William Newton Butler, 1864-1934

The Seymour Herald – 5 July 1934

---------------------------

W. N. BUTLER, DIES JUNE 26 IN AMES 
AT AGE OF 70

BORN IN APPANOOSE CO. AND 
WAS REARED NEAR SEYMOUR

  The following is the obituary of W. N. Butler, who died Tuesday in Ames.

  William Newton Butler was born in Appanoose county, Iowa, May 27, 1864, the son of two hardy pioneers, Pascal T. Butler and Jane Morlan Butler.  He grew to manhood at the family homestead northeast of Seymour.

  On the 21^st of September, 1887, he was married to Etta B. Wright, who was the daughter of pioneer parents in the same community.  To this marriage were born six children, all of who survive their father, and their mother, who preceded father in death five years ago.  The children are:  Will, who is engaged in he practice of law at Mason City, Iowa; Carl, who is in business at Caldwell, Idaho; Lee of the faculty of Iowa State college at Ames, Iowa; Ralph, who is with the auditing department of the Equitable Life Insurance company of Des Moines; Alice, Girl Reserve Secretary of the Y.M.C.A. at Harrisburg, Penn.; and Oma, who is a teacher of music in the public schools of Boise, Idaho.

Goes to Indianola

  Mr. Butler engaged in farming until 1908, when the family moved to Indianola, Iowa, in order that the children might have the advantages of a college education.  At Indianola Mr. Butler engaged in the feed and grain business until the death of the wife and mother in July 1929.  Since that time he has resided in Caldwell, Idaho and at Ames, and has also spent much time in the companionship of his brothers and sisters who reside in the vicinity of the old home.  He is survived by five brothers and three sisters, Elmer Butler, Lafe Butler, Charles Butler, and Asa Butler, of Seymour, Iowa; Jesse Butler, Des Moines; Mrs Belinda Willis of Seymour; Mrs. Emma Hiatt of Centerville, and Mrs. Verna Johnson of Silvis, Ill.; also other relatives and a host of friends, for he was a man who made friends wherever he went.

Ill For 5 Weeks

  He joined the Methodist church early in life, was for many years a member of the church at Seymour and at the time of his death he was a member of First Church at Ames.

  To his children father was kind, unpretentious, sincere and a constant living example of the principles which he strove to instill into their lives.  To his friends he was true, a good man, always recognized as a trustworthy citizen and of Chistian character.

  During the past few years he has been in failing health, but he always remained courageous and uncomplaining.  He was seriously ill for five weeks at the home of his son Lee at Ames, where he received the kindly ministration of the members of the family and many friends who had known of his illness.  On Tuesday evening June 26, he slipped quietly to the great beyond, to meet mother who was waiting him there, and in turn to await those who today pause to remember and pay their respects to a loving father, a faithful brother and a true friend.

  Services were held from the Seymour Methodist church, Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock conducted by the Rev. W. A. Morgan pastor of First Church, Ames, and the Rev. R. C. Buchanan pastor of the local Methodist church.  Burial was in the Southlawn cemetery.

Gravestone for William N. Butler

in Southlawn Cemetery, Seymour, Iowa

----------------------------

  The Editor thanks Jocelyn Faris for sharing this obituary through the findagrave.com site.

Lincoln Township, Appanoose County

Past and Present of Appanoose County, Iowa

Edited by L. L. Taylor

Chicago: The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1913

Page 406-407

------------------------------------------------

Lincoln township is bounded on the west by Wayne county, on the north by Johns township, on the east by Bellair and Pleasant townships, and on the south by Franklin township. It was organized in the '50s. Jerome postoffice was established a number of years ago but has been discontinued.

Lincoln has many good farms, the soil being arable and well drained by Cooper and Shoal creeks. Its people are industrious and progressive, as the well-tilled fields, good roads and fences, modern homes and farm buildings well attest. There are no better supported district schools in the county and the churches testify to the religious character of the men and women. The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul and the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroads enter the township.

Among the early settlers were John Moore, who came here in 1848. He is said to have killed thirty deer in one week, they were so plentiful. Mr. Moore was wont to tell of his experiences. Wolves were so numerous that the farmers' live stock were in constant danger from their ravages. He told of killing a buck, a fine, large fellow. After skinning and dressing it, he took a hind quarter to town and traded it for the family's first set of cups and saucers. No mill, at the time of his settlement here, was closer than Des Moines, so the family subsisted for a while on grated boiled corn. Their buckwheat flour was made by a coffee mill.

S. C. Van Ness left the Keystone state in 1857 and arrived in this county. He became one of the prosperous men of this township.

Peter Sidles, born in Ohio, became a resident of this county in 1859. He located on section 3 in this township, and soon had one of the finest farms in the community. He was a veteran of the Civil War and very prominent both in church and lodge circles.

A. S. Van Dorn, after four years' experience in the gold mines of California, settled down to farm life in this township in 1855. He prospered and attained a place in the estimation of his neighbors that was enviable.

John Maning [Manning], an Ohioan, settled here in 1854 and became prosperous and influential. His son Harvey was a member of the Eighth Iowa Volunteer Cavalry.

