JACOB HUTMACHER is another gentleman from Pennsylvania of Dutch extractions, who has won his way to success amid many trials and discouragements. He lives on section 27, Harlem Township, and is a farmer by occupation. His parents were Adam and Mary (Brong) Hutmacher, natives of Monroe County, Pa., where they were married. In 1856 they came to Stephenson County, and settled in Erin Township, where they lived one year before removing to Harlem Township. Here they died, the death of the father occurring Aug. 24, 1880, and that of the mother Aug. 8, 1882. They had a family of twelve children, but only three sons lived to maturity. Their names are Joseph, Jacob and Charles.

The subject of this sketch was born in Monroe County, Pa., Aug. 15, 1836. The vocations of farming and running a sawmill occupied his younger years. He lived in his native county until the spring of 1856, when he came to Stephenson County, where he has since been a resident. Farming has mostly engaged his attention since then. He is the owner of a farm of eighty-seven acres of land. This he has improved, and erected good buildings thereon.

Mr. Hutmacher was married in Green County, Wis., Feb. 19, 1860, to Miss Nancy Kohl, daughter of George and Mary (Will) Kohl, both natives of Pennsylvania. The wife’s parents married and settled in Lycoming County, Pa., and in 1850 came to Stephenson County, settling in Harlem Township where they have since made their home. About 1884 the wife’s father retired from the active duties of farming, and went to live with his children. The mother died July 7, 1887. Mr. Kohl is the father of eleven children, of whom Mrs. Hutmacher was the fourth. She was born in Lycoming County, Pa., March 6, 1842.

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hutmacher have had eight children, of whom four are living. These are Matilda, William, Frank and Hattie M. Matilda is the wife of Franklin Haney, and resides in Waddams Township. The deceased children all died in infancy save two. Mr. Hutmacher has held several offices in the township. Both he and his wife are members of the Reformed Church. In politics he is a Democrat.

Contributed by Carol Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 270-71