James S. Hutson and Hutson House
James S. Hutson purchased the Higbee House in 1877 from Mr. A.T. Higbee and family when they were relocating to Fort Atkinson where he purchased the Green Mountain House.
In March 1893 the Hutson House was heavily damaged by arson as reported in the Stoughton Courier, March 31, 1893
"The contents of three rooms completely isolated from where the fire originated were saturated with kerosene and set on fire, while the building across the street owned by J.S. Hutson and occupied by August Erickson was also set on fire, and in this case kerosene was freely used."
"Mr. J.S. Hutson, owner of the hotel, had $4,500 insurance on the building", enough to cover about half of the damages.
Ca. 1880 - SW corner of Main and Division Streets
In 1883 J.S. Hutson leased the Hutson House and devoted his time to the tobacco business.
"This hotel is one of the favorite ones of the state, a condition due to the good accommodations given and the kind attention and generous hospitality of the men who conduct it."
"It contains about thirty guest rooms, which are handsomely furnished and elegant in their appointments and fixtures. All are steam heated and electric lighted. The table is supplied with all the delicacies of the season and the abundance and character of the food evidences a generous management."
In 1877 it is reported there were two cigar factories in Stoughton, the more extensive run by J.S. Hutson and the other by J.W.P. Lusk.
Mr. Hutson died in July 1905 and his wife, Carrie sold the Hutson House in 1908.
Resources:
Stoughton Hub, March 31, 1882 - Mr. Higbee sells to Mr. Hutson
Stoughton Courier, March 31, 1883 - Arson Fire
Stoughton Hub, September 29, 1883 - Arsonist convicted by jury
Stoughton Hub, October 25, 1883 - leased to Mr. Carrothers of Clinton
Industrial Review, 1898 - Review
Madison, Dane County and Surrounding Towns, Wm. J. Park & Co., 1877
Stoughton Hub, July 28, 1905 - Death announcement
Stoughton Hub, July 8, 1908 - Sale of Hutson House property
