He then began a business career, starting as a clerk in a clothing store and becoming successful in lumber, banking, mercantile enterprises, and railroads.

A Republican, he entered politics in 1860 when he won the election for town clerk, giving the local Democratic Party its first loss in over 30 years.

From 1875 to 1877 he served on the military staff of Governor Person Colby Cheney with the rank of Colonel.

The Democratic nominee, Charles H. Amsden finished second, but Tuttle did not have a majority, which meant the election had to be decided by the New Hampshire General Court.

[1] During his term the state library in Concord was established, he laid the cornerstone of the main building at the New Hampshire College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts, and he represented the state at the dedication of the Bennington Battle Monument.