Butler Family Records

My Ancestry.com DNA Ethnicity Estimate Report

My 23AndMe DNA Ancestry Results

Thomas Butler Jr. (1698-1759)

Thomas Butler (1674-1747)

Link to Thomas Butler and his Descendants

The Thomas Butler Mystery

Date: Jan 16 1998
Contact: sebyram@eaglenet.com
Am trying to find parents of one Thomas BUTLER b. 1674. Legend states that he was of the House of Ormonde. My first record of him has him married to Elizabeth Abbott of Dover, New Hampshire and they then move to Kittery and later South Berwick, Maine. I know this is a "shot in the dark", but this man and his ancestors are an enigma--Any help would be appreciated.

Emailed 9/3/06 to ask if the information was found. No reply.

(DS26) Thomas Butler b. c.1674 Ireland, d. c.1747 South Berwick, Maine, USA

This Thomas Butler is said to have been born in Ireland in 1674 and to have sailed to America in the ship "MacKartie" in about 1688, subsequently owning her or a ship of the same name. He settled in So.Berwick, Me, USA marrying Elizabeth Abbott in about 1697 by whom he had seven children. He died 1747 in So.Berwick, Me. Ancestors sought. A direct descendant writes from Texas that Thomas seems to have been a "man without a past". The first public record that she knows of is 6 March 1698 when he travelled with his wife Elizabeth from S.Berwick to Kittery, Maine, to record the birth of his son, Thomas. From an affidavit made many years later, we know that in 1698 he was 24 years old. She adds that the maiden name of Elizabeth is by no means certain and that the link to the "MacKartie" is news to her (what is the source?). He was apparently an educated man, considered a mathmatical scholar and speaking the "Latin tongue"; he was elected to office some 35 times. However, he seems never to have disclosed his origins and his tombstone read "Thomas Butler born 1674, Emigrant." Researchers may like to know of a book which is long out of print but sometimes can still be found for sale "Thomas Butler and His Descendants: A Genealogical History of the Butlers of Butler's Hill, South Berwick, Maine" by George Butler 1886. This states that Thomas was connected to the Ormond branch in some unknown manner.From GenForum:

Thomas Butler, of So. Berwick, Maine; 1674-1747
Posted by: H.Lee Butler (ID *****7489) Date: August 13, 2006 at 10:14:00

From: "The Next Earl of Ormond", The Key Relevant Pedigree with Notes on each individual compiled by Lord Dunboyne 1997.

Pierce Butler, 16..-1683; m. c1667, Catherine Bowen, d/o Sir William Bowen and by who d. 1..., had no. 88 to 92. [children].

Children: 88 to 92.

88. James, c.1666-1738

89. Walter, 16..-1...

90. Peter, 16..-1...

91. John, 16..-1...

92. THOMAS, 167.-1746

Could this THOMAS BUTLER, s/o Pierce Butler and Catherine Bowen Butler be the THOMAS BUTLER OF MAINE???
The birth and death dates are almost the same. I haven't been able to find any further records as to their future. This was during the Cromwell era and many went to France and America.
If anyone has any further information, it would be appreciated. Thanks for your time. Lee

Contact: hlbutler2@comcast.net

Emailed on 9/3/06 to see if he had any more info. No reply.

Other References from GenCircles.com:

Thomas Butler - The Immigrant
Title: Dr. George H. Butler, Thomas Butler and His Descendants (NY; Tr
ow's Printing and Bookbinding Company, 1886 [republished Bowie, MD: CD Genealogies Vol.1, from Heritage Books, 1989])
Page: p. 1

Title:
New England Marriages Prior To 1700

Clarence Almon Torrey, New England Marriages Prior To 1700 (Balt
imore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Company, Inc., 1985)

Title:
Genealogical Dictionary of Maine and New Hampshire

Sybil Noyes, Charles Thornton Libby and Walter Goodwin Davis, Ge
nealogical Dictionary of Maine and New Hampshire
(Republished Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1996
)

