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| name =Griffith Rutherford
| name =Griffith Rutherford
| image =[[File:Griffith Rutherford marker.jpg|250px]]
| image =[[File:Griffith Rutherford marker.jpg|250px]]
| caption =Memorial for Griffith Rutherford in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
| caption =Memorial for Griffith Rutherford in [[Murfreesboro, Tennessee]]
| born = 1721
| born = 1721
| died = August 10, 1805 (aged 84)
| died = August 10, 1805 (aged 84)
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| placeofburial_coordinates = <!-- {{coord|LAT|LONG|display=inline,title}} -->
| nickname =
| nickname =
| allegiance ={{flagicon|United Kingdom|1606}} [[United Kingdom]]
| allegiance ={{flagicon|United Kingdom|1606}} [[Kingdom of Great Britain|Great Britain]]<br>
{{flag|United States|1777}}
{{flag|United States|1777}}
| branch =[[Continental Army]]
| branch =[[Continental Army]]
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*[[Brigadier General]] April 22, 1776
*[[Brigadier General]] April 22, 1776
| servicenumber =
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| unit =[[Continental Army]]
| unit =North Carolina militia<br>[[Continental Army]]
*[[North Carolina Line]]
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'''Griffith Rutherford''' (c. 1721&nbsp;– 10 August 1805) was an officer in the [[American Revolutionary War]], a political leader in [[North Carolina]], and an important figure in the early history of [[Tennessee]].
'''Griffith Rutherford''' (c. 1721&nbsp;– 10 August 1805) was an officer in the [[American Revolutionary War]], a political leader in [[North Carolina]], and an important figure in the early history of [[Tennessee]].


Originally from [[Ireland]], Rutherford immigrated to [[Philidelphia]] at the age of eighteen with his parents, both of whom died during the voyage. After working on a relative's farm for a period of time, he moved to [[Rowan County, North Carolina]] in 1753, were he married his wife Elizabeth Graham. An active member of his community, Rutherford served in multiple municipal occupations such as the local sheriff and tax collector. He was also a representative of Rowan County at the North Carolina General Assembly in 1766.
Originally from [[Ireland]], Rutherford immigrated to [[Philadelphia]] at the age of eighteen with his parents, both of whom died during the voyage. After working on a relative's farm for a period of time, he moved to [[Rowan County, North Carolina]] in 1753, were he married his wife Elizabeth Graham. An active member of his community, Rutherford served in multiple municipal occupations such as the local sheriff and tax collector. He was also a representative of Rowan County at the North Carolina General Assembly in 1766.


Rutherford not only held an interest in participating in his local community, but also in military service. He first experienced military life during the [[French and Indian War]] as a [[Captain]] of a local militia in 1760, and continued his militaristic service towards the [[British Empire]] until the start of the Revolution in 1775, in which he enlisted in the [[Continental Army]] as a [[Colonel]]. Following his appointment to [[Brigadier General]] of the "Salisbury District" by the [[North Carolina Provincial Congress#Fourth Provincial Congress|Fourth Provincial Congress]] of April and May 1776, Rutherford accumulated a force of 2,400 men and participated in [[Chickamauga Wars (1776–1794)#The .22Second Cherokee War.22|several conflicts]] with the [[Cherokee]] Indians in Western North and South Carolina and [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] until he returned that October. His career after this was mostly spent checking on local [[Loyalist (American Revolution)|Loyalist]] groups until June 1780, where he he was partially responsible for the Tory defeat in the [[Battle of Ramsour's Mill]]. Rutherford was also involved in the [[Battle of Camden]] on August 16, 1780, where he was wounded and taken prisoner by the British. He was later exchanged in 1781. He partook in several other campaigns after his release, including a second attack on the Cherokee.
Rutherford not only held an interest in participating in his local community, but also in military service. He first experienced military life during the [[French and Indian War]] as a [[Captain]] of a local militia in 1760, and continued his militaristic service towards the [[British Empire]] until the start of the revolution in 1775, in which he enlisted in the [[Continental Army]] as a [[Colonel]]. Following his appointment to [[Brigadier General]] of the "Salisbury District" by the [[North Carolina Provincial Congress#Fourth Provincial Congress|Fourth Provincial Congress]] of April and May 1776, Rutherford accumulated a force of 2,400 men and participated in [[Chickamauga Wars (1776–1794)#The .22Second Cherokee War.22|several conflicts]] with the [[Cherokee]] Indians in Western North and South Carolina and [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] until he returned that October. His career after this was mostly spent checking on local [[Loyalist (American Revolution)|Loyalist]] groups until June 1780, where he he was partially responsible for the Loyalist defeat in the [[Battle of Ramsour's Mill]]. Rutherford was also involved in the [[Battle of Camden]] on August 16, 1780, where he was wounded and taken prisoner by the British. He was later exchanged in 1781. He partook in several other campaigns after his release, including a second attack on the Cherokee.


