LUDINGTON FAMILY IN MATAGORDA COUNTY

 Submitted by Ron Ludington

 Robert Ludington was born February 27 1816 in Greene County, New York. He was the son of Tertullus Ludington (1773-1835).

Tertullus was a brother to Sybil Ludington (1761-1839) a heroine in New York State for her midnight ride of 1775. She had a postage stamp issued in her honor in 1975.

For more information about Sybil see http://www.catskill.net/purple/sybil.htm

Robert's grandfather was Col. Henry Ludington, aide de camp to General Washington during the New York campaign of the Revolutionary War. It was for him that Sybil rode to warn the troops to gather at her father's New York home to help repel the British who burned nearby Danbury, Connecticut.

Henry (1739-1817) fought in the French and Indian Wars and was at the capture of Quebec in 1759. He is credited with bringing back many wounded Connecticut soldiers through the wilderness even as a 19-year-old. Henry was a great great grandson to William Luddington who came to Massachusetts in 1638/39 from England and later moved to New Haven, Connecticut. Henry was the first to drop a D from the name, some say because he married his first cousin Abigail Luddington.

Robert Ludington's sister, Amelia, born July 20, 1808 in Greene County, New York, also lived in Matagorda. She moved to Matagorda with Robert and was first married to William McKinstry. They were married in Catskill, New York on 24 Mar 1826. It is said her husband was lost at sea.

Amelia later married Galen Hodges on November 24, 1845. Hodges was born September 18, 1812 in Providence, Rhode Island. He left home in 1834, going first to Georgia and then to Alabama, Florida, New Orleans, Louisiana and then to Texas where he enlisted in a company of volunteers for the fight for independence. He was made collector of customs by President Sam Houston and settled in Matagorda. He established a large store there and built the Colorado House, a fashionable hotel which operated until about 1885 and was one of the most popular resort hotels on the Texas coast. Hodges owned and operated the Matagorda Gazette 1858 - 1859. He was a member of IOOF LaSalle Lodge No. 47 in Matagorda.

Robert Ludington married Margaret Ann Coates in Texas. They were members of Christ Episcopal Church in Matagorda where three children were baptized. (1) Robert Edward Ludington born October 19, 1849 and baptized May 19, 1850; (2) Nicholas Barri Ludington baptized June 25, 1856 with sponsors Nicholas Barri and S. R. Wright; and (3) Charles Ludington baptized June 25, 1856 with W. S. S. Compton and Mr. J. Compton as sponsors.

Robert Ludington died in September 1859 after which Margaret took the three sons first to New York and then to Chicago, Illinois. One son, Robert, is said to have served as a camp guard at a Civil War prison at Camp Butler, Illinois near Springfield. He was well liked by the southern prisoners because of his kindness to them. Robert appears in the Cook Co, Illinois 1870 census as age 20, head of the house, brick mason, born TX. His mother is in his household.

Additional information about Robert Ludington and the Ludington family
 

The undersigned passengers on Board the Schooner "John Heath" from New York, bound to Matagorda, and this morning wrecked - feel ourselves bound to express publicly to Capt. John Chattin, her commander, our gratitude for his generous exertions in our behalf, and our admiration at the gallant and chivalrous conduct displayed by him in first assisting the females from danger, and being himself the last person to quit the wreck. (Among the signers) Robert Luddington and Henry Luddington  Passo Cabello, 10th Nov. 1838

Matagorda Bulletin, November 15, 1838
 

8 Feb 1840 - William McKinstry to James H. Selkirk - A receipt for $300.00 to be placed in the account of Robert Ludington.
 

Matagorda County Brand Book 1  1837 - 1854

#159 Robert Ludington's Brand is

Mark A swallow fork in right-ear and under bit in left-ear

Recorded June 16, 1849

Sold to Gerald Weekley this 21 May 1870
 

1850 Census of Matagorda County, Texas

household 8/8

Robert Ludington 35 M Carpenter b NY

M. A. 33 F b NY

Elizabeth Ward 6 F b NY

R. E. Ludington 9 mo M b TX

E. Coats 70 M b England

Owned 1 female slave age 23 and 1 female age 2
 

County Court Called Meeting Monday, March 28, 1857

Robert Ludington, presented his Bond as Coroner for Matagorda County which is this day approved by the County Court.
 

11-14-59

Estate of Robert Ludington decd

Petition for Probate of last Will and for Letters of Executorship

Filed 14th day of November 1859     James H. Selkirk         Clerk C. C. M. C.

Recorded 28th day of November 1859 in Book D page 75 of Probate Minutes

James H. Selkirk         Clerk C. C. M. C.
 

The State of Texas                            In County Court

County of Matagorda                         November Term 1859

To the Hon. M. Talbot Chief Justice of said County

The Petition of Margaret Ann Ludington a resident of the County of Matagorda in said State of Texas, respectfully represents that her late Husband Robert Ludington also of said County and State departed this life about the ____ day of ______ A. D. 1859 leaving property both real and personal in said County and State, which will need administration.

