Margaret Van Courtlandt Ogden and Francis Augustus McNutt

FRANCIS AUGUSTUS MCNUTT, son of LAETITIA JANE SCOTT and CAPT. JOSEPH GIDEON MCNUTT, was born February 15, 1863 in Richmond, Wayne, Indiana, and died December 30, 1927 in Scholls Ratzotz, Brixen, Italy.⁴⁹

He married MARGARET VAN COURTLANDT OGDEN on January 4, 1898.³⁷⁸⁸

• Descendant Reports
  • William Scott Descendant Report (Ancestor of Francis A. McNutt)

Personal Information

• Francis Augustus McNutt authored "Letters of Cortes - The Five Letters of Relation from Fernando Cortes to the Emperor Charles V." by G. P Putnam's Sons, April, 1908, New York and London.³⁷⁹⁷

Newspaper Articles

The World, December 28, 1897^{3788, 3395}

OUT OF DIPLOMACY INTO MATRIMONY.

After an Adventurous Career Abroad, Frank McNutt to Marry Miss Ogden.

SHE IS A GREAT HEIRESS.

Is an Orpha, of Literary Taste and Does Not Care Much for Society.

HE HAS SEEN PUBLIC SERVICE.

His Career in the Diplomatic Service Has Been Marked by Many Stormy Incidents.

(Special to The World.)

RICHMOND, Ind., Dec. 27.—The announcement of the approaching marriage of Frank McNutt, of this city to Miss Margaret Van Courtlandt Ogden, of New York, is contained in a letter received here from Mr. McNutt himself, who has been in New York for some weeks.

In his letter Mr. McNutt says that he met Miss Ogden at Bar Harbor, Me., last May, and that their betrothal is the result of the acquantance formed at that place.

The wedding, which is to take place on the morning of Jan. 4, will be an elaborate affair, and the couple will immediately thereafter leave for Europe, where they expect to remain for three years.

Mr. McNutt was born and reared in this city. His father was a lawyer, of considerable ability. Both parents died when Mr. McNutt was a child. He then became a member of the household of his grandfather, the late Andrew F. Scott, who was President of the Second National Bank.

Mr. McNutt received a good education, and having means of his own, he travelled extensively. He has been in many countries, having gone around the world, and speaks German, Italian, French, Spanish, Russian and Turkish. He is a special friend of the young Khedive of Egypt, and has spent weeks with him in his palace. President Garfield appointed Mr. McNutt Secretary of the American Legation at St. Petersburg, and he was afterward transferred to the American Legation at Madrid. He was also Secretary of the American Legation at Rome, under Minister Albert G. Porter. Mr. McNutt is considered one of the best posted men of the country on the politics of Europe. He is now thirty-seven years old.

WASHINGTON, DEC. 27—Frank McNutt is best known here by reason of his stormy career in the diplomatic service. Through the influence of wealthy was released from prison by the interpotion as Secretary at Madrid, when A. Louden Snowden was Minister under President Harrison's Administration. Innumerable stories are related of the indescretions he committed while a resident of Madrid. After one escapade he (?) sition of the Spanish premier. The affair created something of a scandal in diplomatic circles.

While Charge d'Affairs at Madred Mr. McNutt had a controversy with John W. Foster, who was sent to Spain on a special mission. Mr. McNutt fancied that he had the best of the argument and made a voluminous report of his mal-treatment by Mr. Foster, which was laid before Minister Snowden upon his return and also forwarded to the State Department.

Mr. Snowden had Mr. McNutt transferred to Rome, where former Gov. Albert G. Porter was then Minister. It is recited that Mr. McNutt had a controversy with members of the American College at Rome and in other ways caused considerable trouble to Minister Porter and the Department of State.

In the mean time the unexpected resignation of James G. Blaine had brought John W. Foster into power as Secretary of State. In that capacity Mr. Foster caused the removal of Mr. McNutt from his position.

Following the incoming of President McKinley, Mr. McNutt made an effort to re-enter the diplomatic service. He had many men of high position and prominence personally urge his appointment as secretary of legation at St. Petersburg. Former Secretary Foster learned of his ambition. It was only necessary for him to speak a few works and the application of Mr. McNutt was withdrawn.

Frank McNutt is a grandson of Andrew F. Scott, President of the Second National Bank of Richmond, Ind., a man of great wealth, which will be inherited by the grandson. Mr. McNutt was educated as a cadet, but did not enter the service.

Miss Margaret Van Courtlandt Ogden is a wealthy young woman whose fortune can be put down safely at about a million. This is principally in real estate, much of which is in the Annexed District. She lives alone with a chaperon in her own house, No. 9 East Thirty-fifth street, just off Fifth avenue.

