Rutherford Weekly

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OFFER EXPIRES: 3/31/14 Spring Things To Do Around Your Home Publishing February, March & April For More Details Or To Advertise Call 828-248-1408 By: M.A. Andrews • maandrews@rutherfordweekly.com It is most unfortunate that we have no photos or pictures Blanche, 1760; Margaret 1765; Alfred, 1767; Newton, 1770; or Griffith Rutherford and only have conflicting reports on the Elizabeth, 1772; John, 1774; Griffith Weakley, 1775; and circumstances which relate on when he came to America. Henry, 1782. Little is known about the man who would become a hero The orphan boy from Ireland was soon to become an to all of us. Some reports say he was born in Northern American hero. He was an officer in the American Revolutionary Ireland in 1721, others claim it was 1731. His grave marker War, a political leader in North Carolina and a major figure in at his final resting place uses 1721. It is said he was born the early history of the Southwest Territory and the state of in Ireland to John and Elizabeth Tennessee. Griffith Rutherford. The parents were In the Colonial Militia he served as of Scottish-Welsh descent. Either a Captain in 1760 and Colonel 1772. during or shortly after the trip to In the North Carolina Militia he served America, both of his parents died. as a Colonel, December 21, 1775 One source claims that he was left in and as a Brigadier General, April 22, the care of relatives in Pennsylvania, 1776. He was also involved in battles others state that it was relatives in and wars, specifically the French and Virginia. It is also mentioned that he Indian War, War of the Regulation, came through New Jersey as well as American Revolutionary War and the Pennsylvania and even lived in New Chickamauga War. Politically Griffith Castle, Delaware. After 1745 this Rutherford served in the North Carolina orphan boy is reported to have lived senate, ran for governor of North in Halifax County and Lunenburg Carolina, but lost, settled in Sumner County, Virginia. While a resident County, Tennessee and became of Lunenburg County he lived as a President of the Legislative Council of close neighbor to his cousin, James the Southwest Territory in 1794, which Rutherford and James' son, William. became the state of Tennessee. He It was at this time that passed away on August 10, 1805. documentation gives us the facts Interesting facts about Griffith on Griffith Rutherford. In 1751 his Rutherford. He was taken prisoner name appears on a deed transfer in 1780 after being wounded and of one acre for a cemetery. Also, at after ten months at Castillo de san this time Griffith became associated Marcos in St. Augustine, Florida he with William Weaklely of Lunenburg was exchanged for another prisoner County having witnessed his will in 1781. Following his release, he on September 23, 1752. Finally, returned to Salisbury and found his M Memorial for Griffith R th f d i i l f G iffith Rutherford in influenced by the good climate and home ransacked by British troops. Murfreesboro, Tennessee. relative peacefulness of the Catawba Shortly after a reunion with his family Indians, Griffith came to North Carolina. The laxity of North he took command of a North Carolina militia numbering 1,400 Carolina laws on religion in comparison to those of Virginia men. Rutherfordton, North Carolina, Rutherford County, North also made North Carolina attractive especially to the Scotch- Carolina and Rutherford County, Tennessee are all named Irish. During this period Griffith Rutherford was taught how after an orphan boy who loved his adopted country and to survey land. About 1753, Griffith moved to Rowan County, became one of its' heroes. North Carolina and bought a tract of land not far from Salisbury. Today, we only have his accomplishments and dedicated It was the first of several land purchases he made during that service to rely on, but can proudly claim that we live in a time. In 1754 he claimed 656 acres on Grant Creek and in the county named in his honor, Rutherford County. A man we have same year married the sister of one of his neighbors, Elizabeth no drawings or pictures of, but we do have a copy of his strong Graham. She bore him ten children: Jane, 1756; James, 1758; signature! Mountain Village Chalets & Cabins ~FOR RENT~ 1 to 5 Bedrooms All Have Hot Tubs & Fireplaces 950 Main St. Chimney Rock, NC 704-472-3100 704-482-4888 704-472-5219 NO CONTRACT TV + Internet + Phone with HD DVR & Roku ® (828) 382-0027 getnorthland.com Triple Play 99 $ 99 * per mo. for 1 yr *Limited time offer. Internet up to 6 Mbps. Cannot combine promotions. Offer valid for new customers and existing customers adding service. Exclusive of premium channels. 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