Petitioned further States that her said Husband Robert Ludington made and executed his last Will and Testament, now on ____ in your Hon. Court, by which he made constituted and appointed your Petitioner sole Executrix of said Last Will & Testament. Therefore your Petitioner prays that all necessary notices for the Probate of said last will and Testament may be given and that Letters of Executorship be granted to your Petitioner according to the ____ of Last Will. And your Pet. will pray.

Margaret Ann Ludington        By Henry Thorp, atty
 

11-28-59

Estate of Robert Ludington decd

Appointment of Appraisers

Entered in Minute Book D

this 28th day of November 1859                    James H. Selkirk         Clerk C. C. M. C.

To Galen Hodges, A. Wadsworth, and Frank O. Brian

Sirs You are hereby appointed appraisers of such property belonging to the Estate of Robert Ludington decd as may be pointed out to you by the Executor thereof.

            Nov 28. 59      M. Talbot        Chief Justice
 

11-28-59

Estate of Robert Ludington decd

Decree Probating last Will and for Letters of Executorship

Entered in Minute Book D page 76 the 28th day of Novr A. D. 1859

James H. Selkirk                     Clerk C. C. M. C.

In the business of the Estate of Robert Ludington decd

This day came to be considered the Petition of Margaret Ann Ludington, a resident of the County of Matagorda in the state of Texas, representing that her late husband Robert Ludington of also of said County and state, departed this life on the ____ day of September A.D. 1859 leaving property real and personal in said County & State and That the said Robert Ludington before his death made and executed a Last Will and Testament disposing of all of said property that by said last Will and Testament, your Petitioner, the said Margaret Ann Ludington was appointed sole Executrix of the same and said Petitioner after offering full and satisfactory proof of the execution of said last Will and Testament prays that the same may be admitted to probate and that Letters Testamentary be granted to said petitioner.

And now because it appears to the Court that due notice has been given of said application as required by Law, and the said last Will & Testament having been presented and filed in open Court and duy proven by the affidavits in writing, of the subscribing witnesses to the same, taken and sworn to in open Court And the said Margaret Ann Ludington having made oath that the same is the last Will & Testament of the said Robert Ludington decd so far as she knows and believes.

Now by reason of the foregoing and of the Law it is ordered adjudge and decreed by the Court, That the said Last Will and Testament of Robert Ludington be and the same is hereby received and admitted to probate as having been fully and satisfactorily proven and established according to Law and that the same be duly recorded in this Court.

It is further ordered and decreed that the said Margaret Ann Ludington be and she is hereby appointed and recognized as the sole Executrix of said last Will and Testament and that Letters Testamentary issue to the said Margaret Ann Ludington on her complying with the requests of the Law in such cases.     M. Talbot Chief Justice
 

11-28-59

Estate of Robert Ludington decd

Notice of application for Probate of Will and for Letters

Filed 28th day of Novr. 1859             James H. Selkirk         Clerk C. C. M. C.

Notice

The State of Texas                              In County Court

County of Matagorda                         November Term 1859

Whereas Mrs. Margaret Ann Ludington has filed in the _____ the County Court of Matagorda County her application in writing in which she prays that the Last Will and Testament of her late Husband Robert Ludington deceased may be admitted to probate, and that she be recognized as sole Executrix of said last will and Testament and for Letters of Executorship according to the term thereof

November 14th 1859.             James H. Selkirk         Clerk C. C. M. C.
 

The State of Texas                            In County Court

County of Matagorda                         Nov Term AD 1859

Before me M. Talbot Chief Justice of said County of Matagorda in the State of Texas personally appeared Henry B. Mitchell and Henry Thorp subscribing witnesses to the last Will and Testament of Robert Ludington decd hereto attached and presented to the Court who on Oath say That they saw the said Robert Ludington, then of sound mind and disposing memory sign and seal the said last Will and Testament which is the same hereto attached and shown to the Court - That the said Ludington, before the signing and sealing of said Will, acknowledged in presence of these affiants that he fully understood the contents and provisions of the same and that he signed and sealed the same as his last Will and Testament, and requests these affiants and Thos. F. Bates to witness the same as his last Will. That these affiants signed the same as witnesses and saw the said Bates sign the same in the presence of the other and the said Robert Ludington signed and sealed said Will and Testament in the presence of said three witnesses.

Sworn to & subscribed before me this 28th day of November 1859

Henry Thorp

H. B. Mitchell             M. Talbot Chief Justice
 

11-28-59

Estate of Robert Ludington decd

Last Will and Testament

Filed 28th day of November 1859

James H. Selkirk         Clerk C. C. M. C.

Recorded in Minute Book D pages 75 & 76 this 28th November 1859-

James H. Selkirk         Clerk C. C. M. C.

