“History of Davenport and Scott County; Volume II” by Harry E. Downer; S. J. Clarke 
Publishing Co.; 1910; Chicago:



John G. Dutcher is a worthy representative of the oldest and most prominent families 
of Scott county and has been identified with its farming interests throughout a 
long period. The family originated in Holland, whence the first of the name 
emigrated to New York in 1632. There are still many of the name living in and 
near Otsego county, that state, and a number are prominent representatives of 
the various professions. There is in possession of the Dutcher family a will 
signed by Ruloof Dutcher, bearing the date January 17, 1736, and also copies of 
land transfers as far back as the year 1757.



John G. Dutcher of this review was born in Otsego county, New York, in 1846, a 
son of D. C. and Laney E. (Wagner) Dutcher, both of whom were natives of the 
same place, the former born in November, 1830, and the latter in August, 1832. 
The parents journeyed west in December, 1854, first settling in Rock Island, 
Illinois, where they spent a few years, while in April, 1858, they continued 
their journey just across the state line into Scott county, Iowa. Here the 
father purchased a tract of land, which is now owned by two of his sons.

John G. Dutcher was a little lad of eight years when he was brought from his 
native state to the west and was twelve years of age when the family home was 
established in Scott county. He was educated in the district schools of Buffalo 
township and completed his studies in a business college of Davenport. During 
the periods of vacation he was trained in the duties that usually fall to the 
farm lad and thus as his age and strength increased he became more and more 
familiar with the methods of agriculture. After putting aside his text-books he 
took entire charge of the home farm for his father, who was an invalid, and the 
place is now owned by himself and his brother J. E. They likewise own large 
tracts of timber land in Arkansas and farm lands in various other sections. For 
many years Mr. Dutcher was busily employed at farm labor but is now leaving the 
active work to others, while he merely superintends his invested interests. His 
excellent business ability has been manifest in many ways and today he is 
classed with the representative and substantial residents of Scott county. In 
addition to his landed possessions he is also a stockholder in the Savings Bank 
at Buffalo, of which he is acting as vice president.



Mr. Dutcher was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Marsdorph, who still 
survives. He is a democrat in his political views and in 1892 was elected to the 
board of county supervisors, serving six years, while in 1906 he was once more 
elected and is now serving his second term. He is a Mason, belonging to lodge 
No. 37, at Davenport; to Banner Lodge, No. 16, Knights of Pythias at Buffalo; 
Davenport Lodge, No. 7, I. O. O. F.; and to the Woodmen of the World.



J. E. Dutcher, the brother, makes his home on the same farm and together they 
are managing their extensive interests. He wedded Miss Mary Mitch, a daughter of 
Frederick Mitch, of Peoria, Illinois. Their union has been blessed with one son 
and two daughters: Charles E., who operates the farm for his father and uncle; 
Nancy, the wife of Richard Tarbit, of Syracuse, New York; and Laney, at 
home.



Submitted by: Lynnea Dickinson