Feedback from the Rucker Family Society Board of Directors:

Either no text or just 'Rucker Family Society'. A few with and a few without text will be good. Some folks want "just a crest" while others like the words. We'll see who wins that vote later.
Try some logos with a 17th century sloop (1680s or so). The ship that would be representative of what he would have taken to get to the American colonies, a stout ocean going vessel. (Perhaps sinking in the background? With a guy floating to shore on a rum keg?)
More logos with the batteau
Try not to make it look 'commercial' (Yeah. I'm not sure what this means, either. Just do your best. Perhaps something a bit rougher around the edges, or old-timey looking? Be creative.)
Try a few options that include a reference or two to the state of Virginia, which is where Peter Rucker landed.
It should convey a sense of opportunity and freedom after a long voyage and possibly being shipwrecked.

The board is starting to come together around a 1690s sloop (single masted sailing vessel) as the key design element. Bermuda or trading sloops should work fine. Design variants may include the sloop sinking, rum barrels, and/or Virginia-related iconography. Please create versions with and without the Rucker Family Society text. Thank you!

Still looking for some versions focused on the sloop motif.