Funeral services were conducted by Dr. H. E. Gurney last Saturday morning and the little body was laid to rest under a bank of flowers. The baby was sick but a little over two weeks. Out of town friends and relatives attending the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Griffith, of Thomasville; Mr. Zed Griffith, of Thomasville; Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Armfield and Mr. Eugene Armfield, of Greensboro; Mr. H. E. Allen and Mr. G. M. Stanback, of Wadesboro."

50. Edith May⁶ RUDGE( Albert John⁵, James John⁴, Thomas William³, Edward², William¹). She was born on 19 Oct 1902 in England and died on 14 Mar 1972. She first married Henry William BARRETT. She second married Maurice Edward MANTION.

51. Winnifred⁶ RUDGE( Albert John⁵, James John⁴, Thomas William³, Edward², William¹). She was born on 24 Feb 1904 in England and died on 31 Mar 1974. She first married James Bernard BRENNAN. She second married John WESTWOOD.

52. John Frederick⁶ RUDGE( Albert John⁵, James John⁴, Thomas William³, Edward², William¹). He was born on 20 Aug 1918 in Nova Scotia, Canada and died on 26 Oct 1990. He married Margaret Rose SCHNEIDER.

53. Cecillia Marie⁶ RUDGE( Ernlie James⁵, James John⁴, Thomas William³, Edward², William¹). She was born ca. 1900. She died on 19 Jan 1942 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. She married Angus L. McDONALD.

54. Mary Margaret⁶ RUDGE( Ernlie James⁵, James John⁴, Thomas William³, Edward², William¹). She was born on 18 Mar 1906. She died on 16 Jan 1978.

55. Herbert Francis⁶ RUDGE( Ernlie James⁵, James John⁴, Thomas William³, Edward², William¹). He was born on 30 Mar 1908 in Glace Bay, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada. He died on 8 Nov 2002 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. He married Hildred Margaret DAVIS. They had children.

OBITUARY: "Herbert Francis Rudge. RUDGE, Herbert Francis - 94, Lower Sackville, passed away November 8, 2002, in Armview Estates. Born March 30, 1908 in Glace Bay, he was the son of the late James and Mary (Mombourquette) Rudge. He worked as a plumber in many places in Halifax, until his retirement from the Dockyard in 1970. He was a life member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 95, Bedford. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He is survived by daughters, Barbara Roma, Lower Sackville; Linda (Winston) Campbell, the United States; Marlene (Clifton) Thurber, Freeport, Digby Co.; sons, Herbert, Lower Sackville; Albert, Beaver Bank; Robert, Mountain Uniacke; Wayne, Ontario; Edward, Lower Sackville, 20 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; one great great grandson; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Hildred; sisters Cecelia [sic], Marie, Beatrice, Mildred; brothers, Ernie [sic], Albert, Arthur; grandson Darryl; great granddaughter Kelsylyn. His remains are resting in Atlantic Funeral Home, 125 Sackville Dr., Lower Sackville with visitation 7-9 today and 2-4, 7-9 p.m. Sunday, Legion Tribute Service 7 p.m. Sunday where funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Monday. Deacon Claude Lachance officiating. Interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville. Reception to follow in Atlantic Funeral Home Family Reception Centre. Family flowers only. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Herbert's memory to the Children's Wish Foundation of Canada, Nova Scotia Chapter, 23-5523 Spring Garden Rd., Halifax, B3J 3T1 would be appreciated. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com." (Halifax Herald 11/9/2002).

56. Ernlie John⁶ RUDGE( Ernlie James⁵, James John⁴, Thomas William³, Edward², William¹). He was born ca. 1909. He died ca. 1973 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. He married Emily Catherine CREIGHTON. She was born on 3 Apr 1911 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada and died on 15 Aug 1971 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. They had children.

OBITUARY: "Mrs. Emily C. Rudge. Mrs. Emily C. Rudge, 60, of 5534 Stairs Place, Halifax, died Sunday at the Halifax Civic Hospital. She was born in Halifax. Besides her husband, Ernlie J. Rudge, she is survived by two daughters, Evelyn (Mrs. Donald Publicover Jr.), Halifax, Joan at home; one son, Arthur, Halifax; one brother, Fred Creighton, Halifax; two sisters, Gladys (Mrs. Clyde Garrison), Halifax; Edith (Mrs. Charles Laidlaw), Toronto; and six grandchildren. The body is in Cruikshank's Funeral Home, Robie Street, where funeral service will be held in the chapel Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. with Canon H. B. Wainwright officiating. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven cemetery."