Following the War, Rutherford continued to serve as a senator in North Carolina's state senate, which he had undertook in 1779, until 1786. By the end of his term he had unsuccessfully run for governor in 1783 and had become an advocate of the [[Antifederalist]] movement. He moved to [[Sumner County, Tennessee]] in 1792 and was appointed President of the Legislative Council of Tennesee in 1794. He died in Sumner County on August 15, 1805 at the age of 84.
Following the War, Rutherford continued to serve as a senator in North Carolina's state senate, which he had undertaken in 1779, until 1786. By the end of his term he had unsuccessfully run for governor in 1783 and had become an advocate of the [[Antifederalist]] movement. He moved to [[Sumner County, Tennessee]] in 1792 and was appointed President of the Legislative Council of Tennesee in 1794. He died in Sumner County on August 15, 1805 at the age of 84.


==Early life==
==Early life==


Griffith Rutherford was born approximately in 1721 in [[Ireland]] to John Rutherford, who was of [[Ulster Scots people|Scots Irish]] decent, and "Miss. Griffith", who was of [[Welsh people|Welsh]] decent.<ref name="Cisco p. 1">Cisco p. 1</ref> Little is known about his early life until he immigrated to [[Philidelphia]] at the age of eighteen.<ref name="Wakelyn p. 176">Wakelyn p. 176</ref> His parents died on the voyage from Ireland, and for a period of time he worked on his relative's farm.<ref name="Wakelyn p. 176">Wakelyn p. 176</ref> Around 1753 he moved to [[Rowan County, North Carolina]], bought two tracts of land about seven miles from the town of [[Salisbury, North Carolina|Salisbury]], and married his neighbor's sister Elizabeth Graham.<ref name="Cisco p. 1">Cisco p. 1</ref> Their son James Rutherford later became a [[Major]] during the Revolutionary War and died during the [[Battle of Eutaw Springs]].<ref name="Cisco p. 1">Cisco p. 1</ref> Rutherford began his long career as a soldier in 1760 during the [[French and Indian War]], in which he was a [[Captain]] of a local militia.<ref name="Wakelyn p. 176">Wakelyn p. 176</ref> Afterwards, Rutherford became increasingly active in his community. He is listed as being a member of the North Carolina General Assembly in 1766, a sheriff and a justice of Rowan County from 1767 to 1769, and a tax collector.<ref>Clark p. 575</ref><ref name="Cisco p. 1">Cisco p. 1</ref> During the [[War of the Regulation]] in 1769 to 1771, Rutherford supported the Regulators and refused to fight them at the [[Battle of Alamance]] on May 16, 1771.<ref name="Wakelyn p. 176">Wakelyn p. 176</ref> Following that conflict, Rutherford was promoted to [[Colonel]] of the Rowan County militia.<ref name="Wakelyn p. 176">Wakelyn p. 176</ref>
Griffith Rutherford was born approximately in 1721 in [[Ireland]] to John Rutherford, who was of [[Ulster Scots people|Scots Irish]] decent, and "Miss. Griffith", who was of [[Welsh people|Welsh]] decent.<ref name="Cisco p. 1">Cisco p. 1</ref> Little is known about his early life until he immigrated to [[Philadelphia]] at the age of eighteen.<ref name="Wakelyn p. 176">Wakelyn p. 176</ref> His parents died on the voyage from Ireland, and for a period of time he worked on a relative's farm.<ref name="Wakelyn p. 176">Wakelyn p. 176</ref> Around 1753 he moved to [[Rowan County, North Carolina]], bought two tracts of land about seven miles (11 km) from the town of [[Salisbury, North Carolina|Salisbury]], and married his neighbor's sister Elizabeth Graham.<ref name="Cisco p. 1">Cisco p. 1</ref> Their son James Rutherford later became a [[Major]] during the Revolutionary War and died during the [[Battle of Eutaw Springs]].<ref name="Cisco p. 1">Cisco p. 1</ref> Rutherford began his long career as a soldier in 1760 during the [[French and Indian War]], in which he was a [[Captain]] of a local militia.<ref name="Wakelyn p. 176">Wakelyn p. 176</ref> Afterwards, Rutherford became increasingly active in his community. He is listed as being a member of the North Carolina General Assembly in 1766, a sheriff and a justice of Rowan County from 1767 to 1769, and a tax collector.<ref>Clark p. 575</ref><ref name="Cisco p. 1">Cisco p. 1</ref> During the [[War of the Regulation]] between 1769 and 1771, Rutherford supported the Regulators and refused to fight them at the [[Battle of Alamance]] on May 16, 1771.<ref name="Wakelyn p. 176">Wakelyn p. 176</ref> Following that conflict, Rutherford was promoted to [[Colonel]] of the Rowan County militia.<ref name="Wakelyn p. 176">Wakelyn p. 176</ref>


