Biography - James W. Butler
JAMES W. BUTLER. He has for many years been prominently before the public as an educator and preacher of the Gospel of the Christian Church. He was born in Warren county, KY, on 2 Oct 1826, the son of Peter Butler who moved to Warren Co IL in 1829, hence was among the earliest settlers in this part of the State. In 1853, he removed to Polk County, Oregon, where he died in 1856. His mother was Rachel (Murphy) Butler of Kentucky. The first school attended by Mr. B. was taught in a log schoolhouse in Warren County, IL. His first teacher was Alexander Reynolds, a preacher; subsequently, he received training of that successful teacher, officer and farmer, Howell Haskell. In 1845, he entered Knox Academy, Galesburg, and after two years entered Knox College. In 1847, he entered Bethany College, Bethany, VA, where he graduated in 1850, and soon entered upon the ministry. It was under the preaching of Alexander Campbell while at Bethany that he made a profession of religion and was immersed by W. K. Pendleton, the present President of Bethany. Among his classmates were J. B. New, late Treasurer of United States, and J. W. McGarvy, Professor in KY University. On 1 July 1851, he was married to Mary E. Ground, daughter of Henry Ground, who resides two miles west of Abingdon. Mrs. B. has even been a faithful and devoted wife. In 1853, he was elected Treasurer of Warren County which position he held until he was called to the chair of Mathematics in Abingdon College in 1855. He was President of that college for fourteen years. In 1867, he was called to the Presidency of Christian College, Monmouth, Oregon. In August 1867, he and his family sailed from NY City for California, whence after a short visit they went to Oregon. On 2 Feb 1868, they started home again by rail. At Rowling Springs, a heavy snow storm was encountered which stopped the train and cut off all communications either way. The snow filled the cuts to the depth of 25 feet. After three weeks delay and in great danger they proceeded on their way. In 1874, he was called to the Presidency of Christian College, Santa Rosa, CA, where he stayed for one year and where he was also Pastor of the Christian Church. He has but one child living. His son, Seldon H., is a graduate of Abingdon College, also of the Law Department of the Northwestern University, Chicago.
Contributed by Joan Achille, extracted from the 1878 History of Knox County, Illinois, published by Charles C. Chapman
