J. H. RUTTER was born in Dyer's Hill Precinct, Livingston County, March 10, 1852, and is a son of James L. and Julia A. (Hodges) Rutter. The father was probably born near Salem, Livingston County, in the winter of 1813. His parents came to Livingston County from North Carolina. He was a farmer by occupation, and was also engaged at one time in merchandising and tobacco speculating at Marion, Ky. His death occurred in this county in 1855. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The mother was born in this county in 1812, and is still living at Evansville, Ind. Our subject is the younger of two children: Susan, wife of R. C. Robenson, and J. H. The latter, at the age of sixteen, turned his attention to farming, and followed it for about seven years. In 1876 he went to Marion, Ky., where he embarked in the grocery business, which vocation he followed for about fifteen months. He then turned his attention to farming in Livingston County, and followed it for about four years. In the fall of 1881 he came to Hampton, and embarked in the general mercantile business. He now carries a stock of about $2,500, and also speculates some in tobacco. Mr. Rutter was married in Livingston County, February 12, 1871, to Miss Belle Olive, a daughter of Jesse and Barbara Ann (Gray) Olive, who were probably both born in Livingston County; their parents were emigrants from North Carolina. The father died in 1864. The mother is still living, with subject. Mrs. Rutter was born February 14, 1853, and is the mother of six children, of whom five are living: Harry D., Jesse O., Fannie N., Louis V. and James R. Mr. Rutter has been acting as postmaster at Hampton for over three years; he has also served as school trustee, being chairman of the board. Mrs. Rutter is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Source: J. H. Battle, W. H. Perrin, & G. C. Kniffin. Kentucky. A History of the State. Louisville, KY, Chicago, IL: Battey, 1885. Page 832.