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.