He was born in North Melbourne to tobacco worker Charles Mutton and Mary Ann Moloney.
In 1911 he became an ironworker, and in August 1914 he married Annie Maria Peachey, with whom he had four children.
In 1908 he had joined the Labor Party, and in 1917 he became founding president of the Fawkner branch.
In 1930 he inherited his father's poultry farm, and also became president of the Iron Founders' Union.
In June 1956 he was re-admitted to the party, and he served until his retirement in 1967, when he was succeeded by his son Jack.