This father and son, were Baptist preachers on the frontier in central Kentucky - jrd.
The Two Dudleys: Ambrose and Thomas P.
The Baptist Encyclopedia, 1881
Ambrose Dudley Rev. Ambrose Dudley, a distinguished Baptist preacher among the pioneers of Kentucky, was born in Spottsylvania Co., Va., in 1750. At the breaking out of the Revolutionary war he entered the army as captain. While stationed at Williamsburg he was converted, and on returning home was ordained and became pastor of the church at Spottsylvania. After preaching some years with much acceptance, he moved to Fayette Co., Ky., in 1786, and was immediately called to the pastoral care of Bryant's church. David's Fork church soon arose out of Bryant's, and called Mr. Dudley to its pastorate. His ministry at both of these churches was attended with extraordinary success. During the great revival of 1800-03, Byrant's church received 421 members. Mr. Dudley frequently acted as moderator of Elkhorn Association, and also of Licking Association. After a long life of great usefulness he died in 1825, leaving behind him eleven sons, three daughters, and nearly one hundred grandchildren. Among his sons was Benjamin Winslow Dudley, one of the most distinguished surgeons in the United States.
____________ [From William Cathcart, editor, The Baptist Encyclopedia, 1881; reprint, 1988.]The following information has been located:
"Ambrose Dudley and Joseph Dudley, licensed to officiate in marriage ceremony, on motion of elders of the Separate Baptist Church" [Spottsylvania County, Va. Order Book - April 19, 1781.]The Kentucky Reporter newspaper gives the following: 01-31-1825, p. 3 col. 3. - Died - Rev. Ambrose Dudley at age of 72 on 27th at home of Dr. B. W. Dudley, a pioneer of early days.
________________
Thomas P. Dudley
Rev. Thomas Parker Dudley, son of Rev. Ambrose Dudley, is the most distinguished preacher among the Baptists of Kentucky. He was born in Fayette Co., Ky., May 31, 1792. In 1812 he entered the army, was made commissary of the Northwestern troops, participating in the battles of Frenchtown and the River Raisin; in the latter was wounded in the shoulder; taken prisoner by the Indians and carried to Detroit. In the fall of 1814 he was made quartermaster of a detachment which reinforced Gen. Jackson at the battle of New Orleans, and the same year was appointed quartermaster-general of Kentucky. From 1816 until 1824 he was a cashier of a branch of the old Bank of Kentucky, located at Winchester, and for several years afterwards was engaged in settling up the business of these branch banks. He succeeded his father in the pastorate of Bryant's church in 1825. Of this church he has now (1880) been pastor fifty-five years, and of the three other churches almost as long, and he has also been moderator of Licking Association forty-seven years. He resides in Lexington.
============== [From William Cathcart, editor, The Baptist Encyclopedia, 1881; reprint, 1988, pp. 345-6. The title is added by this editor. - Jim Duvall]
More on the Dudleys
Baptist History Homepage