Among the noble pioneer women of Jo Daviess County, who have watched its growth these many years, and seen it gradually develop from its original wildness to a splendid agricultural region, whose well-tilled and finely-managed farms give unmistakable evidence of the prosperity of their occupants, is the subject of this sketch, who is a native of Marion County, Ind., born near Indianapolis April 18, 1824. Her parents, Thomas L. and Nancy Galpin, removed with their family from the Hoosier State in 1833 to Illinois, and coming to Jo Daviess County the following year, took up a Government claim south of Hanover Township. The land was not then on the market, but as soon as it was ready for public sale, Mr. Galpin bought it, paying $1.25 per acre. He and his family were among the original settlers of Hanover Township, and he and his good wife continued to make their home there the remainder of their years. They were the parents of nine children.

Mrs. Hutchison, of whom we write, was but nine years of age when she came with her parents to Illinois, where she has since lived. Her educational advantages were meager, the district schools of her youthful days comparing very poorly with those of the present day and generation. She was united in marriage to John Hutchison September, 1855. He was a native of England, but was reared in Scotland. He had been previously married, his first wife having been Ann Campbell, who died, leaving him one child, Anne, who is now the wife of William Williams, of Otoe County, Neb. After his marriage with the subject of this sketch, Mr. Hutchison immediately settled on the homestead now occupied by his widow and family. It consists of ninety-one acres of good land, which he improved and brought into an excellent state of cultivation. He was an active, energetic man, and in connection with his farming was successfully engaged in lead-mining for several years. Some time previous to his death, which occurred Dec. 4, 1886, Mr. Hutchison visited California to recruit his health, which had become seriously impaired, but it was of no avail. He was a man of eminent ability and was universally respected. He served in the various township offices with characteristic fidelity, having been Township Supervisor, Road Commissioner and School Director. In politics he affiliated with the Republican party. He was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, where our subject also communes, and contributed liberally to its support. To our subject and her husband were born five children: James T., who is engaged in mining in Aspen, Colo.; Joseph L., mining in Utah Ter.; Gilbert, Helen, and William W. Mrs. Hutchison is an amiable, intelligent woman, enjoying the friendship of a large circle of friends, who appreciate her many superior qualities, and honor her for her excellent traits of character.

Contributed by Carol Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties, Illinois (1889) 785