OBITUARY: "Ernlie J. Rudge. Ernlie J. Rudge, 75, of Samuel Prince Manor, died Sunday at the Halifax Infirmary. Born in Halifax, he was the son of the late Mr. And Mrs. E. J. and Mary (Mombourquette) Rudge. He was employed in the electrical department of the Halifax Shipyards until his retirement in 1969. He is survived by one daughter, Joan, Halifax; a son, Arthur, Halifax; one sister, Mildred (Mrs. Sam Short), Porters Lake; two brothers, Herbert, Lower Sackville; Albert, Halifax, and seven grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Emily; a daughter, Evelyn; three sisters, Marie, Cecilia and Beatrice, and a brother, Arthur. The body is at Cruikshank's Funeral Home, Halifax. Funeral mass will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, Halifax. Burial will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice."

57. Albert George⁶ RUDGE( Ernlie James⁵, James John⁴, Thomas William³, Edward², William¹). He was born 11 Mar 1910 in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada. He died on 17 Feb 1990.

OBITUARY: "RUDGE, Albert George-80, Northwood Manor, Halifax, died Thursday in the Manor. Born in Glace Bay, he was a son of the late James and Mary (Mumbourquette) Rudge. He was a former employee of Pilkington Glass, Halifax. He is survived by a sister, Mildred (Mrs. Sam Short), Porters Lake; a brother Herbert, Parkhaven Extendicare. He was predeceased by two brothers, Ernie, Arthur; three sisters, Cecilia, Marie, Beatrice. The body is in Cruikshank's Halifax Funeral Home, visiting 2-4, 7-9 p.m. today and Sunday. Funeral will be 10 a.m. Monday in St. Joseph's Church, Halifax. Burial will be in Mount Olive Cemetery, Halifax."

58. Beatrice Lillian⁶ RUDGE( Ernlie James⁵, James John⁴, Thomas William³, Edward², William¹). She was ca. 1912. She married Gilbert Edward SHORT.

59. Arthur B.⁶ RUDGE( Ernlie James⁵, James John⁴, Thomas William³, Edward², William¹). He was on 15 Jul 1916 and died on 15 Aug 1931.

60. Mildred Evelyn⁶ RUDGE( Ernlie James⁵, James John⁴, Thomas William³, Edward², William¹). She died on 2 Dec 1992 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. She married Samuel Francis SHORT, who died in 1994.

61. William Jerome⁶ RUDGE III (William Jerome Jr.⁵,William John⁴, John William³, John², William¹) He was born on 31 Dec 1930 in Pittsfield, Berkshire Co. MA. He died of acute kidney disease on 21 May 2020 at Brookdale Senior Living, Clinton, Oneida Co. NY.

OBITUARY:"CLINTON - Mr. William Jerome Rudge, III, 89, passed quietly on 21 May 2020, surrounded by his family at Brookdale Independent Living. William (Bill) was the son of William Jerome Rudge, Jr. and Lena Anne Wyss and spent his childhood in Lenox, MA, where he attended Lenox High School and Lenox School for Boys. He earned an A.B. Degree at Duke University in 1954, majoring in psychology and later took several graduate courses. He served as a corporal in the army from 1954-56 and was briefly stationed in Germany before he was honorably discharged. In 1957, he began work for the General Electric Company as a specialist in technical training programs and as part of his training rotation worked briefly at the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, where he met his future wife, Beverly Anne Cook, who worked there as a secretary. They were married on 6 Dec 1958 and eventually settled in Clinton, NY, where they raised four children. Mr. Rudge retired in 1991, at which time he devoted himself full-time to a variety of volunteer activities for the American Boy Scouts, American Red Cross, Kiwanis, the Mohawk Valley Engineering Council, the Clinton Historical Society and the Clinton United Methodist Church. Mr. Rudge's extensive participation in these organizations earned him several distinguished honors, including the Silver Beaver Award by the American Boy Scouts in 1975, the highest award the American Boy Scout Council can bestow on a volunteer. He donated almost 20 gallons of blood and aided extensively in the organization of several blood drives for the American Red Cross. He served as president of the Clinton Kiwanis Club. He organized numerous career fairs for future engineering students. He served as a lay speaker for the United Methodist Church. He also served as Village Trustee from 1976-78. Mr. Rudge's extensive service to his community was honored in 1992 when the mayor of Clinton proclaimed June 11 as "Bill Rudge Day." Mr. Rudge and his wife maintained a cottage on Laurel Lake, Lenox and engaged in local community work there as well. During their retirement, they travelled extensively. More recently, they celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary shortly after arriving at Brookdale. On 7 Mar 2019, Bill was awarded the first Clinton Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year award for his many decades of community service. In September of 2019, Bill and Bev were recognized for their 50 years of dedication to the Kirkland Blood Drives.ÊSurviving are his wife, Beverly; four children, William J. Rudge, IV (wife, Patricia), Mrs. Laura Wolfe (husband, Dan), David Rudge (husband, Bob) and Mrs. Susan Corney (husband, Jim); six grandchildren, Caleb and Sarah Rudge, Stephanie and Eric Wolfe and Philip and Mindy Corney.ÊBill and his family greatly appreciate the help and support of numerous local medical community doctors and staff and also the friendship and support of his many neighbors, friends and fellow parishioners at Clinton United Methodist Church, who have been so helpful during the last six months. Many thanks to Sharon Meyer and the staff at Brookdale for their tremendous care and compassion. The funeral will be held at a later date and will be announced by Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, Clinton. In lieu of flowers, Bill asked that you consider donating a pint of blood (to save 2 ? lives) or donating to Rise Against Hunger of the Clinton United Methodist Church, the American Red Cross, the Leatherstocking Council, Boy Scouts of America or your local food pantry." (Published in The Observer-Dispatch from May 23 to May 24, 2020. (Also published in 24 May 2020 Berkshire Eagle (Pittsfield, Berkshire Co. MA) p. B4.)

