Joseph Attwood Dutcher

     Joseph Attwood was born on Tuesday, 3 June 1834 in Yates, Orleans County, New York. He was the son of Daniel & Mariah [Bullock] Dutcher. Joseph married Nancy Matilda Townsend, daughter of Samuel Townsend and Asenath Badgley, on 25 December 1858 in Howell, Livingston County, Michigan.^1,2 30 June 1870, Joseph and his wife, Nancy, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in White Oaks Township, Ingham County, Michigan. Enumerated in this household were J. A. Dutcher [36 New York-farmer], his wife, Matilda [35 New York], children: Sanford [10 Michigan], Furman [6 Michigan], Enos [4 Michigan], & Soretta [1 Michigan].³ 21 June 1880, Joseph and his wife, Nancy, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Duplain, Clinton County, Michigan. Enumerated in this household were Joseph A. Dutcher [46 New York], Matilda [45 New York], Sanford [20 Michigan], Firman [15 Michigan], Enos S. [13 Michigan], Lorettq [11 MIchigan] & George [7 Michigan]. Joseph is a farmer.⁴ 13 June 1900, Joseph and his wife, Nancy, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census at Emerson Township, Gratiot County, Michigan. Enumerated in this household were Joseph A Dutcher [64 New York - Jan 1836], Matilda [63 New York, July 1836], George W. [27 Michigan - July 1872] & daugher in-law: Mertie B. [19 Michigan - Aug 1880]. Joseph and Matilda have been married 41 yearsThey have had 7 children, 5 living. George and Mertie have not had any children. They have been married 5 years. They farming on land they own free and clear.⁵ Joseph departed this life on Saturday, 6 September 1902 in Alma, Gratiot County, Michigan, at age 68 years, 3 months and 3 days. He was buried there in Riverside Cemetery. The inscription on his tombstone reads: FATHER - 1834 = 1902.⁶