Pueblo County, Colorado
J. M. Dutcher

Contributed by Jean Griesan.

J. M. Dutcher, a well-known citizen of Pueblo County, residing near Beulah, on the Pueblo and Beulah road, is recognized as one of the most energetic men and skillful farmers of the community, who, in connection with the raising of grain, has also given considerable attention to stock breeding. He is pursuing the even tenor of his way as an honest man and good citizen, furthering the interests of his community as he has opportunity and enjoying the respect of his neighbors.

The early home of Mr. Dutcher was near Lake Champlain, in Fort Ann, Washington County, N. Y., where his birth occurred in 1833. His parents, Dillis and Hannah (Cliue) Dutcher, were also natives of the Empire state. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, came with our subject to Colorado and died here. One of his sons, Edwin, was a member of an Ohio regiment in the Civil war.

J. M. Dutcher was only three years old when the family removed to Erie County, N. Y., where he was reared and educated, and at the age of nineteen he went to Ohio, spending the following eight years in that state. His next home was near Iowa City, Iowa, and in 1872 he came to Pueblo, Colo., where he worked for Steven Wally for seven years. He resided in South Pueblo for twelve years, and at the end of that time located on a ranch near the mountains, where he lived for seven years. Nine years ago he purchased his present place, to the cultivation and improvement of which he has since devoted his energies. Here he owned three hundred and sixty acres of valuable land, and after having given one hundred and sixty acres to his daughter, he has a quarter-section left. All of the improvements upon the place are the work of his own hands, and stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. The place is also well stocked with a good grade of horses and cattle. While a resident of Pueblo he built the seventh house on the mesa.

In 1857 Mr. Dutcher married Miss Olive Clemings, a native of West Virginia, who died thirteen years ago, leaving five children, namely: James Karl, at home; Frank, who lives with Dr. Walters; May, wife of Robert Baty, of Manzalona; Nora Gertrude, wife of Charles Croggs, who lives near our subject; and Adelaide, at home.

In early life Mr. Dutcher was a supporter of the Republican party, but for the past few years have voted the Democratic ticket. He has well performed his part in upholding the intellectual, social and moral status of the community, and has gained the respect and confidence of all who know him.

Extracted from "Portrait and Biographical Record of the State of Colorado," published by Chapman Publishing Company in Chicago in 1899.



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