Robert Rutherford (congressman)

Robert Rutherford (October 20, 1728 – October 10, 1803) was an American pioneer, soldier and statesman from western Virginia. He represented Virginia in the United States House of Representatives from 1793 until 1797.

Robert Rutherford
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 1st district
In office March 4, 1793 – March 3, 1797
Preceded by	Alexander White
Succeeded by	Daniel Morgan
Member of the Virginia Senate from Frederick, Berkeley, Hampshire and Hardy Counties
In office 1786–1790
Preceded by	Himself
Succeeded by	John Smith
Member of the Virginia Senate from Frederick, Berkeley and Hampshire Counties
In office 1776–1785
Preceded by	Position established
Succeeded by	Himself
Personal details
Born	(1728-10-20)October 20, 1728 Scotland, Kingdom of Great Britain
Died	October 10, 1803(1803-10-10) (aged 74) Charles Town, Virginia, U.S. (now West Virginia)
Resting place	Charles Town, West Virginia
Political party	Democratic-Republican (after 1795)
Other political affiliations	Anti-Administration (until 1795)

Robert was born in Scotland but emigrated to America as an infant with his parents, Thomas and Sarah. They originally immigrated to Pennsylvania, but soon settled in Virginia. He was the first U.S. Congressman from west of the Blue Ridge mountains in Virginia.

Captain Robert Rutherford commanded a company of rangers (Rutherfords Rangers) during the French and Indian War from 1758-1759.

Electoral history

• 1793; Rutherford was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives with 56.61% of the vote, defeating nonpartisans Alexander White and John Smith.
• 1795; Rutherford was re-elected, defeating nonpartisan Daniel Morgan.

External links

• Congressional biography