BIO: John Parke RUTHERFORD, Dauphin County, PA

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Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of Dauphin County, 
Containing Sketches of Representative Citizens, and Many of the 
Early Scotch-Irish and German Settlers.  Chambersburg, Pa.: 
J. M. Runk & Company, 1896, page 226.
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  RUTHERFORD, JOHN PARKE, son of William Rutherford and his wife Sarah 
Swan, was born February 14, 1802, in Swatara township, Dauphin county, 
Pa.; died May 12, 1871.  He was a farmer, and brought up in that 
pursuit.  He held many places of public trust in his life; was 
superintendent of the Wiconisco canal as early as 1837, an auditor of 
the county, a jury commissioner, and was vice-president and treasurer 
of the Pennsylvania State Agricultural Society.  He was a strong anti-
slavery advocate, as all his family were, and many a weary pilgrim in 
the days of the fugitive slave act, sore of foot and heart, found in 
Captain Rutherford hospitable assistance, material aid and manly 
encouragement.  He hated slavery because he considered it a moral sin 
and a political blight upon the free institutions of America.  During 
the late Rebellion he served as quartermaster in the United States 
army, ranking fourth on the list.  While stationed at Harper's Ferry he 
was captured in one of the raids on that stronghold, but released on 
parole.  He was then ordered to Camp Douglas, and subsequently to 
Charleston, S. C.  In the latter city, about the close of the war, he 
contracted a disease from the effects of which he never fully 
recovered.  Captain Rutherford married Eliza Rutherford, born October 
30, 1801; died January 30, 1860; daughter of Samuel Rutherford.