Biography of John Hutchins

John Hutchins
Company D
1827-1864

John Hutchins was born in Washington County, Ohio in 1827. He was joined in marriage with Sarah Jane Thomas by Justice of the Peace George Stone in Caldwell, Noble County, Ohio on March 14, 1855. He stated his occupation as farmer when he enlisted in the Army on March 23, 1864 in Newburgh, Ohio. He was five feet, eight inches tall with a dark complexion, grey eyes, and dark hair.

John was initially classified as missing in action after an ordered attack against rebel forces on June 17, 1864 in front of Petersburg, Virginia. The contested area changed hands before his body could be recovered. His body was never found, presumably buried by another regiment in an unmarked grave in Poplar Bluff cemetery.

According to an affidavit submitted by 1st Lieutenant James B. McKisson of Company D of the 60th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in support of a petition for a widow's pension, John was mortally wounded by grape or canister shot while advancing on the enemy's works, unable to speak and blood gushing from his mouth. This account was supported by Charles Stonehouse of Noble County, Ohio, who was also a Private of Company D of the 60th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Charles claimed he was well acquainted with John Hutchins who was wounded by a gun shot in the right breast. He was beside John when he fell and heard him say, "Boys, I cannot travel." The enemy at the time was charging on their forces and they fell back, from the ground where he fell and did not gain possession of the place again for about three days. Based upon this testimony, John's death was reclassified as killed in action. He was survived by his widow, and two young sons, John Henry Lafayette and Joseph Corden.

A special thanks to Lloyd and Ellen Hutchins for contributing this information. This information was based on original research by Joseph R. Hutchins, a great grandson of Private John Hutchins.