BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO

"History of the Upper Ohio Valley" Vol. II, 1890.

Presented by Linda Fluharty from hard copies provided
by Mary Staley & Phyllis Slater.


Pages 642-643.

JAMES HUTCHISON

James Hutchison, an old and highly regarded farmer of Richland township, is a
son of David Hutchison, one of the earliest settlers. The latter was born in
Chester county, Penn., and remained in that state until 1803, when he came to
Ohio and settled in the woods of Richland township, using the bed of his wagon
as a shelter until he could erect a rude log hut. Previously he was at
Wheeling when the only buildings there were the court-house and two
dwelling-houses. He was a son of Robert and Nancy Hutchison, natives of
Ireland, who left that country in the time of religious persecution, and
coming to this country in 1740, settled in Pennsylvania, where the father
resided until his death. David Hutchison, son of the above, married Jane
Smith, who was born in Ireland, and came to this country at the age of
thirteen years. They had eleven children, eight of whom are living: Rebecca,
Nancy, James, Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph and John. James Hutchison went
through the early toil of the pioneer, and obtained his education in the old
log school-house, by the light which straggled through its little windows
of greased paper. But these surroundings, stern and unlovely as they were,
developed sturdy and independent characters, and among the worthy men who
remain to us from those days, none are more highly esteemed than Mr.
Hutchison. As a member of the Presbyterian church he is active in good works,
and has been a member of the session for thirty-seven years, and in every
way is a good and valuable citizen. His land possessions are extensive,
including 325 acres, and his later years are passed in comfort.