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841.  Samuel RUTHERFORD was born on 15 March 1870 in Culloden, Monroe Co., GA. He died on 4 February 1932 in Washington, DC. Samuel Rutherford received his early education in the public schools of Culloden, Georgia and then attended Washington and Lee University. He was graduated from the University of Georgia at Athens in 1894 with al LL.B degree. He immediately began the practice of law in Forsyth, Georgia. He was three times elected mayor of Forsyth and served as county attorney two years.
He served as a member of the lower house of the state legislature in 1896-1897, and as a state senator from the 22nd district in 1909-1910. In 1921 he was again sent to the state legislature and served until 1924. He was then elected to represent the 6th congressional district in the United States Congress, and was re-elected until his death removed him from that office. He served in the 69th, 70th, and 71st Congresses. His legislative record was one of fairness, public-spirited service to his constituents, and distinguished accomplishments. A staunch Democrat in his political alignment, Samuel Rutherford consistently supported his party, its policies, and its principles.
The public services of Sam Rutherford extended into many branches of life in the United States. During World War I he served as food administrator for the 6th District of Georgia. In the Free and Accepted Masons he was also active, having been a member of the Blue Lodge. His church was the Baptist, which he regularly attended and in which he was a deacon. When the Democratic party obtained a majority in the 71st Congress his work increased at the expense of his health. One of his last activities was the conducting of hearings before the elections committee regarding the possibility of legislation to abolish the "Lame duck" sessions of Congress.
Mr. Rutherford brought numerous benefits to the groups with which he was associated, proving himself a civic-minded citizen of the highest order. In the periods when he was not engaged in the handling the affairs of the different public offices that he held, he was busy with the law, his first profession, or with different banking activities in which he became interested. He gave liberally at all times to charitable causes of worth, contributing particularly to the Negro race and to the social work carried on by his church. He was devoted, first of all, however, to home and family and those branches of life of a more inspirational nature that were always associated, in his mind, with domestic happiness. From the home inspiration radiated through all departments of his life.
A History of Georgia had this to say concerning Samuel Rutherford:
"His ability, energy and integrity were quickly recognized by his fellow citizens and success has crowned his efforts from the commencement of his professional career, he having been connected as counsel with most of the important litigation in the local courts for years. He is a keen and sagacious analyst, a sound and sage advisor, and in the trial of causes is worthy of any foeman's steel, while as a pleader he is forceful and convincing, logical and earnest. In addition to his professional interests, Mr. Rutherford is identified with commercial and financial affairs; owns and operates a large and well improved plantation; was vice-president of the First National Bank of Forsyth from 1902 to 1916; and was for a time a director of the Fourth National Bank of Macon, Georgia"
Samuel Rutherford died on 4 February 1932 of a heart attack while shaving at his apartment in Washington, D. C.
Samuel RUTHERFORD and Abigail Elizabeth PONDER were married on 14 December 1897 in Forsyth, Monroe Co., GA. Abigail Elizabeth PONDER was born on 22 September 1877 in Forsyth, Monroe Co., GA. She died on 3 March 1946 in Forsyth, Monroe Co., GA. Samuel RUTHERFORD and Abigail Elizabeth PONDER had the following children: |
