Page:Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography volume 4.djvu/682

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VIRGINIA BIOGRAPHY

Xew York, lie is affiliated with the Church of the Incarnation (Protestant Episcopal), of Xew York. \\'hile he takes an intelligent interest in the progress of his native land, he is independent of jjarty organizations in political action. He married, December 2"], 1894, Olia da Siva, l)orn i8(")v in Xew York City.

Thomas Meidrum Rutherfoord. The late Thomas Meidrum Rutherfoord, who was public-spirited to the highest degree, ever forward in encouraging enterprises that had for their object the advancement of the in- terests of the city of Richmond, who to a natural dignity of manner added a geniality that won him hosts of friends and made him welcome everywdiere, was the grandson o' Thomas Rutherfoord, and a son of Samuel Rutherfoord, both men of sterling character- istics, large property holders and men who had great influence in the early growth of Richmond.

i'homas M. Rutherfoord was educated at the \irginia ^^lilitary Institute, and at the early age of fourteen, while a cadet at that institution, took part in the memorable battle of Xew Market, conducting himself with great credit. Later he enlisted with Company G, Third Regiment, rendering faithful service in all engagements, and near the close of the war he was attached to the stall of General Gordon as a courier. He was for many years a member of the R. A. Patterson Tobacco Company, one of the leading business houses of that section, noted for their thorough and progressive methods of conducting their afifairs, and he was also a member of the board of directors of the First Xational Rank, his services in that capacity being of inestimable value. Two years prior to his death he retired from active business pursuits, the remainder of his life being spent in the enjoyment of a well-earned rest. He was the first president of the Hermitage Golf Club, was once presi- dent of the Westmoreland Club, and was a member of the Country Club of Virginia. He was an active member of St. Paul's Church from early youth, acting in the capa- city of vestryman for a number of years. He, with the assistance of several other young people, established a mission Sunday school, which later developed into St. An- drew's Church, of which he w^as one of the founders.

He married, April 16, 1871, Laura Thomas, daughter of James Thomas Jr., who was one of the prominent citizens of Richmond, and they were the parents of three children : James, a resident of Rock Castle. Goochland county, Virginia, on the Ben Lomond farm ; Laura, who became the wife of George Alayo. of Richmond ; Gwen- dolyn, who resides in Richmond.

Mr. Rutherfoord was the only son in a family of eight children, his sisters being as follows : Mrs. Charles Rose, deceased ; Sarah Rutherfoord ; Jane Rutherfoord ; Airs. Lewis \\'heat. of Richmond ; Mrs. George Bernard, of Petersburg : Mrs. Lewis Harvie, of Dan- ville, Virginia; Mrs. Lettie Goodwin, of W'ytheville. The fact of his being an only son placed grave responsibility upon the shoulders of Ixlr. Rutherfoord, w^ho always proved equal to the task, giving counsel and advice when necessary, and aiding in every way in all their pleasures and perplexities. He contributed freely of his time and means to those in distress, but in such an unosten- tatious manner that none but the recipients knew of his bounty, thus following the scriptural command of not letting the right hand know^ what the left hand was doing, and his memory wall prove an inspiration to others.

John T. Griffin. Financial, business, re- ligious, and social circles are but a few of the phases of life in the city of Portsmouth. Virginia, that have knowm with benefit and pleasure the presence and association of John T. Griffin, who now. at the age of seventy-six years, holds in that city a place of influence and honor that has been ac- corded him in recognition of his superior talents and unusual abilities. The regard and esteem that are his are not alone the respect paid to silvered hair, but the ac- knowledgement of achievement and a trib- ute to richly deserved success. Difficult would it be to find in the fraternity of Ports- mouth's business men another whose inter- ests have been so widely diversified, who, while prospering in the material things of life, has not failed to yield the credit to the Master of his destiny, and has enrolled him- self prominently in His service.

John T. Griffin is a descendant of an old family of Nansemond county, Virginia, his grandfather, Luke Griffin, having been a resident of that locality. Luke Griffin wa"