The early immigrant Scudders and missionary-minded Scudders featured in this issue had unique opportunities to engage with people of other races, ethnicities, cultures, religions and politics that were different than their own. They moved to different countries or colonies where they were considered the strangers by those who were already present.
For over 200 years the Scudders have provided direct medical care and comfort to the peoples of India. For over 100 years Scudder families have provided financial support to those medical services through the philanthropic efforts of the Scudder Association Foundation. It is a tradition we have quietly continued. However, not since the turbulent period of Indian Independence in the 1940’s, has the work begun by the Scudders and continued by the thousands of graduates of the CMC Vellore and Scudder Memorial Hospital medical programs come under a graver threat to the welfare of the communities they serve, than now.
Which Is Your Courageous Immigrant Ancestor? John Scudder, b. 1618 or his sister Elizabeth Scudder, b. 1625 or Their Uncle Thomas Scudder, 1587? From the beginning of the history of the American Scudder family, one family trait stands out strong. Scudders are willing and able to do hard things to better their circumstances.
The first document to prove that Thomas Scudder (T) of Horton Kirby, Kent, England was in America is dated 25 December 1637 and is found on the Salem, Massachusetts Town Records under Land Grants, B. Records in England show that Thomas Scudder…