RUTLEDGE & THOMPSON, dealers in a general line of groceries and provisions in Shelbyville, do a leading business in the town. The firm is composed of John W. Rutledge, Jr., and Thomas L. Thompson. John W. Rutledge, Jr., was born July 20, 1860, being a son of John W. Rutledge, Sr. He was married, December 26, 1884, to Katie Nease, the result of this union being one son, John H. Mr. Rutledge is captain of the Shelbyville Hook and Ladder Company and an enterprising young business man. Thomas L. Thompson was born August 4, 1850, to the marriage of Thomas Thompson and Tranquilla Stephens. Both parents were natives of Bedford County, the mother being of North Carolina ancestry. The father was a farmer and Thomas L. was reared on a farm. He was married, February 25, 1875, to Miss Eunice M. Rutledge, daughter of John W. Rutledge, Sr. Four children have been born to this union, viz.: Thomas L., Mary A., John W. and Hiram S. The firm of Rutledge & Thompson was established October 24, 1878. They were burned out October 22, 1885, and are now preparing to build a commodious brick building. They also deal in mules and fine horses.
Transcribed by Kathryn Hopkins
Goodspeed Publishing Co. History of Tennessee from the Earliest Time to the Present: Together with an Historical and a Biographical Sketch of Maury, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Bedford & Marshall Counties, Besides a Valuable Fund of Notes, Reminescences [Sic], Observations, Etc., Etc. Easley, S.C.: Southern Historical Press, 1988.