==Revolutionary War==
==Revolutionary War==


Rutherford entered the War in 1775 under the title of Colonel, which he had earned three years earlier. Throughout that year his regiment helped to disarm and disperse Loyalist groups in the South Carolina back country.<ref name="Piecuch p. 15">Piecuch p. 15</ref> Rutherford represented Rowan County at the [[North Carolina Provincial Congress#Fourth Provincial Congress|Fourth Provincial Congress]] in [[Halifax, North Carolina|Halifax]], which lasted from April 4 to May 14, 1776. During the conference, he helped develop and write North Carolina's constitution and was promoted to [[Brigadier General]] of the "Salisbury District".<ref name="Wakelyn p. 176">Wakelyn p. 176</ref><ref name="Hunter p. 176">Hunter p. 176</ref> In the summer months following the conference, he raised an army of two thousand four hundred men to campaign against local [[Cherokee]] Indians who had sided with the British.<ref name="Hunter p. 176">Hunter p. 176</ref>
Rutherford entered the war in 1775 under the title of Colonel, which he had earned three years earlier. Throughout that year his regiment helped to disarm and disperse [[Loyalist (American Revolution)|Loyalist]] groups in the [[South Carolina]] back country.<ref name="Piecuch p. 15">Piecuch p. 15</ref> Rutherford represented Rowan County at the [[North Carolina Provincial Congress#Fourth Provincial Congress|Fourth Provincial Congress]] in [[Halifax, North Carolina|Halifax]], which lasted from April 4 to May 14, 1776. During the conference, he helped develop and write North Carolina's constitution and was promoted to [[Brigadier General]] of the "Salisbury District".<ref name="Wakelyn p. 176">Wakelyn p. 176</ref><ref name="Hunter p. 176">Hunter p. 176</ref> In the summer months following the conference, he raised an army of 2,400 men to campaign against local [[Cherokee]] Indians who had sided with the British.<ref name="Hunter p. 176">Hunter p. 176</ref>


===Campaign against the Cherokee===
===Campaign against the Cherokee===
{{main|Chickamauga Wars (1776–1794)}}
{{main|Chickamauga Wars (1776–1794)}}
Rutherford's regiment rendezvoused at Fort McGahey with the Guilford and Surry regiments under Colonels James Martin and Martin Armstrong on July 23.<ref name="Hunter p. 176">Hunter p. 176</ref> From there, the three groups traveled through the [[Blue Ridge Mountains]] at the Swannanoa Gap, passed up the valley of Hominy Creek, and crossed the [[Pigeon River (Tennessee – North Carolina)|Pigeon River]]. They then passed through Richland Creek, near the present day town of [[Waynesville, North Carolina]], and crossed the [[Tuckasegee River]] near an Indian settlement. They moved further onwards towards the [[Cowee Gap]], where they had a small engagement with a band of Cherokee, in which only one of Rutherford's men was wounded. After that conflict, they marched to the so-called "Middle Towns" on the [[Tennessee River]], where he met [[Andrew Williamson (soldier)|General Andrew Williamson]] of [[South Carolina]] on September 14.<ref name="Hunter p. 177">Hunter p. 177</ref> Williamson was on a similar mission and readily joined forces with the original three regiments.<ref name="Hunter p. 177">Hunter p. 177</ref>
Rutherford's regiment rendezvoused at Fort McGahey with the Guilford and Surry regiments under Colonels James Martin and Martin Armstrong on July 23.<ref name="Hunter p. 176">Hunter p. 176</ref> From there, the three groups traveled through the [[Blue Ridge Mountains]] at the Swannanoa Gap, passed up the valley of Hominy Creek, and crossed the [[Pigeon River (Tennessee – North Carolina)|Pigeon River]]. They then passed through Richland Creek, near the present day town of [[Waynesville, North Carolina]], and crossed the [[Tuckasegee River]] near an Indian settlement. They moved further onwards towards the [[Cowee Gap]], where they had a small engagement with a band of Cherokee, in which only one of Rutherford's men was wounded. After that conflict, they marched to the so-called "Middle Towns" on the [[Tennessee River]], where he met [[Andrew Williamson (soldier)|General Andrew Williamson]] of South Carolina on September 14.<ref name="Hunter p. 177">Hunter p. 177</ref> Williamson was on a similar mission and readily joined forces with the original three regiments.<ref name="Hunter p. 177">Hunter p. 177</ref>