Jonathan Rinker, a Kentuckian by birth, came to this state from Indiana in 1845, bring with him his wife, Elizabeth. They first settled in Van Buren county, removing from there to Appanoose in 1851 and entering a tract of land. The family, consisting of eleven members, traveled to their new home in a wagon drawn by oxen, and when he arrived at his destination Mr. Rinker had but eleven dollars remaining. The boys of the family were Robert F., Oliver C., Franklin, Leander, Walter and George W.

C. R. Jackson located in this township in 1854, coming from Indiana.

Robert S. Lowry was born in Indiana. The year 1847 found him in Illinois and from that state he removed to Appanoose county in 1853, locating on section 20, this township. He became one of the largest landholders in the county, owning at one time over a thousand acres. Mr. Lowry dealth largely in live stock and reaped a generous profit from his operations, part of which he invested in bank stock.

M. Darrah and his father, Henry Darrah, were early in the county, coming here in 1856. In 1858 the son married Susannah Lawrer, daughter of William and Catherine Lawrer, early settlers in the county.

Addison Pendergast was born in Ripley county, Indiana, in 1848. In 1858 he settled in this township with his parents. He was a veteran of the Civil war.

Henry Moreland [Morlan], who married Belinda C. Jones, daughter of an Appanoose pioneer, settled in this town in 1852. In the following spring they removed to Independence township.

Morlan Families Had 33rd Reunion

The Seymour Herald - 30 June 1955

---------------------------------

  The 33rd annual reunion of the Morlan families was held at the Webb Sales Pavilion east of Corydon Sunday, June 26, with 56 present.

  The noon dinner was served to Mr. and Mrs. L. L. Butler, Mrs. Belinda Willis, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Darrah, E. A. Van Benthusen, all of Corydon, Mr. and Mrs. Everett Morlan and Sara and Linda, Mr. and Mrs. Will Elam, Mr. and Mrs. Laten Atwell, Mr. and Mrs. Emmons Atwell and Lorene and Florence, all of Plano.

  Also Cecil Stephens of Chariton, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Baughman and Barbara and Michael and L. L. Morlan of Indianola, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Hiatt, Mrs. Mae Robertson and Lona, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Morlan, Mr. and Mrs. G. B. Elgin of Centerville, Ed Jeffries, Mr. and Mrs. Allen Dixon and Emma, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Smith and Gregory, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Thompson and Carla, Marilyn and Gary, all of Promise City, Tommy Demry, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Van Benthusen, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dixon, Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Robison, Mr. and Mrs. C. V. Webb and Mr. and Mrs. T. E. Jeffries and Jay of Corydon. 

Thomas & Mary A. Morlan Owen

The History of Appanoose County, Iowa

[Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1878, pages 615-616]

-------------------------------------

  Thomas Owen, farmer and stock dealer, Sec. 5; P. O. Seymour; born in Putnam Co., Ind., 1839, where his father died in 1853; with his mother, he came to McLean Co., Ill., where he engaged in farming; in 1859, came to this county, first settling in Independence Tp., where he purchased land, and engaged in farming. On Jan. 30,l 1862, he married Miss Mary A. Morlan; she was born in Putnam Co., Ind., Sept. 30, 1840; daughter of Henry and Melinda M.; from Putnam Co., Ind., in 1851; have six children -- William H., born in 1862; John M., born in 1864; E., born in 1867; Elvin, born in 1871; Samuel J., born in 1874, and Mary C., born in Mary 1878. Democrat. Has held school offices; Director and President.

-------------------------------------

Past and Present of Appanoose County, Iowa

[Chicago: The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1913]

Volume I, page 397.

------------------------------------------

  Thomas Owen settled in this township [Independence] in 1857, coming from Illinois. He purchased land and at once commenced farming. In 1862 Mr. Owen married Mary A. Moreland [Morlan], daughter of Henry and Melinda Moreland, old settlers of the county, coming from Indiana in 1851. Mr. Owen later removed to Lincoln township.

P. T. Butler, Farmer and Stockraiser

The History of Appanoose County, Iowa

[Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1878, page 611]

------------------------------------------

  P. T. Butler, farmer and stockraiser, Sec. 8; P.O. Seymour; born in Jennings Co., Ind., in 1840; his father, John T., was born in Kentucky; removed to Indiana, where he was one of the early settlers. Married Miss Julia A. Brooks, who parents were from Virginia; when P. T. was 14 years of age, they came to this county, first settling in Independence Tp.; engaged in farming; hence to Monroe Co.; thence to Marion Co.; returned to this county; he died here June 21, 1872; P. T., at the age of 16, commenced working out by the month. In August, 1862, he married Miss Lucinda J. Martin [Morlan]; she was born in Putnam Co., Ind., Jan. 14, 1847; they have seven children -- William N., Elmer E., Julia B., L., Charles H., Jessie, Viola. Democratic. Has held office of Township Trustee; was School Treasurer for seven years. Owns 420 acres of land, valued at $25 per acre. His grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier. 

---------------------------------------

Past and Present of Appanoose County, Iowa

[Chicago: S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1913] 

Volume I, page 397.

