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M. RUTHERFORD. Every country, state and county furnishes its quota of what, the world calls self-made men men who, commencing in life without financial assistance, have by means of good judgment and energy succeeded in gaining success in their chosen vocation. The subject of this sketch undoubtedly belongs to this class, as he is one of the well-to-do farmers residing in McClellan Township, Jefferson County. Our subject was born in Knox County, Tenn., July 7, 1850, and is the seventh in order of birth of the parental family, his parents being Houston L. and Mary (Milterbarger) Rutherford, also natives of Tennessee. The parents emigrated to Illinois when our subject was only a few weeks old, and choosing a location in Shiloh Township, this county, there resided, engaged in farm pursuits, until their decease, Houston Rutherford dying in 1865, and his good wife departing this life March 8, 1871. John M., of this sketch, was a student in the log schoolhouse, with its primitive furnishings, for a short time, and his father being in limited circumstances, he was obliged to assist him in carrying on the home farm. When reaching his nineteenth year he began the struggle of life on his own account, and having obtained a thorough knowledge of agriculture, chose farming as his life work. He later purchased a tract of land in McClellan Township, which has since been his home and where he has been very prosperous. The lady who became the wife of our subject, December 9, 1869, was Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Adam and Eliza (Howe) Rightnower, natives of Tennessee, but late of Jefferson County, this state. To Mr. and Mrs. Rutherford has been born a family of two daughters and three sons. Francis, who married Emma Hamilton, makes his home in McClellan Township; Mary Florence, who is the wife of Fountaine A. Moreland, lives in Franklin Count}', this state: Adam, Melzelda and Houston are at home with their parents. Mr. Rutherford, together with his wife and eldest daughter, is a devoted member of the Christian Church, in which society he is an Elder. He is a member of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association, and in politics votes with the People's party. He has occupied many positions of importance in his community, and for four years was Justice of the Peace. He has also been Township Collector, Highway Commissioner, and is at present a member of the Board of Supervisors of Jefferson County, forming one of the financial committee on the Board.
Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois" |
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