Part of the Indiana Biographies Project
William P. Hutton
Since the early days of Richmond's history the Hutton family have occupied a distinctive place, and whenever any public improvement or notable enterprise has been meditated they were always among the first persons consulted, and, if the matter seemed to have merit, they could be counted upon for material support and encouragement. Patriotism, with them, has ever been manifested in a practical form, and by their indefatigable exertions many a movement which has greatly benefited the community has been inaugurated and successfully launched.
William P. Hutton, who was born in Richmond, February 10, 1845, a son of Jesse M. and Rebecca L. (Shaw) Hutton, was a lifelong resident of this place and was closely associated with its activities. His education was such as was afforded by the public schools, supplemented by a course in Earlham College and extended reading and study in later years. Upon completing his school work he entered the factory of J. M. Hutton & Company, the original officers of which well known concern were: Jesse M. Hutton, president; William P. Hutton, treasurer; and M. H. Dill, secretary. Within a remarkably short time he developed fine business talents and was always equal to every emergency or difficulty. At the time of his death, December 21, 1894, he occupied the position of treasurer of the company, and much of the success which it enjoys is directly traceable to his excellent management.
In every relation in life Mr. Hutton was popular,—whether as an employer, a business man, a church member, or in the domestic circle,—and all classes mourned his death. He was a sincere friend to the poor, but he was unostentatious in his manifestations of sympathy and aid, rarely allowing any one save the recipient of his kindness to know of the circumstance. When the Commercial Club was organized he was one of the prime movers in the enterprise, which he foresaw would prove of benefit to the city, and he was one of the first to advocate the building of the new hotel, now known as the Westcott. He held membership in the club and was elected to the position of treasurer. He held a similar responsible office in the Richmond City Water Works Company, in the securing of whose plant he was one of the most influential of our citizens. In his political affiliations he was a strong Republican partisan. For many years a leading member in the First Presbyterian church of this city, and for some time one of its elders, his life was a faithful exemplification of the Christianity in which he believed, and to religious interests he was especially liberal in his contributions.
On the 28th of June, 1865, William P. Hutton and Miss Emily Strattan were united in marriage. Mrs. Hutton, who is still living, is a daughter of J. P. and Martha (Jefferis) Strattan. A son and two daughters were born to our subject and wife, namely: Walter J.; Laura M., who is the wife of Frank N. Watt, of Richmond, a traveling salesman for the firm of J. M. Hutton & Company; and Mary E., who is at home with her mother.
Source:
Biographical and Genealogical History of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin Counties, Indiana, Volume 1, The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1899