Miss Ogden is an orphan. Without being handsome she possesses chic and style. She has never cared for society and of late years has not gone at all. She is a relative of the Van Courtlandts, as also of the late William Ogden, whose widow is very well known in society, and whose country seat at Washington Bridge, Boscobel, and whose town house on Madison avenue and Fortieth street, are show places.

Miss Ogden is literary and has been a great traveller. She usually passes her summers abroad.

New York Times, May 17, 1901³⁷⁸⁹

Papal Appointment for an American.

RICHMOND, Ind., May 16.—An unofficial report has been received here to the effect that Frank McNutt, formerly of this city, has been appointed a Court Chamberlain by the Pope. Mrs. Augustus Scott, cousin of Mr. McNutt, says the report is true, that he was appointed some tiem ago, but the appointment was not made public. McNutt was for several years a member of the household of the Bishop of Mexico. Later he went abroad, and for some time has resided in Rome.

Indianapolis News, June 25, 1902³⁷⁹⁰

A RICHMOND MAN IS AN OFFICER TO POPE LEO.

Lives in Pahmphill Palace — Hoped to be a Cardinal.

(Special to The Indianpolis News.)

RICHMOND, Ind., June 25.—Frank McNutt, chamberlain to Pope Leo, and a member of the papal household at Rome, who officiated at the state dinner in honor of Governor Taft, of the Phillippines, a few days ago, is a native of this city, and all of his relatives live here.

His brother, Alfred McNutt, a lieutenant in the United States army, died a few years ago, just at a time when fame seemed within his reach. The McNutt boys were the only children of Mr. and Mrs. Gideon McNutt. The parents died many years ago, and the boys were cared for by their grandfather, the late Andrew Scott, president of the Second National Bank.

Each had an ambition to do something in the world that would bring him distinction, and it is said that early in their lives Andrew made the assertion that some day he would be a general in the United States army, while Frank predicted that he would become a cardinal in the Catholic church.

Soldier Missed His Goal.

Alfred McNutt, following his career at West Point and his service on the frontier in the West, was in line for further promotion, and, had he lived and been able to take part in the Spanish-American war, he might have been near his goal. He was stricken with ill-health, however, and for several years was in the army hospital at Washington.

Frank McNutt joined the Catholic church in his youth. He was the only member of his family outside the Protestant faith. His inclination was to obtain a good education, and the desire was gratified; his grandfather sending him to Exeter and later to Harvard.

Following his collegiate course he traveled extensively, making numerous tours of the old world and remaining for long periods in the European capitals where he studied. Rome had special attractions for the young man, and several years were passed there. In the administration of President Harrison he ws made a member of the American legation at Rome, and continued under Cleveland.

Then followed another prolonged tour of the old world. Four years ago Mr. McNutt was married in New York.

Surrendered to Cupid.

If there had ever been a faint hope of becoming a cardinal, this surrender to cupid placed it beyond his reach, but it did not prevent him from achieving prominence in the Roman Catholic church. Two years ago he was made private chamberlain to the Pope.

When the word was received here, some months after the appointment, it could not be credited by his friends, for they failed to understand by what influence he gained the station. The report of the appointment was soon confirmed, however, by his relatives, and Mr. McNutt and his wife live in the Pamphill palace, which belongs to Prince Moria.

Fort Wayne Daily News, May 6, 1905³⁷⁹¹

Indiana Man Buys a Home in the Alps.

RICHMOND, Ind., May 6—Relatives of Frank McNutt, a former Richmond man, now chamberlain to Pope Pius, a position he also held under Pope Leo, have received a letter from him at Rome, in which he tells of his purchase of a beautiful catle in the Tyrolese Alps, in southern Austria, which will be his summer home.

The Enquirer, July 22, 1905³⁷⁹²

THROWN

Into a Roman Prison

Is Another Chapter of Frank McNutt's Romantic Career.

A Richmond (Ind.) Man Has Serious Trouble With The Vatican—Friends Intercede For Him.

SPECIAL DISPATCH TO THE ENQUIRER.

Richmond, In., July 21.—Richmond relatives and friends of Frank McNutt, a former resident of this city, were shocked today to learn that he had been thrown in prison under the order of the Vatican at Rome. For six years McNutt had been serving as the Private Chamberlain to the Pope. He received the appointment under Pope Leo, and was retained by Pope Pius. Several weeks ago friends in Richmond read dispatches from Rome stating that McNutt had been divested of his position because of some serious breach, but beyond that there was no explanation given. Not a word was received here direct from McNutt which would indicate that he was in serious trouble. Dispatches say that details of the crime with which McNutt is charged have been suppressed.

