George Rutherford

London merchant, son and co-executor (with William Jegon, q.v.) of Abraham Watson Rutherford (q.v.), and possibly also in partnership with William Jegon. Partner in the firm of Deacon [sic] and Rutherford, 9 Union Court, Broad-street. Born 1790, son of Abraham Watson and Sarah Rutherford of London. He was found dead at his home at 19 Dalston-terrace in 1837, having shot himself. At the time of his death he was residing with Ellen Powell 'a young female', whom he tried to shoot after she threatened to leave him. Ellen Powell was injured before George Rutherford turned the gun on himself. The Coroner delivered a verdict of temporary insanity.

1. Will of George Rutherford merchant of Union Court Old Broad street proved 04/09/1837. Burial of George Rutherford of Dalston Terrace Hackney 23/08/1837 aged 47 at St Stephen Walbrook. After providing for annuities for his wife Maria and for a woman named Sarah Butler Powl [?] at present residing at no. 19 Dalston Terrace in the parish of West Hackney, he left his estate divided into thirds between his two sisters Elizabeth Mary Field and Mary Jane Field and his executors and trustees (William Jegon - identified as of Union Court Old Broad Street - and Thomas Surr of Stamford Street Blackfriars coal merchant). It makes no mention of property in Jamaica.

Morning Chronicle, 19/8/1837; Salisbury and Winchester Journal, 21/8/1837; Staffordshire Advertiser, 26/8/1837.

1. PROB 11/1884/301.

We are grateful to William Norton for his help compiling this entry.