Rutherford, Margaret (Sharp) 1838-1903

RUTHERFORD, SHARP, INGALLS, PEARCE

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 8/6/2010 at 10:18:57

The Grinnell Herald (Grinnell, Iowa) July 10, 1903

Margaret (Sharp) Rutherford was born at Melrose, Scotland, Feb. 10, 1838 and died at Grinnell, Iowa, July 8, 1903, 65 years, 4 months and 28 days old. She was left an orphan at the age of 3 and lived with her uncle, Thomas Ingalls, until 18 years of age. She was married to James S. Rutherford June 25, 1858, at Galt, Canada, and they immediately removed to Oxbow, St. Lawrence county, N.Y., where they lived 8 years. Two children John S., of Chicago, and Thomas I., of Madrid, N.Y., were born there. The other children are W.A., of Edina, Mo.; Mrs. Agnes Rutherford Pearce and Raymond and Geo. of this place. They came to Iowa in 1866, setting in Chester where they lived 27 years, removing to Grinnell ten years ago. Mrs. Rutherford was converted at an early age and united with a Presbyterian church at Melrose. Mr. Rutherford joined with her in connection with the Presbyterian church at Oxbow, and they both brought letters to the Congregational church of Chester. Mr. Rutherford's first introduction to the people of Chester was at a prayer meeting in the Congregational church. He served as a deacon many years, until he removed to Grinnell. This is the first death in the family during the 45 yrs. they lived together. They took dinner together upon the anniversary of their marriage June 25, '03, at the home of their daughter, Mrs. Pearce. She was a devoted wife and mother. She suffered intensely for several months before her death Wednesday. She cherished her christian hope. For many months she seemed to be aware of her approaching end. She had worked at many little things patiently and at the last when her children, all four sons and one daughter were at her bedside, she bade them goodbye and divided her keepsakes with them and gave them her dying blessing. A good many people from Chester attended the funeral service which was conducted by Dr. S.J. Buck, a former pastor at Chester. Music was by Miss Kate Bray, Mrs. A.B. Mack, Dr. O.F. Parish and Mr. A.C. Harriman.