Boyle, County Roscommon
Cuthbert was born in Boyle, County Roscommon, Ireland, the eldest son of John Cuthbert. Cuthbert was educated at Drogheda Grammar School, winning the classical medal, and studied law. In 1854 he was admitted a solicitor in Ireland, and the same year left for Victoria, where he was at once admitted to practice. In 1855 he went to Ballarat, and, besides being successful in his profession, became largely interested in mining. He was the original promoter of the Buninyong Gold Mining Company.