McNutt is 44 years of age. His life reads like a romance. He was born and reared in Richmond, the son of a pioneer business man. In their early childhood Frank McNutt and an elder brother were extremely ambitious. The elder boy desired to enter the army. Frank McNutt wished to become prominent in the Roman Catholic Church. Both boys in after years realized the first steps toward their coveted goals. The older boy was sent to West Point. He graduated with distinction, but death put an end to his career. Frank McNutt was graduated from Exeter Academy. Then he studied for the priesthood, but was never ordained. During the time that James G. Blaine was Secretary of State McNutt was made Secretary of the American Legation at Constantinople. Later he was transferred to a similar post at Madrid, Spain. He served with distinction at both places.

Seven years ago, following an extended visit with relatives in Richmond, McNutt was married to a Miss Ogden, of New York, whom he met years before in Europe. His bride was reputed to be wealthy, and they went to Europe, intending to spend two or three years there. It was will sojourning in Rome that McNutt was unexpectedly tendered the position of Chamberlain to Pope Leo, and he accepted the honor. Frequently his Richmond relatives heard from him, and apparently he was enjoying his Vatican life. Two years ago he and his wife acquired possession, by purchase or lease, of an historic castle in the Tyrol Mountains, which they intended to make their summer home during the brief period that Mr. McNutt was relieved of his Vatican duties. Until dispatches conveyed the news that McNutt was in disfavor at Rome there was no intimation that his life was otherwise than pleasant. The fact that he has not been heard from directly by Richmond people indicates that his is in serious trouble.

Indianapolis News, April 13, 1906³⁷⁹³

FLYING VISIT TO RELATIVES.

Frank McNutt, Chief Chamberlain to the Pope, at Richmond.

[Special to The Indianapolis News.]

RICHMOND, Ind., April 13.—Frank McNutt, of Rome, Italy, arrived in this city, his former home, last evening on a flying visit to relatives, and also on a business mission with William Dudly Foulke. Mr. McNutt left at noon to-day for New York, and next week he will start on his return to Rome. Six months ago Mr. McNutt, who was chief chamberlain to Pope Pius, succeeding himself in that position after long service under Pope Leo, was deposed penind investigation of charges filed against him. Two months ago Mr. McNutt was exonerated and he was immediately re-established in the pope's favor and his old position was restored to him.

New York Times, April 25, 1908³⁷⁹⁷

Letters of Cortes

The Five Letters of Relation from Fernando Cortes to the Emperor Charles V.

Translated and edited by FRANCIS AUGUSTUS McNUTT

2 volumes, 8vo. Illustrated. Limited to 750 sets. $10.00 net.

This sumptuous edition of the letters of Cortes presents for the first time in a consecutive English translation the five letters of relation from Fernando Cortes to the Emperor Charles V. Mr. McNutt has appended to the Letters an ample series of notes drawn, with great and painstaking labor, from the best sources, ancient and modern. These serve to illustrate, complete, and correct the narrative.

New York Times, May 23, 1908³⁷⁹⁸

THE LETTERS OF CORTES.

THE five long letters, or "relations," sent by Fernando Cortes to the Emperor Charles V, in which he gave a circumstantial account of the conquest of Mexico, from the standpoint of the conqueror, and of the people he had overcome, are now made available for the first time to English readers. The translation, from the original sixteenth century Spanish, has been done by Francis Augustus McNutt, formerly Secretary of the American Legation at Madrid, and since for some years a resident of Rome, where he is in the service of the Vatican.

The letters of Cortes have been accissible to students in several Spanish editions, and they have also been translated and published in French and german. That original document of such great interest and importance to students of American history should not have had presentation in English until this late day is rather a reproach to American scholarship and historical research.

Mr. McNutt has done his work of translation in the way most accetable to both the special student and the general reader, for his aim has been to preserve the matter and the style of Cortes's narrations with as near an approach to literal accuracy as possible. Copious notes accompany the text, completing and explaining the narriative of Cortes. A biography of Cortes, together with his will—a lengthy document revealing his character as well as contemporary customs in many unconscious touches—and a bibliographical chapter, fill nearly half of the first volume. Appendices to both volumes contain historical and biographical matter concerning important Mexican figures in the drama of the conquest of Mexico, and the civilization, origin, and religion of the ancient race. The plain, terse, and soldierlike tale which Cortes sent to his sovereign of his perilous adventures and triumphant progress, as ungarnished in the translation as in the original, will be welcomed by all students of Spanish-American history. Several maps and plans of Mexico and its capital city, together with portraits of Cortes and Charles V., furnish the illustrations. The work is published in tow volumes in a limited edition at $10 per set by G. P. Putnam's Sons.