----------------------------------------

  P. T. Butler, with his parents, John T. and Julia Butler, left the old home in Indiana in 1854, when the boy was but fourteen years of age. The family settled in this township [Independence] and began their new life on a farm. P. T. Butler married Lucinda J. Martin [Morlan] in 1862, located in Lincoln township and became a large landowner. 

William Elijah Lafayette Morlan

Death Claims Pioneer Appanoose Resident

-----------------------------

  William Elijah Lafayette Morlan was born in Putnam County, Indiana, on November 9, 1849, and died April 22, 1928, at the age of 78 years, 5 months and 13 days.

  He moved to Appanoose county with his parents in the year 1851, and has lived on or near the same farm since.

  He was married to Eunice Freeman on December 19, 1872, and she preceded him in death on August 10, 1907. To them were born 10 children, two sons and eight daughters. The two sons, Newton E. and Elmer died in 1893 and 1903 respectively.

  The remaining children, May Robertson, Laura Elgin, Georgie Atwell, Iva Robertson, Emma Jeffries, Fern Jeffries, Leta Teater, all near home and Daisy King, of Winnebago, Minn. All were present except Emma, who was sick.

  In the immediate family are also 34 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He has one sister living, Mrs. Jane Butler, of Seymour. His other near relatives are his sons-in-law, John Robertson, Bert Elgin, Jake Robertson, Ed Jeffries, Burr Teater, John Jeffries, Lester Atwell and Harlan King, and his nephews and nieces of the N. J. Morlan, Thos. Owen and P. T. Butler families, most all of whom were present at the services.

  He seemed to enjoy good health for a man of his age until a few weeks ago, when he contracted the flu. It developed into pneumonia and Sunday afternoon he grew suddenly worse and passed away in a few hours.

  It is difficult for one of younger years to say anything regarding the life of a man who has lived in the same community for 76 years. Everybody far and near knew Uncle Lafe and to know him meant to love him for his generosity, integrity and general helpfulness for all with whom he came into contact.

  "And Jesus said, 'As oft as ye have done it to the least of these, my brethren, ye have doe it unto me.'"

  Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at two o'clock from the late home by Rev. Lafe Schafer, of Walnut City, Iowa. Interment was in the Jones Cemetery.

---------------------

  Transcribed from the obituary contributed 18 June 2002 by Joan Hanlon to the RootsWeb Message Board for Wayne County, Iowa.

Paschal Thomas Butler, 72, 1840-1913

  Paschal T. Butler was born near Scipio, Jennings County, Indiana, December 13, 1840, and died May 15, 1913, aged 72 years, 5 months, 2 days.

  He moved with his parents to Iowa in 1853. He was united in marriage to Lucintha Jane Morlan on August 28, 1862. To them were born ten children, all of whom are living: Wm. Newton of Indianola, Iowa; Elmer E.; Belinda J. Willis; Lafayettee L.; Charles H. of Seymour, Iowa; Jesse E. of Centerville, Iowa; Viola Barton, Jerome, Iowa; Asa R., Seymour, Iowa; Emma E. Hiatt, Moravia, Iowa; Verna May Johnson, Seymour, Iowa.

Paschal Thomas Butler & Lucintha Jane Morlan Butler

  [P. T. and] his young wife settled near Milledgeville in Independence Township, Appanoose County, and in 1865 moved to Lincoln Township where they have resided ever since.  All the children and grandchildren are living and the wife who shared all his labors and was with him in the last moments of his life, survives him.  Deceased was a man of honor, true to his home and every obligation, loved and respected by all his acquaintances and endeared to his loved ones by ties that death cannot break.

  The community feels the loss of a citizen of ... worth and join one bereaved family in its grief for him.  It is not often that a man lives to see his family grow to maturity, married, happy, and he attain the age of three score years and ten, without a death in the family.  But this was the fortunate lot of the deceased. His is the first death in all the family.

  There was a short funeral service held at the late home, conducted by A. F. Clemons yesterday, May 16, at 10 a.m. The funeral proper was conducted by Elder Jones at the Union Church and the body was laid to rest in the Jones Cemetery near by [South Fork Township, Wayne County, Iowa]. A large company of friends of the family accompanied the remains to its last resting place.

----------------------------

Card of Thanks

  We wish to thank the friends and neighbors for their kindness and assistance at the death and funeral of our husband and father, P. T. Butler, and also for many beautiful flowers.

  -- Mrs. P. T. Butler, W. N. Butler, E. E. Butler, Mrs. John Willis, L. L. Butler, C. H. Butler, J. E. Buter, Mrs. Joe Barton, A. R. Butler, Mrs. Clyde Hyatt, and Mrs. Carl Johnson.

----------------------------

Paschal T. Butler's Farm in Lincoln Township

Plat Map of Northeastern Lincoln Township 1896

North West Publishing Company

Plat Map of Northeastern Lincoln Township 1908

W. E. Walter & Co., Des Moines, Iowa

Plat Map of Northeastern Lincoln Township 1915

Midland Map Company, Knoxville, Iowa

------------------------------------

  The editor sincerely appreciates the contribution of the above obituary and picture to The Jerome Journal by Leona Patton of Loveland, Colorado.