NELSON ORCUTT was born in Allegany county, New York, on the 31st of July, 1836. He remained in his native place, where he received a good common school education, and also learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, at which he worked, almost continuously, until 1857. Then, coming to Minnesota, he located on a farm in Dodge county; remaining until the 11th of February, 1865, when he enlisted in Company M, of the First Minnesota Artillery, under Captain Charles Johnson. He was soon sent to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he was on guard duty, for a few months. In October, 1865, he was mustered out of the service in St. Paul, and returned to his farm in Dodge county. Two years later, Mr. Orcutt came to this township, purchased his present farm, and for two years has held the office of Assessor of the town. He was married in October, 1856, to Miss Sarah McKay. They have four children living.

History of the Upper Mississippi Valley (1881) pp. 351-2 [Alberta]