This classic reference work contains extensive biographical and genealo
gical data on every family established in Maine and New Hampshire before 1699. Listed are the births, marriages, and deaths of the settlers through the third generation, and sometimes into the fourth. Also included are data on places of origin, residences, wills and deeds, court cases, and highlights of lives and careers. 1928-1939

Page: p. 124

Title: Lemuel Abijah Abbott, Descendants of George Abbott of Rowley, Mass. o
f His Joint Descendants with George Abbott, Sr., of Andover, Mass.; of the Descendants of Daniel Abbott of Providence, R.I., 2 vols. (Privately published, 1906)Page: p. 1026

Title:
Old Kittery and Her Families

Everett S. Stackpole, Old Kittery and Her Families

Press of Lewiston Journal Company, Lewiston, ME: 1903

Page: p. 271, p. 308 and p. 457Thomas Butler - 1670 Ireland

Title: lunenburg, VT, town records
Date: 2 May 2003

Title: History of Salem Massachusetts
Author: Perley, Sidney
Date: 6 Jul 2004

Samuel Butler

References:

Last Will and Testament

Samuel's will, dated Dec. 30, 1692, names his children. Children of Elizabeth and Samuel BUTLER: Samuel; Elizabeth; James; Jonathan married first Mary EASTON, and second Elizabeth CADWELL, widow of Jonathan EASTON (Mary, daughter of Jonathan and Mary, married Richard EDWARDS, nephew of Rev. Timothy EDWARDS); George; Mary married Ebenezer HOPKINS (son Ebenezer became great grandfather of Pres. Millard FILLMORE); Dorothy; and Sarah.

DGM Web

Children:
1. Samuel BUTLER
2. Elizabeth BUTLER
3. James BUTLER
4. Jonathan BUTLER
5. George BUTLER
6. Dorothy BUTLER
7. Sarah BUTLER
8. Mary BUTLER, b. 1670, Waterbury, New Haven Co., CT

New England Genealogy
Children:
BUTLER, James
BUTLER, Samuel
BUTLER, Mary
BUTLER, Dorothy
BUTLER, Jonathan

Andrews Family History
Lists children including Thomas 1674. All children born in CT except for Thomas

Emailed on 9/3/2006 requesting references. Mail returned undeliverable.

Contact:
Ross D. Andrews
Manassas, Virginia
vtandrew@erols.com

Pam's Genealogy
Does not list Thomas as a descendant of Samuel

Includes references to other genealogies:

[S147] William Richard Cutter, Genealogical and family history of the state of Connecticut; a record of the achievements of her people in the making of a commonwealth and the founding of a nation. Editorial staff: William Richard Cutter, Edward Henry Clement, Samuel Hart, Mary Kingsbury Talcott, Frederick Bostwick, Ezra Scollay Stearns (New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Company, 1911). Hereinafter cited as Connecticut Genealogies.

[S188] Wisconsin Genealogical Society, "Butler Descendants", Wisconsin Families (June 1940). Hereinafter cited as "Butler Descendants".

Capt. Moses Butler (b. 1702)

References:

Last Will and Testament

Virtual American Biographies

Misc Butler Images

Directory of Misc

Census Records for Edward E. Butler

1880 United States Federal Census Record
about Edward E. Butler
Name: Edward E. Butler
Home in 1880: Walla Walla, Washington
Age: 14
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1866
BirthPlace: WA TERR
Relation to head-of-household: Son
Father's name: Norman F.
Father's birthplace: ME
Mother's name: Rebecca
Mother's birthplace: VA
Neighbors: View others on page
Occupation: At School
Marital status: Single
Race: White
Gender: Male

Census Records for Norman F. Butler

Norman F. Butler

1860 United States Federal Census Record
about N F Butler
Name: N F Butler
Age in 1860: 30
Birth Year: abt 1830
BirthPlace: Maine
Home in 1860: Portland, Multnomah, Oregon
Gender: Male
Post Office: Portland

1870 United States Federal Census Record - line #38
about N F Butler
Name: N F Butler
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1828
Age in 1870: 42
BirthPlace: Maine
Home in 1870: Walla Walla, Walla Walla, Washington Territory
Family and Neighbors: View Results
Race: White
Gender: Male
Value of real estate: View Image
Post Office: Walla Walla

1880 United States Federal Census Record - line #14
about Norman F. Butler
Name: Norman F. Butler
Home in 1880: Walla Walla, Washington
Age: 52
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1828
BirthPlace: Maine
Relation to head-of-household: Self
Spouses's Name: Rebecca
Father's birthplace: ---
Mother's birthplace: ---
Neighbors: View others on page
Occupation: Carpenter
Marital status: Married
Race: White
Gender: Male

1910 United States Federal Census Record - line #20
about Norman F Butter
Name: Norman F Butter
[Norman F Butler]
Age in 1910: 82
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1828
BirthPlace: Maine
Relation to Head of House: Head
Father's Birth Place: Maine
Mother's Birth Place: Maine
Spouses's Name: Eleonor A
Home in 1910: Walla Walla Ward 3, Walla Walla, Washington
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Gender: Male

Thomas Moon Butler

References:

Family Data Collection - Births Record
about Thomas Moon Butler
Name: Butler, Thomas Moon
Father: Butler , Moses
Mother: Moon , Mary Polly
Birth Date: 20 July 1795
City: Hancock
County: Hancock
State: ME
Country: USA

Mark Butler

References:

Social Security Death Index Record
about Mark Butler
Name: Mark Butler
SSN: 565-05-4945
Last Residence: 90733 San Pedro, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
Born: 25 Dec 1898
Died: May 1971 State (Year) SSN issued: California (Before 1951 )

Arthur Thaddeus Butler

References:

Social Security Death Index Record
about Arthur T. Butler
Name: Arthur T. Butler
SSN: 539-14-6568
Last Residence: 98104 Seattle, King, Washington, United States of America
Born: 4 May 1902
Died: 14 Sep 1988 State (Year)
SSN issued: Washington (Before 1951 )

Richard Lyle Butler

References:

U.S. Veterans Cemeteries, ca.1800-2004 Record
about Richard L Butler
Name: Richard L Butler
Veteran's Rank: SSGT
Branch: US Army
Last known address: 11800 Se MT. Scott Boulevard Portland, OR 97266
Birth Date: 19 Jan 1913
Death Date: 28 Apr 1956
Veteran Service Start Date: 16 Sep 1940
Veteran Service End Date: 7 Dec 1944
Interment Date: 2 May 1956
Cemetery: Willamette National Cemetery
Buried At: Section G Site 836 Cemetery URL: http://www.cem.va.gov/nchp/willamette.htm

Oregon Death Index, 1903-98 Record
about Richard L Butler
Name: Butler, Richard L
County: Multnomah
Death Date: 28 Apr 1956 Certificate: 4867

Geneva Rebecca Kershner

References:

Oregon Death Index, 1903-98 Record
about Geneva Rebecca Kershner
Name: Kershner, Geneva Rebecca
County: Washington
Death Date: 04 Jan 1996
Certificate: 96-00187
Age: 92
Birth Date: 25 Apr 1904
Spouse: Leroy

Social Security Death Index Record
about Geneva B. Kershner
Name: Geneva B. Kershner
SSN: 540-34-1237
Last Residence: 97008 Beaverton, Washington, Oregon, United States of America
Born: 25 Apr 1904
Died: 4 Jan 1996 State (Year) SSN issued: Oregon (Before 1951 )

Thomas Jefferson Butler

1850 – Lived in Ellsworth, ME (Age 17)

1880 – Lived in San Francisco (age 49)
Spouse: Annie (age 49)
Occupation: Hay and Grain
Other household:
Charles Clayton (14)Sittara Cordes (17)

Memorial Hall - Whitman College

Upon Norman Butler's death in 1913, the following letter was printed in the Walla Walla Union Bulletin from Stephen B. L. Penrose, the president of Whitman College from 1894 to 1934:

Editor of the Bulletin:

The late Mr. Norman F. Butler has been recognized as a citizen of high character and public usefulness. There was, however, a side of his character … which … in my judgement sufficient public recognition has never been given ...

