John Ruscoe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Ruskoe
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| Born | 1623 |
| Died | November 20, 1702 |
| Occupation | farmer, carpenter |
| Spouse(s) | Rebecca Beebe (m. January 2, 1649 or 1650, Hartford) |
| Children | Thomas Ruscoe (b.1651 d.1739), Mary Ruscoe (b. ca. 1656), Rebecca Ruscoe Brown (b. ca. 1656), Ruth Ruscoe Abbott (b.ca. 1658), Sarah Ruscoe (b. ca. 1660), Mehitabel Ruscoe Lees (b.ca. 1662), John Ruscoe (b. ca. 1664) |
John Ruscoe (also spelled Ruskoe) (1623 – 1702) was an important person in the early history of Norwalk, Connecticut. He was one of the first people to help create and settle this town. He came from England to America, seeking a new life and helping to build a new community.
A Founder of Norwalk
John Ruscoe was born in 1623 in a place called Billericay, in Essex, England. His parents were William and Rebecca Ruscoe. In 1635, when John was about 12 years old, his parents and four younger siblings left England. They sailed from London on a ship named Increase to go to America. Sadly, his mother Rebecca passed away during the long journey.
John and his older brother, Nathaniel, stayed behind in England. This was a common practice at the time. They likely stayed to manage their family's farm. They also worked to earn money to send to their father. This helped their father get settled in America.
Journey to the New World
John's father, William, arrived in Boston in June 1635. Soon after, he married Hester Mussey. In 1636, the family joined a group led by Thomas Hooker. They moved to settle a new town called Hartford.
John Ruscoe later traveled to America himself. Shortly after arriving in Hartford, he married Rebecca Beebe. Their wedding took place on January 2, 1649 or 1650.
Settling Norwalk
John Ruscoe became one of the fourteen original people to sign the Ludlow agreement. This agreement was a plan to create a new settlement in Norwalk. This shows his important role in the town's beginnings.
He also owned a piece of land known as Half-Mile Island. This land was a peninsula located east of Canfield Avenue on Shorehaven Road.
Today, John Ruscoe's name is listed on the Founders Stone. This stone is in the East Norwalk Historical Cemetery. It honors the names of the founding settlers of Norwalk.
