Willard Walker Cutler

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Prominent in professional circles of Morristown, esteemed in every relation of life, and actively identified with public affairs, is Willard W. CUTLER, whose birth occurred in Morristown, New Jersey, November 3, 1856, son of the late Hon. Augustus W. and Julia R. (WALKER) CUTLER.

He attended the Morristown Academy and high school, after which he pursued a two years’ course at Rutgers College. He studied for the profession of law under guidance of his father, and was admitted as an attorney at the November term of the Supreme Court, 1878, and as a counsellor at the same term, 1881. Subsequently he became a special master and examiner in chancery and a supreme court commissioner. He at once established an office for active practice of his profession in Morristown, and has continued to the present time, during which time he has gained prominence as an able lawyer and advocate. In December, 1882, he was appointed by Governor LUDLOW prosecutor of the pleas of Morris County to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of George W. FORSYTH, and during this service was connected with many important cases which had more than a local interest. Many of them, notably the murder trial of James TREGIOWN gained considerable renown. In January, 1883, he was reappointed and confirmed for a full term of five years and he held the office, by appointment of Governor GREEN, in 1888, and of Governor WERTS in 1893, until the spring of 1893, when he resigned to accept the position of law judge of Morris county, to which he was appointed by Governor WERTS for a term of five years. In addition to these he served as counsel of Morris township, being the incumbent of this office for many years. He was instrumental in the organization of the Morristown Trust Company and the Morris County Mortgage and Realty Company, in both of which he held the office of vice president for a number of years. He is a member and trustee of the South Street Presbyterian Church of Morristown, and was president of the Young Men’s Christian Association of Morristown for several years. Mr. CUTLER is a member of both State and Morris County Bar Associations, and has served as president of the latter; a member of F. and A. M., Cincinnati Lodge, No. 3; Morristown Chapter; Morristown Commandery. This brief resume of Mr. CUTLER’S many spheres of activity and usefulness proves the broadness of his mental vision, and whether considered as a lawyer, public official, business man, or churchman, he is found to be true to himself and true to his fellows.

Mr. CUTLER married, December 4, 1879, Mary B., daughter of John J. HINCHMAN of Brooklyn, New York. Six children.

1. Millard W., Jr., mining engineer; resides in Morristown; has been engaged on a contract in Sonora, Mexico, as representative of several companies, as mining expert; graduate of Princeton College and Columbia School of Mines.
2. Genevieve W., wife of Charles M. MARSH of Washington, D. C.
3. Julia H., wife of John H. SALTER, Jr., of Glen Ridge, New Jersey, one child,
- Julia.
4. Ethel, wife of Leon FREEMAN, of Morristown, New Jersey, one child
- a daughter.
5. Edith, at home.
6. Ralph H. preparing for Princeton College.

Transcribed by E.J.Carlson.