WILLIAM ORCUTT was born in Canada, on the 27th of November, 1827. When he was eight years of age, his parents moved to Allegany county, New York, where he received his education. At the age of seventeen, he went to Wisconsin, returning soon to New York, where he remained a short time, and went to Indiana. There he was employed for a season as clerk in a store, after which he engaged in the grocery business for himself, continuing for about two years. Mr. Orcutt was, for four years, employed as grain buyer and receiver, by the Toledo, Wabash & Western Railroad Company; he was also Constable and Deputy Sheriff for the same length of time in Wabash county. In 1866, he came to St. Cloud, and was engaged in a boot and shoe store for about a year; then came to Alberta township and purchased his present farm. Since coming here he has been County Commissioner for three years, and at different times, has held the offices of Town Clerk, Justice of the Peace, and Supervisor. Miss Ellen Wright became his wife in 1854. They have had seven children. Five boys are living, two of whom are teaching school in the town.

History of the Upper Mississippi Valley (1881) p. 352 [Alberta]