The now four regiments skirmished with hostile Indians at Valley Town, [[Ellijay, Georgia|Ellijay]], and near [[State of Franklin|Franklin]] (present day [[East Tennessee#Pioneer period|Northeast Tennessee]]). Eventually, the Indian tribes were subdued at the cost of 3 fatalities to Rutherford's regiment.<ref name="Hunter p. 177">Hunter p. 177</ref> Casualties to the Indians, however, were severe. By the end of the conflict the four regiments had destroyed thirty six Indian towns, decimated acres of corn farms, and chased off most of the Indian's cattle.<ref name="Wheeler p. 384">Wheeler p. 384</ref> Afterwards, Rutherford returned home by the same route.<ref name="Hunter p. 177">Hunter p. 177</ref> He arrived back in Salisbury in October, where he disbanded his troops.<ref name="Hunter p. 177">Hunter p. 177</ref>
The now four regiments skirmished with hostile Indians at Valley Town, [[Ellijay, Georgia|Ellijay]], and near [[State of Franklin|Franklin]] (present day [[East Tennessee#Pioneer period|Northeast Tennessee]]). Eventually, the Indian tribes were subdued at the cost of three fatalities to Rutherford's regiment.<ref name="Hunter p. 177">Hunter p. 177</ref> Casualties to the Indians, however, were severe. By the end of the conflict the four regiments had destroyed 36 Indian towns, decimated acres of corn farms, and chased off most of the Indian's cattle.<ref name="Wheeler p. 384">Wheeler p. 384</ref> Afterwards, Rutherford returned home by the same route.<ref name="Hunter p. 177">Hunter p. 177</ref> He arrived back in Salisbury in October, where he disbanded his troops.<ref name="Hunter p. 177">Hunter p. 177</ref>


===Battle of Ramsour's Mill===
===Battle of Ramsour's Mill===
{{main|Battle of Ramsour's Mill}}
{{main|Battle of Ramsour's Mill}}


In early June 1780, General Rutherford was encamped within the vicinity of [[Charlotte, North Carolina]] with over five hundred North Carolina militia.<ref name="Lossing p. 597">Lossing p. 597</ref> He received information that Loyalists were embodying in arms at Ramsour's Mill near the [[Catawba River]] and issued orders for local officers to disperse the group before they evolved into a greater threat. After collecting troops from [[Mecklenburg County, North Carolina|Mecklenburg County]] and [[Rowan County, North Carolina|Rowan County]], Rutherford moved his men to the Catawba and crossed it at Tuckesege Ford on June 19.<ref name="Lossing p. 597">Lossing p. 597</ref> He sent word to Colonel Francis Locke of Rowan County to rendezvous with him around sixteen miles from Ramsour's Mill at the Forks of the Catawba. Locke accumulated a force of 400 men and encamped at Mountain Creek, which was thirty five miles away from Rutherford's position, though still approximately the same distance from Ramsour's Mill as Rutherford was.<ref name="Lossing p. 597">Lossing p. 597</ref> It was decided by Locke and his officers that a junction with Rutherford was unrealistic given the distance between the two regiments and the limited amount of time before the Loyalist group grew too large. It was resolved that Locke's forces would attack the Loyalist's position immediately and Colonel Johnson, one of Locke's subordinates, would inform Rutherford of the situation.<ref name="Lossing p. 597">Lossing p. 597</ref> Johnson informed Rutherford of the change of plans by 10 o'clock.<ref name="Lossing p. 597">Lossing p. 597</ref>
In early June 1780, General Rutherford was encamped within the vicinity of [[Charlotte, North Carolina]] with over 500 North Carolina militia.<ref name="Lossing p. 597">Lossing p. 597</ref> He received information that Loyalists were gathering in arms at Ramsour's Mill near the [[Catawba River]] and issued orders for local officers to disperse the group before they evolved into a greater threat. After collecting troops from [[Mecklenburg County, North Carolina|Mecklenburg County]] and [[Rowan County, North Carolina|Rowan County]], Rutherford moved his men to the Catawba and crossed it at Tuckesege Ford on June 19.<ref name="Lossing p. 597">Lossing p. 597</ref> He sent word to Colonel Francis Locke of Rowan County to rendezvous with him around sixteen miles from Ramsour's Mill at the Forks of the Catawba. Locke accumulated a force of 400 men and encamped at Mountain Creek, which was {{convert|35|mi|km}} away from Rutherford's position, though still approximately the same distance from Ramsour's Mill as Rutherford was.<ref name="Lossing p. 597">Lossing p. 597</ref> It was decided by Locke and his officers that a junction with Rutherford was unrealistic given the distance between the two regiments and the limited amount of time before the Loyalist group grew too large. It was resolved that Locke's forces would attack the Loyalist's position immediately and Colonel Johnson, one of Locke's subordinates, would inform Rutherford of the situation.<ref name="Lossing p. 597">Lossing p. 597</ref> Johnson informed Rutherford of the change of plans by 10 o'clock.<ref name="Lossing p. 597">Lossing p. 597</ref>


Locke's forces left their encampment late in the evening of June 19 and arrived at the enemy's position by the morning of June 20. The Patriots took the Tories by surprise.<ref name="Lossing p. 597">Lossing p. 597</ref> While at first bewildered and confused, the Loyalists retaliated by firing at Locke's calvary, who were forced to fall back. The Patriots eventually forced the Loyalists to retreat to their camp, though it was discovered that the enemy was regrouping on the other side of the mill stream. At this point, messages were sent to Rutherford, who was within six miles of Ramsour's, to move forward since an immediate attack from the Loyalists was expected.<ref name="Lossing p. 597">Lossing p. 597</ref> Rutherford met Locke within two miles of Ramsour's, where he was informed that the Loyalists were in full retreat.<ref name="Lossing p. 597">Lossing p. 597</ref>
Locke's forces left their encampment late in the evening of June 19 and arrived at the enemy's position by the morning of June 20. The Patriots took the Loyalist by surprise.<ref name="Lossing p. 597">Lossing p. 597</ref> While at first bewildered and confused, the Loyalists retaliated by firing at Locke's calvary, who were forced to fall back. The Patriots eventually forced the Loyalists to retreat to their camp, though it was discovered that the enemy was regrouping on the other side of the mill stream. At this point, messages were sent to Rutherford, who was within six miles (9.6 km) of Ramsour's, to move forward since an immediate attack from the Loyalists was expected.<ref name="Lossing p. 597">Lossing p. 597</ref> Rutherford met Locke within two miles of Ramsour's, where he was informed that the Loyalists were in full retreat.<ref name="Lossing p. 597">Lossing p. 597</ref>


===Battle of Camden===
===Battle of Camden===
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[[File:Battle of Camden.Dean.USMA.edu.history.gif|thumb|right|250px|Battle of Camden. Rutherford and other North Carolina militia were positioned in the center of the American formation.]]
[[File:Battle of Camden.Dean.USMA.edu.history.gif|thumb|right|250px|Battle of Camden. Rutherford and other North Carolina militia were positioned in the center of the American formation.]]


After the [[Siege of Savannah]] and [[Siege of Charleston|Charleston]] and the [[Battle of Waxhaws]], most of the [[Continental Army]] had either left the South or were reduced to a number of [[partisan]] companies led by local leaders. In response to the loss of a Patriotic presence, [[United States Congress|Congress]] sent [[Horatio Gates]], who had distinguished himself at [[Saratoga campaign|Saratoga]], to reform the Continental Army in [[Charlotte, North Carolina]].<ref>Harrison pp. 107–108</ref> Against the advice of his officers and without knowing the capabilities of his troops-some of which were untested in battle-Gates marched towards [[South Carolina]] on July 27 with a force of over 4,000 men. He aimed at capturing the crossroads town of [[Camden, North Carolina]], which would have provided the Continental Army with a strategic control point for the South Carolina back country. [[Lord Rawdon]], who was stationed there with 1,000 men, alerted [[Lord Cornwallis]] of Gates's movements on August 9. Cornwallis arrived there by August 13 with reinforcements, increasing the British presence there to over 2,000 men.<ref>Murray p. 50</ref>
After the sieges of [[Siege of Savannah|Savannah]] and [[Siege of Charleston|Charleston]] and the [[Battle of Waxhaws]] in 1779 and 1780, the [[Continental Army]] had been driven from the South, and the state defenses were reduced to a number of [[partisan]] militia companies led by local leaders. In response to the loss of a Continental Army presence, [[United States Congress|Congress]] sent [[Horatio Gates]], who had distinguished himself at [[Saratoga campaign|Saratoga]], to reform the Continental Army in [[Charlotte, North Carolina]].<ref>Harrison pp. 107–108</ref> Against the advice of his officers and without knowing the capabilities of his troops—some of which were untested in battle—Gates marched toward South Carolina on July 27 with a force of over 4,000 men. He aimed at capturing the crossroads town of [[Camden, North Carolina]], which would have provided the Continental Army with a strategic control point for the South Carolina back country. [[Lord Rawdon]], who was stationed there with 1,000 men, alerted [[Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis|Lord Cornwallis]] of Gates's movements on August 9. Cornwallis arrived at Camden by August 13 with reinforcements, increasing the British presence there to over 2,000 men.<ref>Murray p. 50</ref>


The battle ensued at dawn on August 16, 1780. Rutherford was positioned in the center of the Continental formation with other North Carolina militia. During the battle, he was wounded and taken prisoner like many of his comrades who participated in the battle. He was later exchanged for another prisoner in 1781.<ref name="Hunter p. 178">Hunter p. 178</ref>
The battle ensued at dawn on August 16, 1780. Rutherford was positioned in the center of the Continental formation with other North Carolina militia. During the battle, he was wounded and taken prisoner like many of his comrades who participated in the battle. He was later exchanged for another prisoner in 1781.<ref name="Hunter p. 178">Hunter p. 178</ref>
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==Later life==
==Later life==


