James Huntington Cutler (Evansville, IN)

James Huntington Cutler

James Huntington Cutler (Dec 12, 1829 – Aug 23, 1907)

Biography

Sketch of James H. Cutler, ca1907.

• Name: James Huntington Cutler
• Birth: December 12, 1829 Highgate, Franklin County, Vermont
• Death: August 23, 1907 Bakersfield, Vermont (buried Evansville, Indiana)

Early life and family

James Huntington Cutler was born at Highgate, Franklin County, Vermont, December 12, 1829. His family was one of the most prominent in that section. He came to Evansville in 1856 and had since made his home there, becoming connected with the business life of the city and gaining a reputation as one of the best bankers in Indiana. In 1857 he married Miss Lorain M. Dean whom he had known from childhood, both having been raised in the same Vermont county. After coming to Evansville, Cutler became connected with the Canal Bank on Water Street and when it later moved its quarters to the corner of First and Main Streets and became known as the First National Bank, Mr. Cutler was made cashier of the institution. Later he became vice president and general manager. He was one of the oldest members of the Walnut Street Presbyterian Church and his high sense of honor and integrity made him a valuable businessman.

Banking career

In 1892, the First National Bank was located at the corner of First and Main Streets. It was the successor of the old Canal Bank. The First National was the first national bank in Evansville and sixth in the United States to make application for a charter under the new National Bank law. Mr. James H. Cutler, the cashier, was elected to that position in 1865 and by his wise conservative and honorable conduct had contributed largely to the soundness and popularity of this institution. Mr. Cutler was also a director in the Central Trust and Savings Company.

On January 11, 1894, the board met and re-elected the old officers: F.J. Reitz, president; James H. Cutler, vice president; and H.T. Cook, cashier. Mr. Cutler, the vice president and general manager, had been with the bank since its organization and was with its predecessor, the old Canal Bank for three years.

Other career highlights

• Rec. Secretary, Evansville Sanitary Commission (1862).
• Secretary, Evansville Insurance Company (1866).

In April 1866, the Evansville Insurance Co. with H.Q. Wheeler, president; and James H. Cutler, Secretary, maintained an office in the First National Bank Building, corner of Main and First Streets.

Later life and death

News of the death of James H. Cutler, for years one of Evansville's most influential business men, while visiting his boyhood home at Bakersfield, Vermont, accompanied by his wife, was borne to his family in this city by a brief message late Saturday. While walking across Main Street April 13th, Mr. Cutler was run down by a horseman and since that time his health had been very poor. Although he was able to leave his home, he never fully recovered from the shock and thinking to better his health he left for his boyhood home in Vermont several weeks ago accompanied by his wife. Friday, a letter was received by the children here from Mrs. Cutler saying that her husband was quite ill, but as the letter was very brief it was not thought that his illness was a dangerous one and the message bringing the news of his death came as a severe shock. Besides his wife, Mrs. Lorain M., he was survived by three children, Mrs. W.J. Knowlton of Rockport, Massachusetts; William H., and Adelbert J. of 430 Chandler Avenue; and five grandchildren, Mrs. Adolph Geiss, Miss Loraine Cutler, and Cutler, Norwood, and Arthur Knowlton of Rockport. His body was shipped from St. Albins, Vermont, on Monday afternoon and would reach Evansville Wednesday morning.

The 91st birthday of Mrs. James H. Cutler was quietly celebrated on Monday, July 11, 1921, at her home on Chandler Avenue. She came to Evansville when it was a village of just a few hundred and was a member of the teaching corps at the inception of Evansville's public school system under its first superintendent, H.Q. Wheeler. She was associated in her school work with another former Evansville woman of note, Miss Christine Hooker who later was head of the well-known young ladies' school where many of Evansville's women were educated. Mrs. Cutler was for more than half a century actively connected with the congregation of Walnut Street Presbyterian church and for almost an equal period treasurer of the Woman's Missionary Society.

Bank Officer Summary

During his banking career, James H. Cutler was involved with the following bank(s):

• Canal Bank, Evansville (Haxby IN-155): Bookkeeper 1860...1863
• First National Bank of Evansville, IN (Charter 28): Cashier 1867-1881 (Charter 2692): Cashier 1882-1892
• City National Bank, Evansville, IN (Charter 6200): Vice President 1902...1907
• Central Trust and Savings Company, Evansville, IN: Director 1892...1970; Second Vice President 1907

Original Series $10 bank note, The First National Bank of Evansville (Charter 28), with pen signatures of James H. Cutler, Cashier and John S. Hopkins, President. Courtesy of David Grant

1882 Brown Back $5 bank note, The First National Bank of Evansville (Charter 2692), with pen signatures of James H. Cutler, Cashier and Charles Viele, President. Courtesy of David Grant

Sources

• James Huntington Cutler onFindagrave.com
• Banks & Bankers Historical Database (1782-1935)