Lenawee-Gratiot County MI Archives Obituaries.....Dutton, William 1884
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LaVonne I. Bennett lib@dogsbark.com April 18, 2010, 2:40 am

Adrian Weekly Times and Espositor
DUTTON, WILLIAM:

      THE ADRIAN WEEKLY TIMES AND EXPOSITOR, October 31, 1884:  "Death of Wm.
Dutton.  William Dutton departed this life, at his residence in this city,
Thursday at eight a.m.  He had been in failing health for some time, and his
passing away was an event not wholly unexpected by his friends.  His death
removes from our midst another one of the long-time residents of our country,
and again forcibly reminds us that the men and the women who bore the toils and
hardships incident to early settlement here, and who are being rapidly called
from our association by the stern decree of death.  Mr. Dutton was 71 years old
on the 8th day of March last.  He was a native of the township of Lyndeborough,
New Hampshire.  When a youth of but fifteen years he lost his father, and from
that time was dependent wholly upon his own exertions for support.  That he did
not allow himself to be idle, is exhibited in the fact that he learned a trade
and so faithfully worked at it that on attaining his majority he had acquired
for himself a capital of $500.  He himself has said that never in his life had
he felt so rich as he did when he had earned this money.  With a clear,
comprehensive mind, and a wide discrimination, he made it the foundation upon
which he built his future financial success.  He came to Michigan in 1837 to
open up for himself a market for goods which he was then engaged in
manufacturing.  He was so pleased with the state that he at once determined to
secure a permanent home within its borders for himself and family.  This resolve
he carried out by purchasing a farm in the township of Adrian, and moving
thereon in the year 1841.  He proved a most successful farmer, familiarizing
himself with his new vocation, and adopting the best methods for cultivating the
soil and making it yield harvests to its fullest capacity.  His excellent
judgment and stern integrity commanded the respect of those about him, and he
soon became a man looked up to by all his neighbors.  They made him for many
years a magistrate and the supervisor of the township.  We think he held the
latter office for more years than any person ever held it in the township.  In
the discharge of the duties of these public trusts he brought to bear the same
thoroughness and efficiency that had characterized him in the conduct of his own
private affairs.  In 1865 he removed to this city, and soon after connected
himself with the Lenawee county savings bank, becoming one of its directors, and
for many years its president.  In this position he had the public confidence in
a remarkable degree; and amid all the ups and downs which have characterized the
money market men freely placed their means in this bank under his charge,
feeling that with him at the helm their deposits would be safe.  And so they
were; for he cared for other folk's money as he cared for his own, and at no
time suffered a dollar of it to be invested in uncertain ventures or rash
speculations.  His whole career as a banker from first to last will bear the
strictest scrutiny, and is marked by a conscientious regard to integrity and to
duty worthy of close imitation.  Mr. Dutton has been for years a member of the
Masonic fraternity, and was one of the principal contributors to the erection of
the Masonic temple building, in this city.  His funeral, which will take place
on next Sunday afternoon, at 2 o'clock, at his residence on Butler street, will
be conducted according to the rites and ceremonies of the order.  Mr. Dutton was
thrice married, and leaves two adult daughters surviving him.  He was a man
domestic in his tastes, and home and its attractions were his chief delights. 
Here he found that affection and considerate care which smoothed his pathway,
especially in his declining years.  He was an honest man.  His word was as good
as his bond, and none feared to trust him.  He was a man of simple, plain
habits, of sterling sense, of excellent judgment, who shunned notoriety, and
accomplished whatever he undertook thoroughly and successfully.  He leaves a
handsome competence, and his whole life is a tribute to the value of industry,
frugality and integrity as means of success.  His last hours were peaceful, and
"Tranquil and safe he laid him down to rest; Calm as an infant on its mother's
breast."

   THE ADRIAN WEEKLY TIMES, Lenawee County, MI, Friday, November 7, 1884: 
"Funeral of Wm. Dutton.  The funeral of the late William Dutton occurred at his
residence on Butler streeet at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon in the presence of a
large congregation of the relatives and friends of the deceased.
   The remains rested in a draped broadcloth casket, lined with satin, and were
surrounded by many beautiful floral offerings.
   The services were opened by Rev. J. B. Little, who read a hymn which was sung
by a choir composed of Messrs Alf Johnson, M. B. Rice, Mrs. C. B. Johnson and
Miss Louise Metler.
   After prayer by Rev. Mr. Little, that gentleman delivered a touching
discourse, in which he recalled the many acts of benevolence and the kindness of
heart always maifested by the departed.
   The services, at the close of Mr. Little's remarks, were concluded by the
regular Masonic ritual, Mr. Dutton having been an honored member of Temple
lodge, of this city.
   The remains were deposited in the receiving vault of Oakwood cemetery.  The
pall bearers were R. A. Bury, N. B. Eldredge, O. Lamb, W. F. King, J. W. Finch
and W. Luck."

   GRATIOT COUNTY JOURNAL, ITHACA, MICH., NOV. 14, 1884, front page:  "In the
hurry and bustle of election matters, the Journal has heretofore omitted to
mention the fact that Wm. Dutton, a well known citizen of Adrian, and gentleman
who had  large interests in Gratiot county, died a few weeks ago, a fact that
will be sincerely regretted by very many of our farmers, with whom he has had
extensive and friendly business relations."

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