Recorded in Book A pages 64 & 65 of Records of Wills this 29th Novr 1859-

James H. Selkirk         Clerk C. C. M. C.

The State of Texas      County of Matagorda

Know all men by these presents that I Robert Luddington of the county of Matagorda in the State of Texas being of sound mind and disposing memory, but greviously sick do make publish and declare this my Last Will and Testament.

Item 1st

I order and direct the payment of all my just debts.

Item 2nd

After the payment of my debts, I give ____ and bequeath to my well beloved wife Margaret Ann Luddington all my property effects credits, claims or demands of all and every description, whether personal real or mixed which I now have or may hereafter become entitled to either in the State of Texas or in the State of New York to have, control manage and dispose of the same in any manner which may seem best to her, free from the direction of authority of any person whatsoever, in full and absolute possession--

Item 3rd

I hereby constitute and appoint my said wife Margaret Ann Luddington my Sole Executrix and Legatee of this my last will and Testament-- and I direct and request that the Probate Court of Matagorda County shall take no further control of my said Estate, than the Probating of this will and the reception? and filing of an Inventory of my said Estate--

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal using a scrawl

for a Seal this the 31st day of August A. D. 1859

Signed & Sealed in     Robert Ludington  

seal presence of           Thomas P. Bates         Henry B. Mitchell       Henry Thorp
 

12-17-59

Estate of Robert Ludington decd

Inventory & Appraisment

Filed 17th day of December 1859

James H. Selkirk         Clerk, C.C.M.C.

Recorded in Inventory Book C page 68 the 31st Decr. 1859

James H. Selkirk         Clerk, C.C.M.C.

Estate of Robert Ludington decd

Inventory and appraisement of the property belonging to the Estate Robert Ludington decd being all community property viz

1 House of & two lots in Matagorda                                                900.00

1 Horse                                                                                                 65.00

320 Acres land on the Rio Grande                                                  100.00

370 do in Cash's Creek Matagorda Co                                          370.00

100 Head Cattle more or less Branded "44" & 4                           600.00

-----------

2035.00

The State of Texas                  Before me James H. Selkird Clerk of the County court for the County

County of Matagorda             aforesaid personally appeared Mrs. Margaret A. Ludington to me well known who being by me duly sworn, says that the foregoing is a correct and true list of all the property belonging to the Estate of Robert Ludington deceased so far as the same has come to her knowledge.

Sworn to & Subscribed before me This 17th day of December 1859

Margaret A. Ludington           James H. Selkirk         Clerk C. C. M C.

The State of Texas                  We the undersigned two of the appraisers appointed by the County

County of Matagorda             Court of Matagorda County to appraise the property belonging to the Estate of Robert Ludington Decd do solemnly swear that the foregoing is a just and true appraisment of said property so far as the same has been pointed out to us by Mrs. Margaret A. Ludington the Executrix.

Sworn to and subscribed before Me this day of December 1859

Galen Hodges Frank O'Brien

James H. Selkirk         Clerk C. C. M. C.
 

12-17-59

Estate of Robert Ludington decd

Oath of Mrs. Margaret A. Ludington as Executrix

Filed 17th day of December 1859                   James H. Selkirk         Clerk C. C. M. C.

Recorded 17th day of December 1859          James H. Selkirk         Clerk C. C. M. C.

The State of Texas

County of Matagorda             I Margaret Ann Ludington do solemnly swear that the writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of Robert Ludington deceased and now on file and of Record in the County Clerks office of said Matagorda County Is the Last Will & Testament of said Robert Ludington so far as I know or believe and that I will well and truly perform all the duties required of me as Executrix to the best of my skill & ability --  Margaret A. Ludginton

Sworn to & Subscribed before me This 17th day of December 1859

James H. Selkirk         Clerk C. C. M. C.
 

Mrs. Galen Hodges

Houston December 13, 1881

In your issue of this date I noticed a communication from Matagorda in which appears the anouncement of the death of Mrs. Galen Hodges of that place on the 23d of November last. The deceased deserves more than a passing notice. She came to this state in the early days of the Republic and in common with the pioneers of that time; suffered many privations and inconvenience. She located in Matagorda about the year 1835, and soon after became the widow of a Mister McKinstery. As such she was the proprietress of the Mansion House one of the largest Hotels in the area. She soon became famous for her business management and hospitality and her hotel was always crowded with the elite of the traveling public, the Old Texans nearly all knew her well, and will recall to mind the many pleasant hours spent under her roof. She was again married to Mr. Galen Hodges a man of undeniable energy, much experience and good business qualifications, and together they lived in the town of their adoption for nealy half a century adding greatly to its financial worth and social worth. The deceased was greatly admired by the young people and to her more than any one else in that community indebted for many pleasant pasttimes. In her death the poor will miss her charities, the wealthy her console, society her influence, and the public will generally suffer an irreplacable loss. None know her but to love her; none named her but to praise. J. P. R.
 

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