When the new Whitman College first began to loom up as a possibility in 1899 and the contract for new buildings was about to be let, Mr. Butler voluntarily made the proposition to the trustees of the college that he would superintend the construction of the new buildings without cost to the institution. The erection of the Memorial Building and Billings Hall was a long and laborious process, involving the expenditure of nearly one hundred thousand dollars, but Mr. Butler superintended the construction with the same scrupulous fidelity and watchful care that he would have given to his own affairs. The excellence of the buildings and the way they have endured is a tribute to Mr. Butler’s oversight as much as to the honesty of the contractors.

So, too, when Reynolds Hall was built in 1902 and again the gymnasium in 1905, Mr. Butler gave his services to the college freely. It was a contribution of great value to the institution, and I am glad to take this occasion to let the public know of his gifts to Whitman College and the practical ways in which he served it. During the last financial campaign he contributed one thousand dollars. I doubt if there are any citizens of Walla Walla who have shown a more real and generous friendship for Whitman College than N. F. Butler.

Stephen B. L. Penrose

211 N. Clinton House

Map

Mountain View Cemetery - Walla Walla, WA

2120 S 2nd Ave, Walla Walla [Web page ]

Butlers

Kauffmans

Westfalls

Funeral Announcement - Norman F. Butler

From the Walla Walla Union Bulletin:

NORMAN F. BUTLER, PIONEER, IS DEAD

ONE OF THE EARLIEST HOTEL KEEPERS, FARMERS AND CONTRACTORS HERE.

CAME WEST IN 1848, TO WALLA WALLA IN 1861 – BUILT FORT WALLA WALLA.

Norman F. Butler, aged 85 years, one of the oldest pioneers of the west and of this valley, died at 12:50 o’clock yesterday afternoon, at his home, 201 Clinton Street, following a three years’ illness caused by throat and stomach trouble. Two weeks ago he suffered a relapse.

Mr. Butler was one of the prominent businessmen of this city for many years and was widely known throughout the northwest.

He was born in Maine on April [9] 1828 and took part in the gold rush to California in 1849, sailing around Cape Horn. He stayed in California until 1861, when he moved to this valley.

Every old timer well remembers the “half-way” house” or hotel conducted by Mr. Butler on the upper waters of Mill Creek on the way to the Idaho mines. This was one of the oldest of its kind in the country.

After quitting his business there, Mr. Butler moved to this city and immediately settled upon a tract of land near the penitentiary, part of which is now occupied by residences in the Butler addition. Later on, Mr. Butler engaged in the planing mill business with the late John Dovall, their mill being located on the corner of Main and Spokane streets. The mill was widely known among the early settlers of the valley, and much of the finished lumber found its way to all parts of the surrounding territory.

After quitting this business, Mr. Butler moved to his farm land in Umatilla county, where he resided for about a year and a half and then returned to this city again and engaged in the business of contracting and building.

He built most of the older buildings and residences of this city, some most conspicuous being the present Lincoln school, Reynolds Hall, Memorial building at Whitman, all the old fort buildings and many business blocks.

In [1891?] he was a member of the city council here and always took an active interest in the affairs of the municipal government.

He was first married her in 1865 to Rebecca Boggs and there were four sons and three daughters, of which Mrs. J.J. Kauffman is the only survivor. After the death of his first wife, he was married to Miss Eleanor Brotherton who now survives him. He also […] grandchildren and a brother, T. Butler of Oakland.

Funeral services will be held at 2 o’clock Wednesday afternoon from the residence, 201 Clinton street, Rev. E. M. Clingal [?] of whose church he was an elder, officiating. Interment will be made in Mountain View cemetery.

