Isaac Ruddle (Bourbon Co. KY)
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Isaac Ruddle migrated from Frederick Co. VA to Washington Co. VA where he organized a company of Militia and attained the rank of Captain. Ruddle's company fought the British and Indians under Colonel George Rogers Clark in Kentucky and Illinois. In 1779, Isaac Ruddle established Ruddle's Station, also called Ruddle's Fort, in Kentucky Co. VA [later Bourbon Co. KY, current Harrison Co. KY], which had been abandoned in 1776 by John Hinkson and others. In June of 1780 the fort was attacked by Brititsh Col. Henry Bird and a force of 600 Canadians and Indians. Isaac Ruddle surrendered under the condition that the British would have control over the prisoners, which Col. Bird agreed to. However, once the gates were opened the Indians rushed in killing many and taking 470 prisoners, who were marched to Detroit.[1] In October of 1782, Isaac Ruddle was released in an exchange of prisoners from the Province of Quebec, by way of Lake Champlaine. [2] |
Isaac Ruddle Photo taken by Jerry Taylor |
"Isaac Ruddle is buried in the Stoner Mouth Presbyterian Church yard at Ruddles Mills. Jemima Johnson Chapter placed a government marker at his grave inscribed: "Va. Militia Rev. War". Ruddle was the first white settler in this section. He with his wife Elizabeth Bowman Ruddle and their children, Isaac, Jr., Stephen, Abraham, Elizabeth, John, and infant (killed by Indians) were all in the fort when destroyed and were taken prisoners and carried to Detroit."[3]
Isaac Ruddle, Revolutionary War, Captain, Card # 39123702
Isc Riddle [Isaac Ruddle]
Appears with the rank of Capt. on a Return of Prisoners sent from the Province of Quebec for Exchange, since the 1st of November 1779
(Revolutionary War.)
Return dated Quebec Nov. 8, 1782
Province he belongs to, Va.
When Sent & which Way, Oct. 1782 by Lake Champlain
References
[1] "Ruddle-Riddle Genealogy and Biography" by Pauline Ruddle Harman,c1984, Salem, WV : Walsworth Pub., Library of Congresss #84-52275, pp. 21-26
[2] Captain Isaac Ruddle, Revolutionary War Card # 39123702
[3] Graves of Revolutionary War Soldiers in Bourbon Co. KY; Collection of Miss Blanche Lilliston when she was regent of the Jemima Johnson Chapter of the DAR 1926-1927
Additional Reading
The Destruction of Ruddle's and Martin's Forts in the Revolutionary War PDF