"LaJara Gazette" Thursday, May 11, 1944, pg. 4, Colorado Historical Society
Roll 391-5. Prominent Sanford Man dies--headline.
Chester L. Hutchins, Sanford's "Village Blacksmith," died in his home last Thursday evening. He had eaten an unusually heavy supper and stepped out into the yard, where he suffered a heart attack. His wife found him and took him into the house, but he died with a few minutes.
Mr. Hutchins was 60 years old. He came to Sanford when 8 years old, with his parents from Jackson county, Wisconsin. He had lived in Sanford since that time and had been counted one of the community's most useful and worthy citizens. He married Orra Martin in 1906.
Mr. Hutchins has had varied interests. He had farmed, operated saw mills, and built roads and bridges.
Fourteen years ago he established a blacksmith shop in Sanford and since had been in reality "The Village Blacksmith." To efficient service he had added a kindly interest that made all his customers warm friends.
His parents came to Sanford as converts to the LDS Church and the son had continued active in the faith. He held various offices in the church, filling them with zeal and care. Furthermore, he carried the best of his faith intohis daily living. At the time of his death he was an elder in the Melchizedek priesthood.
There have been 11 children. Nine of these and the widow survive. Three sons are in the Service. S/Sgt. Duffie was able to come home for the funeral. T/5 Floyd is with the army in Ireland. Pfc.Oscar Hutchins is with the marines in the South Pacific. Another son, Russell, lives in Sanford.
The five daughters are Gladys McKenzie of Yakima, Washington, Marjorie Gibson of Portland, Oregon; Zella Kincaid of Brownwood, Texas; Erma Abbott and Dee Ora of Sanford. There are 14 grandchildren.
Jesse C. and D. C. Hutchins of Sanford are brothers of the deceased. Another Brother, Byron, lives in Arizona. Mrs. Lottie Wilson of Twin Falls, Idaho; Mrs. Elsie Frasier of Wichita, Kansas; Mrs. Amy Stirns of Portland, Oregon; and Mrs. Bertha Richardson of Manassa, are sisters."