My Genealogy Hound

Wilson, Isaac and John Hutchens, comprising the firm of Hutchens Brothers, proprietors of the McDowell Roller Mills, were born in Iowa, and are the sons of John B. and Elizabeth Hutchens. John B. Hutchens was born in North Carolina in 1825, and was there married to Elizabeth Tulburt, also a native of the “Old North State,” born in 1827. To them were born nine children, viz.: William L., Charles E., Rhoda A., Wilson, Mary J., Isaac C., Sarah E., John F. and Lucy E. The parents removed from their native State to Hardin County, Iowa, where they lived for many years. John B. Hutchens was a farmer and miller. He followed the latter occupation in connection with the former until he came to Missouri, after which he devoted his attention to farming four years, or during his residence in Jasper County. He then came to Barry County, where he was engaged in milling until his death in 1878. The Hutchens Brothers inheriting the propensity of their father for milling, have chosen that as an occupation. The eldest son first owned a saw-mill, which he managed for some time. The brothers later purchased their present grist-mill. For three years they operated it on the old buhr system, during which time the roller process was being introduced into the country. Always energetic and determined to keep abreast with the times, they erected a new mill in 1886, and put in the full roller process. Since that time they have been doing a thriving business as the leading mill in this portion of Barry County, and is one of the best in Southwest Missouri. The young proprietors are single, and are energetic and enterprising business men. They own a general merchandise building which they usually rent. They also saw lumber, which they sell at the various business points in this section.