Certain men, by their energy and activity, becomes known as "live wires" in the town in which they live, the term "live wire" meaning an active, industrious and public spirited citizen. To this class Laud Raymond Rutherford, who conducts the Rutherford Real Estate Company, most assuredly belongs. He was born in Ohio, in 1875. His parents were Morton E. and Maggie J. (Halliday) Rutherford. The Rutherfords were a pre Revolutionary New York family, and Laud Rutherford's mother was of the third generation of a Scotch family in America, by the name of Halliday. The immediate ancestors of L. R. Rutherford settled in Ohio in the early development of that state, and his father, Morton E. Rutherford, moved to Montana in 1886, settling in the town of Missoula. There he followed the real estate business and served as state senator from that section.

      Laud Rutherford received his education in the schools of Missoula, Montana, Washington State College and the Hamline University of Minnesota. After finishing his education he was associated with his father in the realty business until 1904, when he went to Spokane, Washington, where he remained but a short time. He built and operated a sawmill at Rainier, Columbia county, Oregon, in 1905 and resided in that town for five years. In 1910 he located at St. Helens and has since made this his home. He was first interested in the Columbia County Abstract Company, but in 1918 disposed of his interests in that concern and established the Rutherford Realty Company, which handles city and suburban property, and writes fire, marine and automobile insurance. He was for a time vice president and for several years a director of the Columbia County Bank, and is ex president of the Rainier Commercial Club and of the St. Helens Commercial Club. Mr. Rutherford has demonstrated his faith in St. Helens by erecting on Columbia street a handsome brick block opposite the courthouse, which embraces five store rooms and a theatre.

      In 1900 he was married to Mary Josephine Allen, daughter of Joseph S. Allen of Spokane, Washington, and the niece of the Hon. John B. Allen, who has served his state both as attorney general and United States senator. Mrs. Rutherford is a social leader and prominent in women's affairs and club work. She is president of the St. Helens Library, and since her incumbency has wonderfully increased the efficiency of the library. They have two children: Wade Alexander, and Laud Raymond, Jr.

      Mr. Rutherford is a Mason, a Shriner and a Knights Templar. Hem is also an active member of the Interstate Realty Association. His religious connections are with the Methodist Episcopal church, and he was for several years a member of its official board. The coming of the Rutherford family to St. Helens was a distinct advantage to the city.

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