J. H. Whitcher (1848-1920) came from Waukesha, Wisconsin to Dakota Territory in 1883, where he purchased a relinquishment to a tree claim it Getchell Township. Mr. Whitcher was z. teacher in the State Industrial School for Boys at Waukesha, Wisconsin. In 1876 J. H. Whitcher and Hattie Adeline Blackwell were married. Hattie Blackwell was born at Waukesha, Wisconsin, the daughter of Charles and Jane (Moon) Blackwell. Her father was a soldier in the Union Army and died at Memphis, TN. She attended public school and Carrol College at Waukesha. Then she taught in the public schools of Waukesha. Her brother C. E. Blackwell was a lumber dealer in the early days of Valley City and played a part in getting the Whitchers to come to Dakota Territory. Mr. Whitcher was a county commissioner for two terms and county treasurer 1897-1901. HE: served in the State Senate 1908-191 2. The Whitcher family gave land on which to build the school called "the Whitcher School." They were active in the Congregational Church at Getchell Prairie and their farm home was a meeting place for the neighbors. Uncle Jimmie was loved by young and old.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 265