62. Frances Winston⁶ KENNEY (Fannie Person⁵ RUDGE, William John⁴, John William³, John², William¹). She was born in Windsor, NC on 3 Apr 1928. She died on 3 Sep 2010. She was a school teacher.

Frances Winston married Roy Stedman KING, son of Robert Roy and Pearl nee Hensley King, on 20 Oct 1856 at the Church of the Good Sheppard, Raleigh, Wake Co. NC. Roy Stedman was a veteran of World War II, a Federal Probation Officer and a North Carolina Magistrate. He was born on 11 Nov 1923 in Danbury, NC. He died on 29 Jul 2002 at the UNC Memorial Hospital in Chapel Hill, NC.

OBITUARY: "Roy Stedman King, 78 of Elizabeth City, North Carolina died Monday, July 29, 2002 in UNC Memorial Hospital in Chapel Hill after a brief illness. A memorial service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church on Thursday, August 1st at 11:00 a.m. Mr. King was born on November 11, 1923 in Danbury, NC, the son of Pearl Hensley King and Roy Robert King. He was a graduate of Walnut Cove High School and graduated from The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order, class of 1950. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Navy in the Pacific Theatre. He was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church and past vestryman. Mr. King was retired from both the U.S. Courts as a Federal probation officer for the Justice Department and as a N.C. Magistrate. He is survived by his wife, Frances Kenney King; sons, Winbourne Rudge King and wife, Kate Jones King, John Kenney King and wife, Todd White King; one grandson, Stedman R!udge King; and four step grandchildren, Grin and Sophia Wojonowski and Alex and Billy Rich, Jr. Mr. King also had four nieces; Shannon Crisan, Sarah Allen, Susan Pender, and Nancy Hines; and two nephews, John Gregory King and Earl German, Jr. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the St. Phillips Restoration Fund and/or to the Elizabeth City Boys and Girls Club. Twiford' Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements." (31 Jul 2002 The News & Tribune); SECOND OBITUARY: "News & Observer, The (Raleigh, NC) - July 31, 2002. Deceased Name: Roy Stedman King. ELIZABETH CITY -- Roy Stedman King, 78 of Elizabeth City, North Carolina died Monday, July 29, 2002 in UNC Memorial Hospital in Chapel Hill after a brief illness. A memorial service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church on Thurs- day, August 1st at 11:00 a.m. Mr. King was born on November 11, 1923 in Danbury, NC, the son of Pearl Hensley King and Roy Robert King. He was a graduate of Walnut Cove High School and graduated from The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order, class of 1950. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Navy in the Pacific Theatre. He was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church and past vestryman. Mr. King was retired from both the U.S. Courts as a Federal probation officer for the Justice Department and as a N.C. Magistrate. He is survived by his wife, Frances Kenney King; sons, Win- bourne Rudge King and wife, Kate Jones King, John Kenney King and wife, Todd White King; one grandson, Stedman Rudge King; and four step grandchildren, Grin and Sophia Wojonowski and Alex and Billy Rich, Jr. Mr. King also had four nieces; Shannon Crisan, Sarah Allen, Susan Pender, and Nancy Hines; and two nephews, John Gregory King and Earl German, Jr. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the St. Phillips Restoration Fund and/or to the Elizabeth City Boys and Girls Club. Twiford' Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements."

