Rutherford Drugstore
Mt. Vernon, Franklin County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Oldest business in Mt. Vernon, opened in 1869 by John Griffith Lock Rutherford (1851-1936), Texas-born great grandson of American Revolution general for whom a Tennessee county was named. Young Rutherford began by handling a small line of drugs in the Ruth Pattillo & Co. Mercantile store, went into store of his own at present site in 1877. Postmaster of the town (Lone Star, renamed Mt. Vernon), 1874-82, he seems to have housed post office in store. Son Griffith Wright Rutherford carried on business after 1914. Now in second century, an heir retains interest in the store. (1974)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Opened in 1869, Rutherford's drugstore is remembered as the oldest business in Mt. Vernon. Founder John Griffith Lock Rutherford began with a small line of drugs inside a mercantile store before opening his own shop in 1877, and he served as town postmaster in the 1870s and early 1880s. His son and later heirs carried the business into a second century.
Why it matters
A family drugstore spanning more than a century embodies the endurance of small-town commerce at the heart of Texas community life.
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Related people
- · John Griffith Lock Rutherford
- · Griffith Wright Rutherford
Themes & tags
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