c. 1649-1708
John Tuder (also spelled Tudor) was born in England around 1649 and appears to have emigrated to Barbados around 1670, moved to Boston in 1671 and settled in New York in 1674. At first, Tuder lived a colorful life, and colonial records indicate that he was accused of crimes such as running an unlawful gaming house, selling strong drink without a license and resisting inspection of his premises.
Tuder was one of the first lawyers in New York but whether his legal training took place in England or in the colonies is not clear. He also held several official positions in New York including Advocate General in Admiralty, High Sheriff of the County and City of New York and Coroner of New York County. In 1696, John Tuder was appointed Register of Admiralty, a position that he held until his death.
Throughout this time, John Tuder practiced law and had a large civil and criminal practice. In 1674, he appeared as attorney for the plaintiff in the first action tried in the newly-established Mayor’s Court. He staunchly supported Nicholas Bayard and Phillip French during the Leisler Rebellion.
John Tuder became Recorder of the City of New York in 1704 and presided in the Mayor’s Court in the absence of the Mayor. He served in that position until his death in 1708.
Sources
Paul Hamlin and Charles Baker. The Supreme Court of the Province of New York, 1691-1704 (1959)
Henry B. Hoff. “The Tudor Family of Barbados, Boston, New York City, Newport, and Bermuda” 163 American Ancestors Journal 372 (October 2009)