Indianapolis News, September 9, 1908³⁷⁹⁴

FRANK M'NUTT RETURNS.

Former Chamberlain to the Pope Visiting at Richmond.

[Special to The Indianapolis News.]

RICHMOND, Ind., September 9.—Frank McNutt, formerly chamberlain to the Pope at Rome, who resigned some time ago to pursue his literary work, arrived in Richmond to-day, to spend some time with relatives. McNutt was born and reared in this city. His life of "Cortes," which is to be put out by an Eastern publishing house, will soo be in press, and during Mr. McNutt's stay here the proofs will be read and revised. The work, it is said, will be a valuable contribution to historic literature.

Indianapolis Star, April 13, 1913³⁷⁹⁵

McNUTT GIVES $250 TO FUND.

Chamberlain to Pope Leo, Now in Portuga, Sends Check to Richmond.

RICHMOND, Ind., April 12.—John B. Dougan received a check for $250 from Frank McNutt, formerly an American diplomat and at one time chamberlain to the late Pope Leo, to be placed in the relief fund being raised in Richmond for Indiana and Ohio flood sufferers. The check was sent from Lisbon, Portugal, where McNutt has been spending the winter.

McNutt is a native of Richmond. He is an historical writer of note, served as secretary of legation at Constantinople and at Madrid, and has been a globe trotter for years. Several years ago he retired from the service of Pope Leo under circumstances that attracted international attention. McNutt alleged that he was the victim of a conspiracy and the full details of the case were never made public.

Indianapolis News, March 10, 1917³⁷⁹⁶

RELATIVES SEEK INFORMATION

Wish to Learn Whereabouts of Mr. and Mrs. Frank McNutt, in Austria.

[Special to The Indianapolis News]

RICHMOND, Ind., March 10.—Relatives here of Frank McNutt, formerly of Richmond, but now living in Austria, are making an effort to gain information concerning him and his wife. They have not been heard from since December. Mr. McNutt was at one time an attache of the American legation at Madrid and later was chamberlain to the pope. He bought an estate in the Austrian Tyrols five years ago.

The Record-Argus, October 28, 1937³⁸⁰⁰

LIFE AND LITERATURE

BY PROF. WILLIAM LYON PHELPS (Yale)

"A PAPAL CHAMBERLAIN"

This is the title of a very interesting volume edited by the Rev. John J. Donovan, with a Foreward by His Eminence Cardinal Hayes and a Preface by the late G. K. Chesterton, one of the last things he wrote; this book was published just one year ago.

The full title ia "A Papal Chamberlain: The Personal Chronicle of Francis Augustus MacNutt;" the publishers are Longmans, Green and Co., New York. There are many illustrations.

In the first sentence of Mr. Chesterton's Preface, we find a characteristic remark describing the book. "It deals with a career constantly in touch with the governing groups of the modern world, and with other groups that are a little too intelligent to be allowed to govern; or perhaps a little too intelligent to wish to govern."

This is the autobiography of a Man of God who knew the world. He was born in Indiana, studied at Exeter and Harvard, travelled in Europe and the Orient, met interesting men of genius such as Oscar Wilde and Whistler, was appointed Private Chamberlain at the Vatican and was closely associated with one of the greatest Popes in history, Leo XIII, seeing him nearly every day, being present in the Vatican when he died, and keeping intimate relations with the two following Popes Pius X and Benedict XV. It is interesting that an American of Presbyterian Scot ancestry, married to a New York lady, Margaret Ogden, should have become not only an ardent Roman Catholic, but should have played so important a part in the Church.

The most interesting thing that happened during his law studies at Harvard was the visit of Oscar Wilde, and the really delightful impression Wilde made on the Harvard students when he took tea with them in a college room in the Yard; and his personal kindness to the author of this book.

The author died December 30, 1927, in his 65th year; and when the privately printed edition of his book was brought to him, he remarked "My book and I are finished at the same time."

The Rev. John J. Donovan should receive our gratitude for his admirable work as editor.

Obituaries

Richmond Palladium, January 4, 1928¹¹⁴²³

Francis A. MacNutt, Well Known Here, Dies in Italy

Francis Augustus MacNutt, 64 years old, former Richmond resident and well known among many of the older inhabitants, died Dec. 30, 1927, at Schloss Ratzotz, Brixen, Italy after a lingering illness, according to an announcement received here Wednesday. Mr. MacNutt held during his life time several positions of eminence. He was secretary of the American Legation of Constantinople and at Madrid. Later he occupied the position of High Chamberlain to the Pope, an appointment he received from Leo 13th.

