William Cutting facts for kids

William Cutting (born 1832, died March 26, 1897) was an American lawyer and soldier. He was also known as a leader in society and an expert on good manners and honorable behavior.

Early Life and Family

William Cutting, often called Willy, was born in 1832 in New York City. He was the oldest son of Francis B. Cutting, who was a New York State Assemblyman and a U.S. Representative. His mother was Anne Markoe Cutting.

William had two brothers: Francis Brockholst Cutting and Heyward Cutting. His family had important connections. His grandmother, Gertrude Cutting, was a direct descendant of the Livingston family, a very influential family in New York history. This included Walter Livingston, who was the first Speaker of the New York State Assembly. William was also a cousin to William Bayard Cutting, an attorney, and Robert Fulton Cutting, a financier.

He went to Columbia University in New York City. After that, he studied law at Harvard Law School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was listed as part of Columbia College's class of 1851, but it's not clear if he completed his degree there.

Career and Military Service

After finishing his studies, William Cutting worked as a lawyer for a short time. He practiced law in New York City with his father.

When the U.S. Civil War began, William volunteered to serve in the Union Army. He became a Captain of Volunteers and an Assistant Quartermaster. Later, he joined the staff of Major General Ambrose Burnside. He was promoted to Major on July 22, 1862. He then served as an aide-de-Camp for General Burnside.

William Cutting stayed with General Burnside's command, the IX Corps, for the rest of the war. On March 13, 1865, he was given the honorary rank of Brevet Brigadier General of U.S. Volunteers. This honor was for his "gallant and meritorious services" during the Second Battle of Fredericksburg.

After the war, William Cutting helped found the Knickerbocker Club in 1870. This was a social club in New York City. Other founders included famous people like August Belmont and John Jacob Astor III.

Later Life

William Cutting passed away on March 26, 1897. He died at his cousin's home in New York City. His funeral was held at Grace Church in Manhattan. He was buried at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn.