DR. John Kutch

DR. JOHN KUTCH Solsberry, was born in Richland Township, Greene County, Ind., November 15,1841, and is a son of A. L. Kutch. He was raised on the home farm until seventeen years old, when he was apprenticed to learn blacksmithing at Bloomington. He served at this until he enlisted in the Ninth Indiana Light Artillery, and was mustered into the service on his twentieth birthday. His battery was ordered to Fort Donelson, but the battle terminating before their arrival, they went into camp at Cairo. He was an active participant in the battle of Corinth, in which his battery was warmly engaged. In 1863, they joined Grants' expedition against Vicksburg, but here the Ninth Artillery were sent to Fort Hindman, Tenn. From here they went to Vicksburg the fall of 1863, and later to Meridian, en route participating in a severe engagement at Queen's Hill. They then returned to Vicksburg, and from thence joined Banks' command on the Atchafalaya Bayou, and from here captured Fort Drusa on Red River. They then went to Alexandria, and there were engaged in a battle on Gov. Moore's farm. Re-embarking on Red River, they participated in a number of engagements along its shore, and after being engaged in the battle of Pleasant Hill returned to Memphis for recruits. After the battle of Guntown, they were ordered to check Kirby Smith, who was threatening St. Louis, and while here followed up the retreating rebels and engaged their force on Blue River. They were next in the battle of Nashville; then followed Hood's retreating army to Pulaski; then went to Westport, having then served six months over the time for which they had enlisted. They here embarked on the steamer "Eclipse," and while near Johnsonville during a fog on the night of February 27,1865, the steamer blew up, and thirty-two of the sixty-eight men of the Ninth Artillery were killed out-right, and, with the exception of six, the remainder were wounded. Among the latter was Dr. Kutch, who was scalded over the face and head, and struck in the back with a brick from the boiler. Owing to this injury, Dr. Kutch was unfitted for his trade, and consequently began the study of medicine the winter of 1874, and in 1878-79 graduated from the Medical College of Indiana at Butler University. For a short time, he practiced his profession at Bloomfield; then located in Solsberry, where he has acquired a lucrative practice. He is a Republican, and was married on this twenty-forth birthday to Mary E. Danely, by whom he is the father of three children---Ollie, Maggie and Alford. Dr. Kutch was in thirteen battles and engagements while out in the late war, and was honorably discharged in March, 1865.

BEECH CREEK TWP.  Source: History of Greene and Sullivan Counties, state of Indiana: from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc. Chicago: Goodspeed Bros. & Co., 1884 824 pgs. page 395.

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