Joseph H. Hutchinson, lieutenant governor of Idaho, is one of the distinguished young men of the west who by reason of his marked individuality, strong mentality, honorable purpose and laudable ambition has risen to a position of eminence. A native of this section of the country, his interests are closely allied with those of the northwest, and he is deeply interested in all that pertains to the advancement, growth and prosperity of the “Gem of the Mountains.” He was elected to his present office in 1898, an honor well merited and worthily worn.
Mr. Hutchinson, who for some years has been a resident of Silver City, was born in Central City, Colorado, on the 21st of May 1864. He is a son of James Hutchinson, superintendent of the Trade Dollar Mining & Milling Company, and one of the prominent men of the state. When sixteen years of age Joseph H. Hutchinson removed to Denver, Colorado, and attended the high school of that city, during which time he was twice honored by election to the presidency of the Lyceum, and in 1883 he won the Woodburn medal for oratory. The elemental strength of his character was also shown forth by his actions during this period, for desiring to acquire a good education and at the same time finding it necessary to provide in a measure for his own livelihood, he acted as janitor of the Twenty-second avenue primary school and as route carrier on the Rocky Mountain News and Denver Times, while pursuing his high-school course. His enterprise and energy found recognition in business circles, and in 1890 he was elected chairman of the board of the Colorado Mining Stock: Exchange and later was made its secretary and treasurer, but left that position to become his father’s assistant in business in Idaho. The Colorado Springs Mining Stock Association making him a handsome offer to preside over the board in 1896, he returned and handled their stock through the Cripple Creek stock boom, but again came to Idaho January 1, 1897, and accepted the position of foreman of the Trade Dollar Consolidated Mining Company. In that capacity he has rendered his father very efficient aid, and is an able representative of the mining interests of the state. His diligence, resolution and executive power would make him successful in almost any line of business, and prosperity will undoubtedly mark his future career.
Mr. Hutchinson was united in marriage to Miss Helen Hays, a native of Silver City, and a daughter of Hon. Charles M. Hays, district attorney and a prominent pioneer of Idaho, now residing in Boise. Mr. and Mrs. Hutchinson have many warm friends in the community in which they reside. In his political affiliations Mr. Hutchinson has been a lifelong Republican, but differs with his party on the great financial question, to which he has given close, earnest and systematic study. He has the honor of being secretary of the first silver club formed in the United States; was also secretary of the first national bimetallic convention, held in Chicago in 1893, and secretary of the Bimetallist Union, formed at Salt Lake City, in 1895. All unsolicited by him came the nomination for lieutenant governor in 1898, he being chosen as the candidate of the silver Republican and Democratic parties. His patriotic devotion to the best interests of the state, his business ability, calm judgment and thorough trustworthiness all render him well qualified for the office, and his course has awakened commendation throughout the state.