Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1897-09-28

stephen u. Hutchinson, the venerable
Paris Hill merchant, a man OF very
strong characteristics and very wide Sc-
auainiance, passed away At his home on
Paris Hill on the morning OF Sept. 2lst.
Last spriDg Mr.. Hutchinson suffered a
paralytic shock from which 81 the time
IL was thought he could no: recover, on,
as warm weather came on he improved
In health and has been able 10 he out
during the summer, greeting his friends
with his old-time wit and bright savings
for which he Was famous. Last week he
contracted q cold, aud although able 20
sit up and eat dinner with his family on
Monday he failed rapidly until the end
came peacefully. about two o'clock, or
Tuesday morning. Had Mr.. Hutchinson
survived only four DAYS longer he would
have reached his >5th birthday. Until
recently Mr.. Hutchinson has had the
distinction OF being the oldest msn active
IN engaged 10 business in Oxford County.
stephen ID. Hutchinson was born In
Hebron, Maine, September -, lsl3
He WAS the son Of stephen and Asenath
(Gnbert) Hutchinson, both natives OF
Msine, and born respectively Ia Cor
ham aud Leeds. His grandfather, nS-
tive of Massachusetts,. served In the
French and Indian war, and sfrerward
went TO Nova Scotia. where he lived for
time. Returning 10 the states, Grand
father Hutchinson settled 10 Gorham,
Cumberland County, where he purchased
a tract Of timber land from which he
cleared a homestead. he labored with
the courage and perseverance character
istic OF the sturdy pioneer, and also
served as local preacher Of the Free
Will Baptist denomination. His children
were: Joseph, lydia, Samuel, stephen,
Bstsey, Daniel, Henry John and Rebecca.
stephen Hutchinson, father OF the
subject OF this sketch, was n farmer
throughout his life. When Young mfn
he came from Gorham 10 Buckfield
where he died st the sge Of seventy
wears. He WAS all answering Demo-
crst in politics. At first his religious
faith was that Of the Free viii Bsptists,
Of whose church az Hebron he was a
member. but later he became Uniyer-
sslist. and belonged 70 that denomina-
ton at the time of his death. de was Il
member Of the board Of selectmen for
many years and held other ofiices. His
first wife. Asenath (Gilbert) Hutchinson,
died at the age of 10 years, leaving six
children: stephen D.. Chandler, Horace,
Mark, Albion T.. and Bstsey. OF the
number, Albion r, who now resides 10
Auburn, is the only survivor.
After the death Of his first wife, the
father married Jeanette Alden, daughter
Of Benjamin Alden, a Quaker. By this
marriage there were four children,
jeanette, Augusta, Vesta and Asenath.
OF these the eldest and Youngest are
living.
Stephen ID. Hutchinson grew 10 mans
estate in Buckfield, obtaining his educs-
ton in the district school, aud at his
home evenings BY the light Of pitch pine
knots. He first worked AZ harvesting
for william Lowell receiving a third OF a
dollar per day for his labor.
In 1885, Mr.. Hutchinson entered into q
partnership with II. II. Hutchinson, Jr.,
with whom he conducted 4 mercantile
business in Buektield for five years. In
$40 he leased farm In Buckfield, which
he carried on for a few years, az the
same time adding 20 his income by TAX
ing bOsrders in the summer season and
teaching school during the winter. He
also served as town clerk and school
committee.
In 1915 Mr.. Hutchinson was elected
Register of Deeds for oxford County
and removed 10 Paris Hill. he retained
the Office for eleven years, his successor
being Alden Chase, Esq, Of Bryant
Pond.
Mr.. Hutchinson next embarked in
trade at Paris Hill with Frank Bates,
with whom he was associated two years.
In 1850 be established his present store,
which he has since successfully conduct
ed ia company with his son-in-law,
Sumner Z. Newell, building up good
local trade.
Mr.. Hutchinson was married in June,
1885. 10 Mary Atkinson, who was born
in Minot, Maine, Sept. II, ls0s, and died
st Paris Hill July Is, 1874. The fruit of
this marriage Was five children, Mary
Annette. wife of sumner T.. Newell,
with whom Mr.. Hutchinson made his
home, John X Winfield s., George w.
and Kate W. OF these John X. died
March :, 1896, and Kste W. died in May
Of the same year.
Asa citizen of Paris Hill, Mr.. Hutch
inson has always been an influential
worker for her interests, aud identified
with her public institutions. He was at
the time of his death trustee Of Paris
Hill Academy.
In politics he was an ardent and life
long Democrat. In his death Paris Hill
loses another Of her oldest and best citi-
zens, a man Of strong individuality,
man who Rad the respect and friendship
Of those who differed from him AS well
rs those who sxreed with him politically
a man Of exceptionally sharp and quick
wit; nan Of excellent educational at
tainments and ability; in fact, 3 gentle
man Of the old school, who bore with
dignity the respect of very large circle
Of friends and scquaintsnces.
The funeral was attended &C the late
residence Of the deceased Thursday after
noon, bv Rev. Edwin w. Pierce, pastor
of the Uuiversalist church. As mark
Of respect the school at the academy was
suspended during the funeral hour and
he academy dag Was placed at hall
mast.