My great-great-great grandfather Sylvester
Leopold Mudd was from the long settled east coast, from a family who produced
college-educated men in the 18th century, from a place where comfort and style
was easily evident, from the cradle of American civilization. Then, as a young man in the prime of his
life, he chose to settle in south-central and southwest Louisiana, a place of
marsh and bayous where few civilized families lived, where education was
considered unnecessary, where very few material comforts were found, where
insects and weather were at times life-threatening. The question I have asked myself many times –
why would Leopold, as he was known, subject his family to these hardships? Research into his life, his family, and those
he was close to may be able to help his descendants, like me, understand the
decisions he made nearly 200 years ago.
Regarding Leopold Mudd’s own
ancestors, he was the great grandson of Thomas Mudd I of England. Thomas Mudd I, the immigrant and progenitor
of Mudd families in America, has been well-documented by his many
descendants. However, less is known
about the Mudds who followed. I have
seen assorted bits and pieces from the Mudd line but not enough to understand
who they were. So, in an effort to
“know” Leopold Mudd, I will get to “know” his great grandfather Thomas Mudd II,
grandfather Thomas Boarman Mudd, and father Joshua Mudd. The information will include everything I
have but certainly not everything that is available. So, if you can offer any information to these
biographies, please let me know. I will
be more than happy to update upon receipt of any additional information.