John Christopher Cutler

John Christopher Cutler
2nd Governor of Utah
In office January 2, 1905 – January 4, 1909
Preceded by	Heber Manning Wells
Succeeded by	William Spry
Clerk of Salt Lake County, Utah
In office 1884–1890
Preceded by	Dirk Bockholt
Succeeded by	Clarence Emir Allen
Personal details
Born	(1846-02-05)February 5, 1846 Sheffield, England
Died	July 30, 1928(1928-07-30) (aged 82) Salt Lake City, Utah
Cause of death	Suicide by firearm
Resting place	Salt Lake City Cemetery 40.777°N 111.858°W / 40.777; -111.858 (Salt Lake City Cemetery)
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Sarah Elizabeth Taylor
Children	7
Occupation	Businessman

John Christopher Cutler (February 5, 1846 – July 30, 1928) was an American politician and the second governor of the State of Utah. He served as governor from 1905 to 1909.

Biography

Cutler was born in Sheffield, England, on February 5, 1846. Cutler's family emigrated to Utah Territory in 1864 after becoming members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Cutler married Sarah Elizabeth Taylor, with whom he was the father of seven children. Cutler became a successful businessman, serving as president of his family's dry goods business and holding board of directors seats for several banks, insurance companies, and other companies. Cutler was active in politics and government as a Republican and served as Salt Lake County Clerk from 1884 to 1890.

Governor of Utah

In the early 1900s, Cutler was affiliated with the Republican Party faction called the "Federal Bunch", holders of federal office who were opposed to incumbent Governor Heber M. Wells. In 1904 Wells was unable to attract support for his planned candidacy for U.S. Senate, so he ran for reelection as governor. The Federal Bunch backed Cutler. He won the Republican nomination and was elected governor in November 1904. Cutler served from 1905 to 1909. His term was notable for laws that established juvenile courts in the state's largest cities and a central birth and death registry administered by the state board of health.

He announced his candidacy for reelection in 1908, but withdrew prior to the Republican convention when he lost the support of Federal Bunch, which was led by Senator Reed Smoot.

Post-governorship

After serving as governor, Cutler returned to his business interests. In 1911, he was elected President of the Deseret National Bank.

Death and burial

At age 82 and in ill health, Cutler used a revolver to commit suicide on July 30, 1928. He was buried at Salt Lake City Cemetery.

See also

• List of U.S. state governors born outside the United States

References

• Murphy, Miriam B. (1994), "Cutler, John Christopher", Utah History Encyclopedia, University of Utah Press, ISBN 9780874804256, archived from the original on March 21, 2024, retrieved April 13, 2024
• Jenson, Andrew (1920). Latter-day Saint biographical encyclopedia: A compilation of biographical sketches of prominent men and women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Vol. 3. Salt Lake City, Utah: The Andrew Jenson History Company (Printed by The Arrow Press). pp. 360–362. Retrieved August 4, 2021.

External links

• John Christopher Cutler at Find a Grave