Rutherford had been appointed to North Carolina's senate in 1779 and continued to serve in this position until 1786. He was an advocate in the opposition of the restoration of Loyalist lands and supported and assisted in their confiscation while serving the Council of State.
Rutherford had been appointed to North Carolina's senate in 1779 and continued to serve in this position until 1786. He was opposed to the restoration of Loyalist lands and supported and assisted in their confiscation while serving on the Council of State.
Rutherford ran unsuccessfully for governor in 1783, which has been speculated to be due to his radicalism, which may have been unpopular in the more conservative eastern portion of the state.<ref name="Wakelyn p. 176">Wakelyn p. 176</ref> He was an ardent [[Antifederalist]] during the national debate of the recently created [[Constitution of the United States|Constitution]]. At the Constitutional Convention at [[Hillsborough, North Carolina]] in 1788, he claimed to represent the western farmer interest in a weaker central government.<ref name="Wakelyn p. 176">Wakelyn p. 176</ref>
Rutherford ran unsuccessfully for governor in 1783. His failure to win the election has been speculated{{by whom}} to be due to his radicalism, which may have been unpopular in the more conservative eastern portion of the state.<ref name="Wakelyn p. 176">Wakelyn p. 176</ref> He was an ardent [[Antifederalist]] during the national debate of the recently created [[Constitution of the United States|Constitution]]. At the Constitutional Convention at [[Hillsborough, North Carolina]] in 1788, he claimed to represent the western farmer interest in{{clarify|reason=in support of? opposition to?}} a weaker central government.<ref name="Wakelyn p. 176">Wakelyn p. 176</ref>


Rutherford joined the wave of migration to [[Sumner County, Tennessee]] in 1792. 2 years later in 1794, he was appointed President of the Legislative council of Tennessee. <ref name="Hunter p. 178">Hunter p. 178</ref> Rutherford died in Sumner County on August 10, 1805. [[Rutherfordton, North Carolina|Rutherfordton]], [[Rutherford County, North Carolina]], and [[Rutherford County, Tennessee]] have been named after him.<ref name="Wheeler p. 384">Wheeler p. 384</ref>
Rutherford joined a wave of migration to [[Sumner County, Tennessee]] in 1792. Two years later in 1794, he was appointed President of the Legislative council of Tennessee.<ref name="Hunter p. 178">Hunter p. 178</ref> Rutherford died in Sumner County on August 10, 1805. [[Rutherfordton, North Carolina|Rutherfordton]], [[Rutherford County, North Carolina]], and [[Rutherford County, Tennessee]] have been named after him.<ref name="Wheeler p. 384">Wheeler p. 384</ref>


==Footnotes==
==Footnotes==
⚫
{{reflist|2}}

⚫
{{reflist}}


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 17:40, 25 August 2010

Griffith Rutherford
Memorial for Griffith Rutherford in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
AllegianceUnited Kingdom Great Britain
 United States
Service / branchContinental Army
Years of serviceColonial Militia 1760–1775

Continental Army

1775–1783
RankColonial Militia

Continental Army

UnitNorth Carolina militia
Continental Army
Battles / warsFrench and Indian War

War of the Regulation

American Revolutionary War

Chickamauga Wars

RelationsMarried to Elizabeth Graham
Other workServed in the North Carolina senate, settled in Sumner County, Tennessee, became President of the Legislative Council of Tennessee

Griffith Rutherford (c. 1721 – 10 August 1805) was an officer in the American Revolutionary War, a political leader in North Carolina, and an important figure in the early history of Tennessee.

Originally from Ireland, Rutherford immigrated to Philadelphia at the age of eighteen with his parents, both of whom died during the voyage. After working on a relative's farm for a period of time, he moved to Rowan County, North Carolina in 1753, were he married his wife Elizabeth Graham. An active member of his community, Rutherford served in multiple municipal occupations such as the local sheriff and tax collector. He was also a representative of Rowan County at the North Carolina General Assembly in 1766.

Rutherford not only held an interest in participating in his local community, but also in military service. He first experienced military life during the French and Indian War as a Captain of a local militia in 1760, and continued his militaristic service towards the British Empire until the start of the revolution in 1775, in which he enlisted in the Continental Army as a Colonel. Following his appointment to Brigadier General of the "Salisbury District" by the Fourth Provincial Congress of April and May 1776, Rutherford accumulated a force of 2,400 men and participated in several conflicts with the Cherokee Indians in Western North and South Carolina and Georgia until he returned that October. His career after this was mostly spent checking on local Loyalist groups until June 1780, where he he was partially responsible for the Loyalist defeat in the Battle of Ramsour's Mill. Rutherford was also involved in the Battle of Camden on August 16, 1780, where he was wounded and taken prisoner by the British. He was later exchanged in 1781. He partook in several other campaigns after his release, including a second attack on the Cherokee.

