Richard B. Sutton

SUTTON, KEELER, COLEY

Posted By: Mary Lanigan (email)
Date: 8/24/2010 at 15:19:50

Portrait and Biographical Album of Wapello County Iowa pg. 352

Richard B. Sutton, well known in Ottumwa as "Dick" Sutton and proprieter of Dick's Hotel is one of most genial of mine hosts to be found anywhere within the boundry lines not only of Wapello county but of this state. He was born in Jessamine, Kentucky, within 18 miles of Lexington April 15, 1845 the son of David P. Sutton and Isabella Reynolds Sutton natives respectively of Virginia and Kentucky.

David P. Sutton when a young man went to Kentucky where he was married, and built the first frame building in Mt. Freedom, Jessamine county and was appointed the first postmaster of that place, the post office being located at his residence. David P. Sutton was the father of seven children; four daughters and three sons; Mary became the wife of B.J. Smith and they are living in Bloomington, IND, Margaret married Tobias Slocum and are also living at Bloomington IND, Martha was united in marriage to William Andrew and they live in Ohio, Richard is living in Ottumwa and is the subject of this notice; George H. is residing in St. Louis and is a railroad conductor and David P. is living in Shelbyville, ILL. The mother of these children was married a second time to John Coley and of this marriage two children were born; Benjamin a farmer of Woodford, KY, and John W. deceased. Mr. Coley departed this life in 1854 during the terrible Cholera Epedemic of that year. Soon after the death of her husband Mrs. Coley returned to Lexington for the purpose of educating her children and died there circa 1856~1857. Three of the children were sent to the Orphans Home.

Soon after the death of the mother of our subject; together with his brothers George and David P. went to Evansdale, IND. where they were recieved into the home of an uncle, and adopted as his children. Richard continued to reside with his uncle until sixteen years of age when he was employed on the river during the winter seasons and during summers was occupied on acomcpaning a show. In 1874 he went to Moberly, MO. where he opened a restaurant in the depot, and did quite a business. In August 1877 he came to Ottumwa in company of Robert J. Cannon and opened a restaurant. He later took over management of the Lewis Opera House. On July 3, 1884 he gave up the management of the opera house.

Richard Sutton was united in marriage to Fannie Keeler of Albia, Iowa. She was born in Montreal, Canada and after a tour of the country the couple returned to Ottumwa where our subject rented a small hotel with fifteen rooms. He increased the capacity of his home to fifty rooms and is doing a good business. He is manager of the Turner Opera House at the present and has a lease of the same for two years.