Sacramento County
Biographies
WILLIAM THOMAS BUTLER
WILLIAM THOMAS BUTLER.–A venerable
pioneer of Sacramento County may be found in William
Thomas Butler, who now makes his home with his son, William T. Butler, at Roseville. He was born in Evansville, Ind., September 25, 1849, the
eldest son of William Thomas and Elizabeth Butler, both natives of England and now both deceased. In
1852 William Thomas Butler accompanied his parents to the West, where they
settled in Sacramento County. He received a good
education in the public schools of Sacramento, but owing to the
accidental death of his father he was obliged to help in the support of the
family. In 1880 he began to farm. Later he engaged very successfully in
contract harvesting, which he followed for ten years. In 1890, while threshing
on the Hager Ranch, the engine of his harvester blew up, causing the instant
death of two employees and a severe and painful injury to Mr. Butler, which
resulted in the amputation of his right leg below the knee. Mr. Butler then
discontinued the harvesting business and removed to Roseville, where he has since
continued to reside.
Mr.
Butler’s marriage occurred in Roseville, and united him with Miss
Sarah McKeown. Ten children were born to them, seven of whom are now living:
William Thomas, the proprietor of a wholesale and retail butcher business in Roseville; George, residing in Sacramento; Frank, Lillie, Lottie,
Josephine and Gertrude. Mr. Butler was constable of Roseville for eight years and at
Rocklin for four years; fraternally he is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge of
Rocklin.
Transcribed by Vicky Walker, 6/01/07.
Source: Reed, G. Walter, History of Sacramento County, California With
Biographical Sketches, Page 861.
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, CA. 1923.
© 2007 Vicky Walker.