OBITUARY: "Frances Winston Kenney King, 82, of Elizabeth City, NC passed away September 3, 2010. The daughter of S.E.W. Kenney and Fannie Rudge Kenney, she was born in Windsor, NC on April 3, 1928. She grew up in Tarboro, NC where she graduated from Tarboro High School, winning the Teague Award for athletics. She received her teaching degree in Physical Education at WomenÕs College, now UNC Greensboro, where she was captain of the womenÕs swim team. Frances was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church where she was the secretary for many years. She will be remembered as a loving Christian wife, mother, grandmother, avid bridge player and friend. She is preceded in death by her husband, Roy Stedman King and most recently by her brother, Stephen R. Kenney. She is survived by her two sons, Rudge King and his wife, Kathryn Jones King and John Kenney King and his wife Janie Toppings King; and three grandchildren, Richard Grindstaff Jones Wojnowski, Sophia Snow Jones Wojnowski and Stedman Rudge King. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church. The family will receive friends at the family home, 1205 Park Drive, Elizabeth City, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the organ fund at Christ Episcopal Church, 200 S. McMorrine Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909. Twiford Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 405 East Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC is assisting the King family." (http://www.twifordfh.com/frances-king/)

Frances Winston KENNEY and Roy Stedman KING had children.

63. Stephen Rudge⁶ KENNEY (Fannie Person⁵ RUDGE, William John⁴, John William³, John², William¹). Stephen Rudge was born on 10 Aug 1930 in Charlotte, North Carolina. He died on 5 May 2010 in Raleigh, Wake Co. NC. He was a real estate agent.

Stephen Rudge married Katherine Amelia FAUCETTE, daughter of Henry Francis and Gertrude Agnes nee Johnston Faucette, on 13 Dec 1952 at the First Baptist Church, Raleigh, Wake Co. NC.

OBITUARY: "Stephen R. Kenney passed away on May 5, 2010. Steve was born on August 10, 1930, in Charlotte, North Carolina, and grew up in Tarboro and Windsor, before moving to Raleigh where he graduated from Broughton High School. After serving in the US Air Force, he graduated from UNC in 1955 where he was a member of the football team. Following graduation he moved to Raleigh and began a career in Real Estate. He was the owner of Kenney Real Estate Co. from 1955 until his death. He held many positions with the Raleigh Board of Realtors including President, VP, Treasurer, and Director, and was named Realtor of the Year in 1966. He was also President and a member of the Board of Directors of the NC Association of Realtors. In 1966 he was named Tar Heel of the Week. He was the Executive Vice President and General Manager of PMC, which owned and operated the Ramada Inns in Raleigh and Comfort Inn Pinehurst. He was a member of St. Michael's Episcopal Church where he served as a member of the Vestry and as a Sunday School Teacher. Blessed with a strong belief in Jesus Christ, Steve was active in many Christian activities including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes where he served on the State Steering Committee. A long time member and past President of the Raleigh Jaycees, Steve was the Vice President of the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and the Raleigh Junior Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the US and NC Power Squadron, Carolina Country Club, and The Fifty Group. He was extremely proud of coaching the Country Club Hills Bulldogs to numerous championships over a five-year period in the 1960's and is still revered by his former players. He will be remembered as a loving Christian husband, father, grandfather, and friend, as always being "tip top"?. He was preceded in death by his parents S.E.W. Kenney and Fannie Rudge Kenney. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Katherine Faucette Kenney, sister Frances K. King of Elizabeth City, NC, son Stephen F. Kenney and wife Camilla, son David W. (Whit) Kenney and wife Cindy, and daughter Katherine E. Kenney, and eight grandchildren, Stephen, Lesley, David, Zachary, Tessa, Lucas, Cole, and Connor. Funeral services will be held St. Michael's Episcopal Church on Monday, May 10, at 2:00 pm. The family will receive friends at The Cypress of Raleigh Clubhouse on Sunday, May 9 from 6:00 until 7:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27610. The family thanks the staff at the Rosewood Health Center at the Cypress of Raleigh and Hospice of Wake County. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.brownwynne.com" Read more: http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/05/08/472986/stephen-r-kenney.html#ixzz0nMnZiwrC" (8 May 2010 News & Observer [Raleigh, NC])

Stephen Rudge KENNEY and Katherine Amelia FAUCETTE had children.

Links to branches of the Rudge family associated with: Evesham , Gloucester, Cirencester, North Carolina, and Brazil.

Back to The Rudge Family Page

Other lines on this site:

• Maine COOK FLUENT MILLS WEBBER WOODWARD;
• Michigan BIERI ROTH WYSS;
• North Carolina ADAMS GIBSON MITCHELL PAE PERSONS RUDGE BANKS COBLE;
• Virginia BATH BREEDLOVE WILLIAMSON;
• Wisconsin BREITKREUTZ FINDER NEFF YOUNG

Site Map

Last updated on 10 Jun 2020