RUTHERFORD, JOHN, who was born in 1776 at Manchester, was employed for some years in a cotton factory, and went to sea when he was about 10 years of age. He took part in the storming of San Sebastian in 1813, and in 1816 was aboard the American trader Agnes, which was driven into a bay near the mouth of the Thames, New Zealand, and attacked by Maoris. Rutherford was one of those who were not killed and eaten. He was taken captive, and for 10 years he lived among the natives, tattooed like a Maori, and having two wives. He was created a chief. In 1826 he managed to escape on a trading ship, returned to England and dictated an account of his adventures. His subsequent history is unknown.

Craik, The New Zealanders (1830); J. Drummond: John Rutherford, the White Chief (1908).

Reference: Volume 2, page 138

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