Around a decade later, he became a successful real estate agent and landlord and moved to the Beacon Hill neighborhood.

[1] Cutter's political career began when he served for several years as a justice of the peace.

On November 29, 1873, Mayor Henry L. Pierce resigned to serve in the House of Representatives for Massachusetts' 3rd congressional district.

He held power as both the chairman of the Board of Aldermen for the remainder of the year, as well as mayor, an act that was approved by his colleagues.

[1] Cutter died in his home in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood on July 13, 1894.