Catherine (Kate) M. Benn

b: 1873, KS
d: Feb 24, 1959

Father: Frank Benn
Mother: Mary

Spouse: Edward Everett Butler (m: Dec 19, 1891)

Children:
Norman(?):
Edward Butler, Jr: 1892 - May 10, 1910
M. Curtis Butler: 1894 - 1896
Amy Marie Butler (Weaver): 1896 - 1920
Marcus Butler: Dec 25, 1898 - May 1971
Arthur Thaddeus Butler: May 4, 1902 - Sep 14, 1988
Geneva Rebecca Butler (Kershner): Apr 25, 1904 - Jan 4, 1996
Thomas Butler: 1906 - Dec 8, 1913
Stella Butler: 1908 - Mar 28, 1951
Richard Lyle Butler: Jan 19, 1913 - Apr 28, 1956
Robert Lee Butler: Jan 19, 1913 - Dec 7, 1977

Kate M. & Edward E. Butler

Old Deception Mill (believed to be Benn & Christiansen Mill), Fidalgo Island, WA

References:

Excerpt from A History Of The Puget Sound Country, Vol. 1, 1903

Excerpts from Memorial Addresses, In Joint Session of Senate and House, Fourteenth Legislature of the State of Washington, 1915

Edward E. Butler Funeral Announcement - March 13, 1913

Excerpt from A History Of The Puget Sound Country, Vol. 1

by Col. William Farrand Prosser, The Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago, 1903, pp 478-9:

************************************************************

Edward Everett Butler, M.D.

From no professional man do we expect or exact so many of the cardinal virtues as from the physician. If the clergyman is austere we imagine that his mind is absorbed with the contemplation of things beyond our ken; if our lawyer is brusque and crabbed it is the mark of genius: but in the physician we expect not only superior mentality and comprehensive knowledge but sympathy as wide as the universe. Dr. Butler in large measure meets all of these requirements, and is an ideal physician. He is, indeed, the loved family doctor in many a household., and the value of his service to the community cannot be overestimated.

Dr. Butler is a native son of the Evergreen state, his birth having occurred in Rock Creek, this state January 5, 1866, being a son of Norman F. and Rebecca (Westfall) Butler, the former a native of Maine and the latter of Virginia. The father, who is descended from an old New England family, is a retired contractor and builder residing in Walla Walla, and has now reached the seventy-fifth milestone on the journey of life. The mother who was a representative of a prominent southern family, died in 1886, at the age of forty-eight years. In the family of Mr. And Mrs. Butler were two children, the daughter being Stella, the wife of J. H. Kauffman, city marshal of Walla Walla.

Edward Everett Butler received his elementary education in the public schools of Walla Walla, and later became a student in Whitman College of that city. Completing his literary education at the age of eighteen years, he then began the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. J. F. Cropp, at Walla, and in September, 1886, entered the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia where he graduated on the 3d of April, 1889 with the degree of M. D. Returning thence to Washington, he settled on Fidalgo Island, and in 1893 came to Anacortes and entered upon the practice of his chosen calling, in which he has continued with success to the present time.

The marriage of Dr. Butler was celebrated in November, 1890 when Miss Catherine M. Benn became his wife. She is a native of the state of Kansas and a daughter of Frank and Mary Benn. Four children have blessed this union: Edward Everett, a lad of eleven years; Amy Marie, six years of age; Marcus, four years of age; and Arthur, a babe of ten months. In his political affiliations Dr. butler is a Republican, and has always taken an active interest in local and state politics. In 1894, he was the choice of his fellow townsmen for the position of city councilman, in which position he served for two years, and on the expiration of that period, in 1896, was made the mayor of Anacortes, filling the latter office with efficiency for one year. From 1897 until 1898 he again served as a councilman, and from 1893 until 1902, by successive re-elections, held the position of health officer. Thus it will be seen that he has taken an active interest in the advancement and promotion of the best interests of his locality, and in 1902 he was elected to represent the fifty-first district in the state legislature, serving during the past session. In his fraternal relations the Doctor is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Woodmen of the World, the Independent Order of Foresters, the Knights of the Maccabees and the Eagles. In all the varied relations of life he has been honorable, sincere and trustworthy, and is winning the praise and admiration of all who are associated with him in any manner.

************************************************************

Scanned images:
[Title Page] [Page 478] [Page 479]

Funeral Announcement - Edward E. Butler

March 13, 1913

DR. BUTLER PASSES AWAY

Well Known Physician and Prominent Citizen of Anacortes Died Last Saturday After Brief Illness.