Following the War, Rutherford continued to serve as a senator in North Carolina's state senate, which he had undertaken in 1779, until 1786. By the end of his term he had unsuccessfully run for governor in 1783 and had become an advocate of the Antifederalist movement. He moved to Sumner County, Tennessee in 1792 and was appointed President of the Legislative Council of Tennesee in 1794. He died in Sumner County on August 15, 1805 at the age of 84.

Early life

Griffith Rutherford was born approximately in 1721 in Ireland to John Rutherford, who was of Scots Irish decent, and "Miss. Griffith", who was of Welsh decent.[1] Little is known about his early life until he immigrated to Philadelphia at the age of eighteen.[2] His parents died on the voyage from Ireland, and for a period of time he worked on a relative's farm.[2] Around 1753 he moved to Rowan County, North Carolina, bought two tracts of land about seven miles (11 km) from the town of Salisbury, and married his neighbor's sister Elizabeth Graham.[1] Their son James Rutherford later became a Major during the Revolutionary War and died during the Battle of Eutaw Springs.[1] Rutherford began his long career as a soldier in 1760 during the French and Indian War, in which he was a Captain of a local militia.[2] Afterwards, Rutherford became increasingly active in his community. He is listed as being a member of the North Carolina General Assembly in 1766, a sheriff and a justice of Rowan County from 1767 to 1769, and a tax collector.[3][1] During the War of the Regulation between 1769 and 1771, Rutherford supported the Regulators and refused to fight them at the Battle of Alamance on May 16, 1771.[2] Following that conflict, Rutherford was promoted to Colonel of the Rowan County militia.[2]

Revolutionary War

Rutherford entered the war in 1775 under the title of Colonel, which he had earned three years earlier. Throughout that year his regiment helped to disarm and disperse Loyalist groups in the South Carolina back country.[4] Rutherford represented Rowan County at the Fourth Provincial Congress in Halifax, which lasted from April 4 to May 14, 1776. During the conference, he helped develop and write North Carolina's constitution and was promoted to Brigadier General of the "Salisbury District".[2][5] In the summer months following the conference, he raised an army of 2,400 men to campaign against local Cherokee Indians who had sided with the British.[5]

Campaign against the Cherokee

Main article: Chickamauga Wars (1776–1794)

Rutherford's regiment rendezvoused at Fort McGahey with the Guilford and Surry regiments under Colonels James Martin and Martin Armstrong on July 23.[5] From there, the three groups traveled through the Blue Ridge Mountains at the Swannanoa Gap, passed up the valley of Hominy Creek, and crossed the Pigeon River. They then passed through Richland Creek, near the present day town of Waynesville, North Carolina, and crossed the Tuckasegee River near an Indian settlement. They moved further onwards towards the Cowee Gap, where they had a small engagement with a band of Cherokee, in which only one of Rutherford's men was wounded. After that conflict, they marched to the so-called "Middle Towns" on the Tennessee River, where he met General Andrew Williamson of South Carolina on September 14.[6] Williamson was on a similar mission and readily joined forces with the original three regiments.[6]

The now four regiments skirmished with hostile Indians at Valley Town, Ellijay, and near Franklin (present day Northeast Tennessee). Eventually, the Indian tribes were subdued at the cost of three fatalities to Rutherford's regiment.[6] Casualties to the Indians, however, were severe. By the end of the conflict the four regiments had destroyed 36 Indian towns, decimated acres of corn farms, and chased off most of the Indian's cattle.[7] Afterwards, Rutherford returned home by the same route.[6] He arrived back in Salisbury in October, where he disbanded his troops.[6]

Battle of Ramsour's Mill

Main article: Battle of Ramsour's Mill

In early June 1780, General Rutherford was encamped within the vicinity of Charlotte, North Carolina with over 500 North Carolina militia.[8] He received information that Loyalists were gathering in arms at Ramsour's Mill near the Catawba River and issued orders for local officers to disperse the group before they evolved into a greater threat. After collecting troops from Mecklenburg County and Rowan County, Rutherford moved his men to the Catawba and crossed it at Tuckesege Ford on June 19.[8] He sent word to Colonel Francis Locke of Rowan County to rendezvous with him around sixteen miles from Ramsour's Mill at the Forks of the Catawba. Locke accumulated a force of 400 men and encamped at Mountain Creek, which was 35 miles (56 km) away from Rutherford's position, though still approximately the same distance from Ramsour's Mill as Rutherford was.[8] It was decided by Locke and his officers that a junction with Rutherford was unrealistic given the distance between the two regiments and the limited amount of time before the Loyalist group grew too large. It was resolved that Locke's forces would attack the Loyalist's position immediately and Colonel Johnson, one of Locke's subordinates, would inform Rutherford of the situation.[8] Johnson informed Rutherford of the change of plans by 10 o'clock.[8]

