414 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



In 1874, he opened a general store at Buffalo, Wright county, in co- 

 partnership with his brother-in-law, C. E. Oaklej^ and in 1877 came 

 to Howard Lake and engaged in the mercantile business. 



Ten years ago Mr. Cutts started the Howard Lake Nursery, and 

 under difficulties which those who have engaged in similar enter- 

 prises will understand well. Perhaps the most formidable of recent 

 years has been the dry seasons. But during the past two years the 

 outlook had greatly improved. After years of discouragement, the 

 returns became ever more satisfactory. Labor, incessant labor, was 

 still necessary, but Mr. Cutts found his chief happiness in unceas- 

 ing work, and his industry seemed untiring. There was no sharp 

 practice in anything that he undertook, and, as a consequence, he 

 was respected everywhere. 



His selection last year as one of the staff of farmer's institute 

 lecturers was hailed with universal satisfaction wherever he was 

 known. Mr. O. C. Gregg recently eulogized warmly the practical 

 knowledge shown by him in connection with horticultural matters 

 and the progressive spirit with which he received new ideas and 

 applied them. To this may be added, a patience in explaining 

 what he desired his hearers to understand and a kindliness of man- 

 ner that won the confidence of all who were brought in contact with 

 him. 



The deceased served for two terms in the state legislature, being 

 first elected in the fall of 1880, but during the political canvass pre- 

 ceding his election he never stooped to the methods of campaign- 

 ing which were so common in those days. He never solicited 

 the support of any voter, and when elected he proved by his general 

 fairness that Republicanism is not incompatible with independence 

 of judgment and that a man can be true to his principles without 

 becoming a party hack. 



Mr. Cutts was married in New York in 1863 to Miss Jennie M. Oak- 

 ley, who, with their two children, Eva and Ruth, survive him. He 

 leaves also a brother and two sisters living in New York state. 



Mr. Cutts was blessed with a very sunny and cheerful disposition. 

 He had a happy and sanguine temperament and always looked on 

 the bright side of life. He had a good word for every one and a 

 ready smile. He did not change much outwardly during the twenty 

 years we knew him. He received fortune's buffets and rewards 

 with equal thanks, and no matter what his cares and troubles might 

 be he put the best side forward. He was never heard to condemn 

 others or speak an ill word of any one. The charity that was the 

 mainspring of his conduct not only made him the friend of those 

 who were needy and in distress, but he gave everybody credit for 

 the best of motives. It would hardly be just to say this much 

 without adding that Providence gave him a wife whose industry 

 and intelligent co-operation were a source of happiness and comfort 

 to him in every difficulty. The inspiration he received was from 

 liis own family, who shared in his toils as well as in his success. 



The death of Mr. Cutts was almost instantaneous. While feeding 

 chickens in his barn yard at eventide, he was taken ill and fell to 

 the ground. After being carried into the house, he expired in a few 

 moments, doubtless heart failure being the immediate cause. 



