John Harvey Rucker was born January 7, 1834, in Jetersville, VA. He was a lifelong member and deacon for Sandy Creek Baptist Church and helped reorganize the church and congregation after the Civil War ended. Harvey as he was known enlisted in Company G of the 1st Virginia Cavalry, the Amelia Light Dragoons, on August 1st, 1862. He was quickly thrust into the horrors of war. Throughout his service he fought in the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg, Kelly’s Ford, Chancellorsville, Brandy Station, Gettysburg, and the Third Battle of Winchester.
He was captured by General Sheridan’s forces in Edinburg, VA in the aftermath of Third Winchester. He was transported to Point Lookout Prisoner of War Camp in Southern Maryland where he stayed for five months. He was exchanged February 18, 1865. It is unknown if he rejoined the unit, however he was paroled on April 21, 1865, at Burkeville, VA. After the war he went back to his farm in Jetersville and raised his family of 13 children.
Luke's lineage: Luke9 Mike, Janet8 Meador Mike, Clarence7 Meador, Dora6 Rucker Meador, John Harvey5 Rucker, Pleasant4 Rucker, Joshua3 Rucker, William2 Rucker, Peter, our immigrant
Link for Harvey Ruckers Civil War Service on Fold3* click here
Link for his service index on Fold3* click here
* Note: Fold3 is a subscription service