Locke's forces left their encampment late in the evening of June 19 and arrived at the enemy's position by the morning of June 20. The Patriots took the Loyalist by surprise.[8] While at first bewildered and confused, the Loyalists retaliated by firing at Locke's calvary, who were forced to fall back. The Patriots eventually forced the Loyalists to retreat to their camp, though it was discovered that the enemy was regrouping on the other side of the mill stream. At this point, messages were sent to Rutherford, who was within six miles (9.6 km) of Ramsour's, to move forward since an immediate attack from the Loyalists was expected.[8] Rutherford met Locke within two miles of Ramsour's, where he was informed that the Loyalists were in full retreat.[8]

Battle of Camden

Main article: Battle of Camden
Battle of Camden. Rutherford and other North Carolina militia were positioned in the center of the American formation.

After the sieges of Savannah and Charleston and the Battle of Waxhaws in 1779 and 1780, the Continental Army had been driven from the South, and the state defenses were reduced to a number of partisan militia companies led by local leaders. In response to the loss of a Continental Army presence, Congress sent Horatio Gates, who had distinguished himself at Saratoga, to reform the Continental Army in Charlotte, North Carolina.[9] Against the advice of his officers and without knowing the capabilities of his troops—some of which were untested in battle—Gates marched toward South Carolina on July 27 with a force of over 4,000 men. He aimed at capturing the crossroads town of Camden, North Carolina, which would have provided the Continental Army with a strategic control point for the South Carolina back country. Lord Rawdon, who was stationed there with 1,000 men, alerted Lord Cornwallis of Gates's movements on August 9. Cornwallis arrived at Camden by August 13 with reinforcements, increasing the British presence there to over 2,000 men.[10]

The battle ensued at dawn on August 16, 1780. Rutherford was positioned in the center of the Continental formation with other North Carolina militia. During the battle, he was wounded and taken prisoner like many of his comrades who participated in the battle. He was later exchanged for another prisoner in 1781.[11]

After his release, Rutherford took command of a North Carolina militia and marched towards British occupied Wilmington, North Carolina, which was evacuated on his approach.[6] He participated in several other conflicts and skirmishes with Loyalists, such as at Raft Swamp in 1781. He again fought the Cherokee in the west near the end of the war in 1782.[2]

Later life

Rutherford had been appointed to North Carolina's senate in 1779 and continued to serve in this position until 1786. He was opposed to the restoration of Loyalist lands and supported and assisted in their confiscation while serving on the Council of State. Rutherford ran unsuccessfully for governor in 1783. His failure to win the election has been speculated[by whom?] to be due to his radicalism, which may have been unpopular in the more conservative eastern portion of the state.[2] He was an ardent Antifederalist during the national debate of the recently created Constitution. At the Constitutional Convention at Hillsborough, North Carolina in 1788, he claimed to represent the western farmer interest in[clarification needed] a weaker central government.[2]

Rutherford joined a wave of migration to Sumner County, Tennessee in 1792. Two years later in 1794, he was appointed President of the Legislative council of Tennessee.[11] Rutherford died in Sumner County on August 10, 1805. Rutherfordton, Rutherford County, North Carolina, and Rutherford County, Tennessee have been named after him.[7]

Footnotes

  1. ^ a b c d Cisco p. 1
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Wakelyn p. 176
  3. ^ Clark p. 575
  4. ^ Piecuch p. 15
  5. ^ a b c Hunter p. 176
  6. ^ a b c d e f Hunter p. 177
  7. ^ a b Wheeler p. 384
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h Lossing p. 597
  9. ^ Harrison pp. 107–108
  10. ^ Murray p. 50
  11. ^ a b Hunter p. 178

References

  • Cisco, John (1909). General Griffith Rutherford. Tennessee: Historic Sumner County.
  • Clark, Walter (1906). The State Records of North Carolina, Volume 25. Nash Brothers printing co.
  • Lossing, Benson John (1852). The Pictorial Field-Book of the Revolution. Harper & Bros.
  • Harrison, Henry William (1858). Battlefields and Naval Exploits of the United States: from Lexington to the City of Mexico. H. C. Peck & T. Bliss.
  • Hunter, C. L. (1877). Sketches of western North Carolina: Historical and Biographical. Raleigh: Raleigh News Steam Job Print.
  • Murray, J. (1858). History of England: from the Peace of Utrecht to the Peace of Versailles, 1713–1783, Volume 7. Tennessee.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  • Wakelyn, John L. (2004). Birth of the Bill of Rights: Major Writings. Greenwood Publishing Group. ISBN 0313331952, 9780313331954. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help)
  • Wheeler, John Hill (1851). Historical Sketches of North Carolina: from 1584 to 1851. Lippincott, Grambo and Co.

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