WAS FORMER MAYOR OF CITY

Deceased Took a Leading Part in Affairs of Republican Party in County – Funeral Was Largely Attended.

Dr. Edward E. Butler, who was the second physician to locate in Anacortes and who has occupied a prominent place in his profession, in politics and municipal affairs ever since, died Saturday evening at his home at eleventh and L avenue. Death was the result of an attack of meningitis and erysipelas from which he had been suffering for little more than a week.

Though it was known that he was sick, none of his friends realized that he was seriously ill and the news of his death came as a ruthless shock to those who loved him for his kindly, cheerful nature and his gentleness and sympathy as a practitioner. He was 46 years, nine months and three days of age, was born near the Idaho line in what is now Walla Walla county. He was the son of one of the earliest settlers and leading citizens of that part of the state. The father is still living but the feebleness of old age made it impossible for him to make the trip to attend his son’s funeral. He is 83 years of age.

Dr. Butler graduated from Whitman college and by thrift and hard work obtained the funds necessary to attend the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, recognized as one of the foremost of the country. On graduating he at once came west and located at what is now the town of Dewey. It was there that he had his first case as a medical practicioner. He soon had a considerable practice and moved to Anacortes, which was then enjoying its short-lived boom. The late Dr. George B. Smith was the only other doctor in the town at that time.

Shortly after coming to Fidalgo Island, Dr. Butler married Miss Kate Benn, who survives him. She is the sister of Thomas Benn, a well known business man of this city, of Mrs. E.T. Whitcomb, Mrs. F.E. Starr, Mrs. Mamie Benn, and Frank and John Benn. She is the daughter of Mrs. Mary Benn, who also resides in this city.

Dr. Butler was a lover of children and was happy in being the father of a large family.

Dr. and Mrs. Butler were married on December 19, 1891. The children living are Marie, Mark, Arthur, Stella, and Tommie Butler and the twins Richard Lyle and Robert Lee, seven weeks old.
Dr. Butler is also survived by a sister, Mrs. J. Kauffman of Walla Walla, who, with her husband, attended the funeral.

Those who knew him intimately declare that Dr. Butler never recovered from his grief over the death of his eldest son, Edward E. Butler, Jr., who died nearly three years ago.

Though he was a deep student and skilled in his profession, he took a keen interest in political affairs. In all movements for the betterment of his home community or the helping of unfortunate humanity he took a prominent part, giving his time and his money without any thought of recompense excepting the joy of doing a kindly act. His cheerfulness, tenderness and broad sympathy for the afflicted has brought a ray of sunshine into many a home darkened with sickness and trouble. He was called to visit his patients in all parts of the county and never hesitated to follow the call of duty, regardless of the means of the patient to pay for medical attention.

He looked upon his profession as a high calling and the financial feature was a secondary matter with him. It is said that he never kept a set of books and the matter of pay was left optional with his patients. If they did not pay, he took it for granted that they could not raise the money and sympathy instead of disappointment was his view of the matter. In politics he was a Republican. In 1897 he filled the position of mayor of the city in a capable manner after serving as a member of the council. Ten years ago he was elected to the state legislature as a representative from Skagit county and was one of the most influential members of the law making body. Since then he has been chairman of the Republican County Central Committee and has taken an active part in the political affairs of the Northwest.

The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon and was the largest in the history of the city.

From 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. during the [time] of the funeral, all business[es] were closed and flags were […] at half mast. [The] services were in charge of Anacortes Lodge, B.P.O.E., of which he was a member. Anacortes Aerie of Eagles and Island Lodge, Knights of Pythias, to which he belonged, turned out practically their entire membership in regalia and with the Elks formed an imposing funeral escort.

The services were held in the Westminster Presbyterian church with Dr. E.M. Calvin officiating. By the time the services started at 2 o’clock, every available seat and standing room in the church were taken and the members of the three lodges and friends who arrived late were obliged to remain outside until after the services were concluded. The altar was a mass of floral pieces the gift of friends and of the three lodges of which Dr. Butler was a member. Music was furnished by a male quartette consisting of Ray Lowman, Roy Fulton, George Morris and W.L. Marine. George Morris sang, “Face to Face” accompanied by Mrs. P.E. Nelson.

