Ruttan Family Histories

Here is a list of Ruttan family histories I have collected.

Please let me know if you know of any others.

Halbert's Family Heritage (1995) World Book of Ruttans... (Scam) The only relevant information in this book is Chapter 5, "The Ruttan Around the world: The Ruttan International Registry". This is simply a list of 633 Ruttans sorted by location. Halbert's is currently advertizing its "New" World Book of Ruttans. "Halbert’s of Bath, Ohio, is the most notorious of the mail order companies that send out ads offering to sell you "an astounding new book" with insinuations that the book tells all about your family name. These letters, as well as the "books," are all mass produced by computers with family surnames and your name inserted in appropriate places." (Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter, November 10, 1997)

Keegan, James J. (1996) A Rutan Family Index (Bowie, Maryland: Heritage Books, Inc.) "This index covers the first seven generations descending from Abraham, the believed progenitor born in France, and his wife, Marie; in its pages researchers will find data on approximately 2,700 descendants, who lived between 1680 and about 1900. Possible information in each listing includes birth, marriage and death dates; residence; occupation; religious affiliations and political leanings; names of parents and children; variation in name spelling; military career; and more. Citations to sources are included to point users to original material. 1996, 173 pp., index, paper, $19.00 #ZK112"
Keegan, James J. (1996) A Second Rutan Family Index (Order online from Enoch.com) Since the May 1996 publishing of A Rutan Family Index, Mr. Keegan has gathered together so much new information on the Rutans in America that he has produced this second volume. This index includes updates to entries in the first volume, as well as many new Rutans. At least half of the individuals in this volume did not appear in the first; persons in the first volume on whom no new information was developed are not mentioned here. Many of the blanks that represented missing names of spouses have been filled in, and there's more information on Rutans moving into other states and territories. Research sources include probate records as well as numerous Civil War pension files. The progenitor of Rutans in America is believed to be Abraham Rutan, a Huguenot born in France in 1658 who came to American about 1675. He settled in New York, married Marie Petilon, and raised a family of 12. The book's Introduction includes a synopsis of the Rutan family in France, the several generations before Abraham came to America, and a brief summary of what he did once he arrived. Similar to the first volume, this index is divided into three main sections, which cover Rutans in the northeastern United States between 1658 and 1799; those in the northeastern United States born after 1799; and those located outside the northeastern United States (mostly 19th century) which includes Rutans from 29 other states, dominant among them California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Pennsylvania. The first two sections are heavy with data on Rutans in New York and New Jersey. Entries are arranged alphabetically within each section. Possible information in each listing includes birth, marriage and death dates; residence; occupation; religious affiliations and political leanings; names of parents and children; variation in name spelling; military career; and more. Citations to sources are included to point users to original material. An everyname index cross-referencing spouses, and a bibliography of other pertinent sources, will prove very handy to researchers. 1997, 189 pp., index, paper, $18.00 #G175

Meachem, Robert J. (1974) Ruttan of Canada: Research Outline for Five Generations (6557 Katherine Couty, West Palm Beach, Florida)

Ruttan, Henry N. (1986) A Part of the Family of Ruttan, 1590-1986. This is the probably the most significant history on the family, particulary in Canada. It was published by Emery Publishing of Ottawa, Ontario. Its 248 pages contain a considerable amount of information of the Ruttan family, but sadly, few sources are given. Still, it is packed with names, dates, places, and biograpgical notes. It has a great index.

Ruttan, Vernon W. (1991) Some Ruttan Family History (2381 Commonwealth Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108). This unpublished manuscript focuses primarily on the Christopher Ruttan family. Chapter One covers the French origins of the family. Chapter Two follows the family through New York and New Jersey. Chapter Three follows part of the family in Ontario. Chapter Four, Five and Six focus on his ancestors who returned to the United States. There are several interesting appendicies, such as an annotated bibliography of books and articles mentioning origins of the Ruttan family.

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