Oscar Clute was born near Albany, New York, March 1, 1837 of Dutch descent, and died in a Soldiers Home near Los Angeles, California, January 27, 1902. Clute taught high school from 1855 to 1859, at which time he entered the sophomore class at Michigan Agricultural College (now Michigan State University). He graduated in 1862. He served briefly in Howlett's Engineers during the Civil War. In 1864 he married Mary Merrylees (sister of Mrs. T.C. Abbot). They had six children: William Merrylees, Oscar Clark, Lucy Merrylees, Katherine Spencer, Edward Hale and Marie Morrill.

Following graduation Clute taught mathematics at M.A.C. for four years, excepting the period of brief military service. He received an M.S. degree in 1864. In 1866 he entered Meadville Theological Seminary, graduating in 1867. From 1868-1889 Clute served as a minister in Unitarian Church of New Jersey, Iowa and California. He was selected president of M.A.C. in 1889 and remained for four years. In 1893 M.A.C. Board conferred upon him an LL.D. Also in 1893 he left for the presidency of Florida Agricultural College, retiring from there in ill health in 1897.

The presidency at M.A.C. was a trying experience for the reserved and determined scholar. The college faced numerous crises from within as well as without. Student unrest, large scale faculty turnover and the populist revolt all seem to have taken a toll on Clute's health.

Following his retirement from M.A.C., Clute moved to Pomona, California. He returned to the ministry for one year before being forced by ill-health into the Soldier's Home.