Dr. Calvin delivered a tribute to the worthy traits of Dr. Butler and his gentle, unselfish character and delivered a message of hopefulness and cheer for the living relatives and friends.

The active pall bearers were: H.H. Soule, R. Lee Bradley, V. Funk, H.L. Dodge, Gus Hensler and C.D. Beagle. The honorary members were Coleman Queen, J.H. Wagner and W.H. Amsberry for the Eagles and B.H. Bryan, P.E. Nelson and R.E. Chatten for the Knights of Pythias.
The order of Elks conducted the burial ritualistic rites of the grave. The funeral was attended not only by lodge brothers and friends of this city but by many prominent politicians of the Northwest and friends from every section of Skagit county, who came to attest their love and respect for the lovable and kindly Dr. Butler, who has been called to his Maker.

Practically all of the county officials and men prominent in political affairs of Skagit county attended the funeral of Dr. Butler. Among those from Mount Vernon were Hon. M.P. Hurd, C.D. Beagle, Ed Wells, Ed. Neal, F.F. Willard, W.J. Henry, J.W. Goodrich, James Kean, Worth Alexander and Tom McNeal. The Mount Vernon delegation contributed a beautiful floral pillow as a token of their friendship with the departed. Pat Halloran, of Edison, Barney Albertson, of Burlington and Rollie Davis and family of Seattle, were also at the funeral. Messages of condolence were received by Mrs. Butler from Governor Ernest Lister, Speaker Howard Taylor, of the house of representatives, and from the Skagit county delegation in the legislature.

Excerpts from Memorial Addresses

Memorial Addresses - In Joint Session of Senate and House, Fourteenth Legislature of the State of Washington, 1915, pp. 55-58.

************************************************************

SENATOR WELLS SPOKE AS FOLLOWS:

Dr. Edward Everett Butler was a native son of the state of Washington. He was born on the 5th day of January, 1866, in what is now Walla Walla County. He received his early education in the public schools of Walla Walla, was graduated from Whitman College at the age of 18, and afterwards entered Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, from which latter institution he graduated in 1889.

Shortly after receiving his medical degree he came to Anacortes, having chosen that section of the state as the field for the practice of his profession. In 1891 he was married to Miss Catherine M. Benn, who with her group of seven surviving children, is residing in Anacortes. As a professional man Dr. Butler stood at the head of the profession in the city and community in which his lot was cast. Had his environments been that of a large city I believe he still would have ranked with the foremost.

In politics he was a Republican of the staunchest kind, having served several terms as Chairman of the Republican Central Committee of Skagit County, and again as a member of the Republican State Central Committee, which place he occupied at the time of his death. He served his city several terms as its councilman, and one term as its mayor. At the 1903 session of the Legislature he represented the Fifty-first District in the House.

I don’t believe the measure of a man’s worth is taken so much from the amount of property wealth he may have accumulated or the amount of power he may have had at his command during the brief span of his existence, as from those things he did in pouring happiness and good cheer into the cups of those upon whom fortune has looked less favorably or unto whom misfortune has come. I have known no man of a keener or deeper sense of sympathy than Dr. Butler. He would part with his last dollar to assist an unfortunate being. He was not of a sturdy physique, yet no day was too stormy or night too dark that a call from some unfortunate being, from whom he might expect no remuneration, did not receive a willing response. The good Dr. Butler did in strewing the flowers of love and sympathy upon the pathways of the needy and unfortunate will live in the hearts and memories of those who knew him as a benefiting and enduring monument. He was a thorough believer in the tenets of the several secret orders to which he belonged. The teachings of fraternity, benevolence, charity and brotherly love were so embedded in his nature it could be said of him, he was one who loved his fellow man.

I say these things of Dr. Butler, not because he was my friend, not because he has passed to the great beyond, and as it sometimes happens we think up good things to say, I speak only those things which are justified by the broad, sympathetic and loving character that was possessed by the deceased. The last three years of Dr. Butler’s life was spent in almost silent but intense grief over the loss of his eldest son, which by those who knew the doctor best, was regarded as the primal cause of his death, which occurred on the 8th day of March, 1913.

