Jacob Hutter (?-1536) was a proficient organizer who helped lay the groundwork for the Hutterian way of life, which still exists today. The Hutterites take their name from Jacob Hutter.

Hutter was a hatter (hat maker) by trade.  He was born at Moos in the Puster Valley, half a mile from Bruneck.  He was baptized, chosen for a minister, and confirmed in the service of the Gospel.  He joined an Anabaptist group (later known as Hutterites) in 1529. 

Hutter, in the name of his group in Tyrol, joined the Anabaptist group at Austerlitz in Moravia.  He stayed in Tyrol, doing mission work and sending groups over the Alps to Moravia.  Twice the church in Moravia called on him to settle conflicts.  With a price on his head, he moved to Moravia in 1533 where he was chosen as elder of this group.

Religious persecution in Moravia caused the church to send him back to Tyrol.  On November 29, 1535 he was deceived and betrayed at Klausen. Bound and gagged he was taken to Innsbruck. There he was tortured and interrogated.  On February 2, 1536 he was condemned and burned alive at the stake.