Mr. MacNutt was also a writer of some importance, the author of several books of historical nature and a contributor to magazines.

Mr. MacNutt was a grandson of Andrew F. Scott and spent the most of his youth under the tutelage of his grandparents who lived at the time on the corner of North Tenth and B streets. He was remembered by neighborhood friends as a bright and precocious youth, a most entertaining conversationalist, well read and informed on many subjects. He displayed early in life an interest in religious affairs.

About 15 years ago Mr. MacNutt made his last trip to Richmond. His visit occurred about the same time as the Beveridge-Roosevelt political rally which he attended with friends.

Born in Richmond

Mr. MacNutt, youngest son of Joseph G. and Laetitia Jane (Scott) MacNutt, was born in Richmond, Feb. 15, 1863. Mrs. MacNutt died when Francis and the elder brother Albert were quite young and the boys were raised by their grandfather, Andrew G. Scott.

Mr. MacNutt attended the public schools of the city and the Friends' academy. At the age of 17 he was sent to Phillips Exeter academy at Exeter, Mass. to prepare for Harvard. After two years at preparatory school he entered Harvard law school where he remained for one year.

The next few years were spent in travel in Europe and study in Germany. Later in Mexico, he worked at Spanish-American subjects under the direction of the late Abbe Fischer, one-time chaplain to the Emperor Maximilian of Mexico. He returned to Spain and England for study and in 1887 entered the Accademia Ecclesiastica in Rome. This institution was one of the finest educational schools of the Catholic church, and special attention was given training in diplomatic administrative functions.

Appointed Secretary

Mr. MacNutt returned to America in 1889 and was appointed first secretary to the American Legation at Constantinople and later to the same post in Madrid. He was attached temporarily to the Behring Sea Arbitration Conference between the United States and Great Britain which met in Paris in 1893.

In 1898, he was appointed by Pope Leo 13th to the place of High Chamberlain in the Pontifical Court, a place he occupied until about 1906. At the time he retired and began writing for a London periodical, a series of articles on Spanish Cities. His first book "Letters of Cortes to Charles 5th," a translation from the Spanish appeared in 1908. This was followed by an original work "Bartholomew De Las Casas, His Life, His Apostolate, and His Writings." His last book "Fernando Cortes and his Conquest of Mexico," appeared in the "Heroes of the Nations" series in 1909.

Mr. MacNutt was married in 1898 to Miss Margaret Van Cortlandt Ogden of New York City. This was just prior to his taking up of his duties as Legation secretary at Constantinople. Mr. and Mrs. MacNutt when not travelling resided in Italy.

Mr. MacNutt was a member of the Metropolitan club of Washington, D. C., and an intimate friend of Cardinal Merry del Val, Papal secretary of state. He was also the first American to receive such an appointment as the post of Chamberlain to the Pope.

Indianapolis News, January 5, 1928³⁷⁹⁹

INDIANIAN DIES IN ITALY

F. A. McNutt, Age 64, Was American Diplomat.

[Special to The Indianapolis News]

RICHMOND, Ind., January 5.—Francis Augustus MacNutt, age sixty-four, former Richmond resident, died December 30 at Scholss Ratzotz, Brixen, Italy, according to an announcement received here. He held several positions of importance. He was secretary of the American legation at Constantinople and at Madrid. Later he occupied the position of high chamberlain to the pope.

MacNutt also was the author of several books of historical nature and a contributor to magazines. He attended the Richmond schools, the Friends Academy and Harvard law school. He traveled in Europe and later in Mexico. He returned to Spain and ENgland for study, and in 1887 entered the Academia Ecclesiastica in Rome.

MacNutt returned to America in 1889 and was appointed first secretary to the American legation at Constantinople, and later to the same post in Madrid. he was attached temporarily to the Behring sea arbitration conference between the United States and Great Britain which met in Paris in 1892.

Census Records

Date	Location	Enumerated Names
July 9, 1870305	Richmond, Wayne, Indiana	Andrew Finley Scott Martha McGlathery Augustus Clement Scott Mary Ellen Scott Francis Augustus McNutt Albert Scott McNutt
June 7, 1880659	Richmond, Wayne, Indiana	Andrew Finley Scott Martha McGlathery Augustus Clement Scott Albert Scott McNutt Francis Augustus McNutt