MR. ROBINSON SPOKE AS FOLLOWS:

The news of Dr. E. E. Butler’s death came as a ruthless shock to those who loved him for his kindly, cheerful nature and his gentleness and sympathy as a practitioner. He was 46 years nine months and three days of age at the time of his death; was born near the Idaho line in Walla Walla County. He was the son of one of the earliest settlers and leading citizens of the state.
Dr. Butler graduated from Whitman College and by thrift and hard work obtained the funds necessary to attend the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, recognized as one of the foremost of the country. On graduating he at once came West, finally locating at Anacortes, where he soon after married Miss Catherine M. Benn, December 19, 1889, who survives him. Dr. Butler was a great lover of children and was happy in being the father of a large family. Those who knew him intimately declare he never recovered from his grief over the death of his eldest son, Edward E. Butler, Jr.

Though he was a deep student and skilled in his profession, he took a deep interest in political affairs and in all movements for the betterment of his home community, of the helping of unfortunate humanity, giving his time and his money without any thought of recompense excepting the pleasure of doing a kindly act.

His cheerfulness, tenderness and broad sympathy for the afflicted has brought a ray of sunshine into many a home darkened with sickness and trouble.

In politics he was a Republican. In 1897 he filled the position of Mayor of Anacortes, Washington, in a capable manner, after serving as a member of the council. In 1903 he was elected to the State Legislature as a representative from Skagit County and was one of the most influential members of that body. Since then he has been Chairman of the Republican County Central Committee and has taken an active part in political affairs of the Northwest.

Dr. Butler was a man whose disposition was such as to make lasting friendships. He was always willing to impart any information he possessed that would, in his idea, lead to the benefit it was intended for, never for a moment failing to exercise such conservatism as such cases required, and many have profited by his judgment. He has passed the portals; from earth he came, to earth he has returned, but the memory of his good deeds will live on forever.

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The Butler House

207 East Cherry St, Walla Walla

Text from the brochure for The Butler House:

Norman Francis Butler

A Citizen of High Character

Norman F. Butler was born in Maine in 1828. Foreshadowing a career as a building contractor, he apprenticed as a carpenter. Young Butler’s future plans were logical and prudent, yet gold-rush fever got the best of him. In 1849 he left Boston on the ship Eudones for a six month trip around the Horn to San Francisco. Business opportunities in the northwest piqued his interest and he moved to Forest Grove, Oregon to pursue milling. The lure of gold in the Idaho mines was strong and Butler is remembered for the “Halfway House” he opened on the upper waters of Rock Creek in Idaho. The hotel served miners and outfitters traveling to the Idaho and Montana mines. In 1864 a new gold mine was discovered in John Day country and Butler moved there.

Rebecca Westfall Boggs traveled across the plains with her husband in 1856 and settled in John Day Country. They later divorced and she was granted custody of their four children. Butler and Rebecca met and in 1865 traveled to Walla Walla to be married by Rev. P. B. Chamberlain, a prominent Congregational minister.

In 1868 Butler purchased land near the present day penitentiary and moved his family to Walla Walla. The land is still known as The Butler Addition. He and his partner, John Dovall, started and operated a furniture store and planning mill on the corner of Main and Spokane streets in Walla Walla. Their mill supplied much of the finished lumber to the area. After a short move to his 1200 acre wheat farm in Helix, Oregon, Butler returned to Walla Walla and began the contracting/building business that became his primary enterprise for the next thirty years. He was the contractor of buildings at Fort Walla Walla, located on the present V.A. Hospital grounds, Whitman College and many older buildings and residences in the Walla Walla Valley.

In 1882 Butler built this fine Victorian home for his wife at 207 East Cherry. Four years later Rebecca died at home of consumption. She left three children, Belle, age 14, Stella, age 16 and son Ed who was away at medical school. Four children died earlier.

Butler later married Miss Eleanor Brotherton, a teacher at Baker School, and built a new house for her. He died in 1913 at the age of 85.

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