My Genealogy Hound

W. L. McCUTCHEN, mayor of Hickman, was born in Williamson County, Tenn., July 4, 1827. His father, William McCutchen, was also a native of Tennessee, and a man of considerable note in the early history of the State, having served with Gen. Jackson in all his campaigns against the Indians (except the Seminole war), and in the war of 1812 rose to the position of colonel of volunteers. He participated in the battle of New Orleans, and was a warm personal friend of “Old Hickory,” who held him in the highest esteem. He died in the year 1861, aged sixty-five. The mother of subject died seven years later, at the age of seventy-two. W. L. McCutchen was thrown upon his own resources early in life, entering a store as clerk at the age of fourteen, and continuing for a period of seven years, his only compensation being his board and clothing. At the end of that time he effected a partnership with an elder brother in the mercantile business at Trenton, Tenn., where he remained until the war compelled them to close their store. When Mr. McCutchen came to Hickman, at the conclusion of the struggle, he possessed no capital except a determined will, which has characterized him during life. He commenced business in Hickman as a clerk on a salary of $1,200 per year, and while attending to his clerical duties, he bought and sold cotton on his own responsibility, in which he was very fortunate, realizing, by successful trading, the sum of $13,000 in four years. With this sum of money he was enabled to establish a wholesale and retail grocery house. This proved a very successful venture, and was continued until 1880, at which time he disposed of it at a handsome profit. Since 1880 Mr. McCutchen has been engaged in buying staves for the European markets, shipping principally to France. He employs from ten to twenty men during the year and carries on a very lucrative business. He was married November, 1858, to Miss Jennie E. Garrison, of Obion County, Tenn. Mr. and Mrs. McCutchen are the parents of eight children: Emma, Callie, Unie, Minnie, William (deceased), Thomas, Maggie and Jennie. In 1883, Mr. McCutchen was elected mayor of Hickman, and in 1884 was re-elected. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, I. O. O. F., and the K. of H. He and family are prominently identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and politically Mr. McCutchen is a Democrat.