John Rutherfurd, Robert and Sabina’s son, grew up at his grandfather’s house along the Passaic River. He attended Rutgers College, graduating from there in 1829. He was admitted to the bar in 1837, practiced law for about two years, and then left to manage his family’s estates. John Rutherfurd was founder, president, director, and planner of a number of railroads, including the Warwick, Pequest Valley, Midland, Tuckertown, and Sussex Railroads. He was also president of the Board of Proprietors of East New Jersey, president of the New Jersey Coal Company, and president of The New Jersey Historical Society. He married Charlotte Livingston on August 15, 1855 and they had five children together: John, Helena, Livingston, Arthur Elliott, and Morris.