Person:Ruth Dugger (3)

Disputed Parentage

Researchers are not in agreement of the maiden name of Ruth, the wife of Shadrach Estep. Some [including Find-A-Grave] name her as Ruth Dugger. Others claim her maiden name was Speer (JD), Lane (JGW) or Wilson (GFD).

If Ruth married Shadrack Estep in Maryland, it seems doubtful she is related to the VA, NC, and TN Duggers, as they were never known to have lived in or near Maryland, but anything is possible. See the Dugger Pages for more on the Dugger family.

Shadrack Estep made his Will on 31 May 1801 in Ashe Co., NC naming his heirs.

Several researchers list his wife Ruth (or Rutha) as a Dugger, but what is the proof of that? Other researchers list her maiden name as Speer.

Researchers show their older children were born in Maryland, so that probably precludes Ruth from being a Dugger, though perhaps not.

They certainly lived in the right region later on (Ashe Co., NC) for Benjamin Dugger lived there. He and Ruth are in the same age group, so if she is a Dugger, she could be his sister or otherwise closely related to him.

What is the original source that shows Ruth to be a Dugger? Is this based on speculation? Circumstantial evidence? Primary evidence?

My personal opinion is that Ruth, wife of Shadrack Estep is not a Dugger at all, but I could be wrong. --Martygrant 12:16, 24 September 2007 (EDT)

1.   Find A Grave.

   Ruth Dugger Estep
   BIRTH
   1748
   North Carolina, USA
   DEATH
   1786 (aged 37–38) [aft. 31 Jul 1801 when she was named in her husband's will]
   North Carolina, USA
   BURIAL
   Cove Creek Cemetery
   Watauga County, North Carolina, USA
   
   https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/34684775/ruth-estep

2. ↑ MJE