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)