Santa Clara County
Biographies
ROLLA BUTCHER
For many years identified with the mining interests in the west the name of Rolla Butcher came to be well known among financiers, and to be honored for the shrewd business sense and judgment which he always exercised in the manipulation of his affairs. He died in his home in Santa Clara county, in 1882, at the age of fifty-seven years.
A native of West Virginia Mr. Butcher was reared to manhood among the scenes of the Pan Handle state, when he came to Utah with Johnson's army in 1856. Two years later he completed the journey across the continent, locating in Butte county, Cal., where he remained for several years. Removing to Idaho in 1865 he engaged in the general merchandise business for some time when he located in Butte, Mont., and became interested in mining ventures. While there he discovered the famous Alice mine in 1875, afterward selling the same to the Walker brothers, although continuing to be interested in various mines. He was connected with many prominent mining men, among them being Marcus Daly and Senator Clark, for his period in this work extended over twenty-five years. During this time he owned the Star West mine, which he disposed of for $25,000. On account of failing health he was forced to come to California, locating in Santa Clara county, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, upon which he set out a large number of fruit trees. Moving his family here in December, 1881, he lived until February of the following year. He was an active and earnest citizen, taking a lively interest in local affairs, and especially interested in educational work, while in Montana acting as school director. He numbered many prominent men among his friends. Politically he was a Democrat.
The marriage of Mr. Butcher united him with Emma A. Smith, who was born in Essex, England, the daughter of Samuel Smith, a native of the same locality, the date of his birth being October 13, 1809. He came to the United States in 1862 and after a short stay in Council Bluffs crossed the plains to California, traveling by means of the customary ox teams. While en route his death occurred on Silver creek, near which he was buried. His wife, formerly Elizabeth Cheke, born in Essex, June 5, 1811, a descendant of Sir John Cheke, now makes her home with a son in Utah, in her ninety-third year. She was a mother of four children, two daughters and two sons, of whom Mrs. Butcher was the second in order of birth. She received a limited education in the common schools of her native country, and came to the United States in 1857, crossing the plains to California the following year in company with friends. Locating in Butte county she was there united in marriage with Mr. Butcher. Of this union were born the following children: Elizabeth, the wife of George M. Read, a merchant of San Jose; Emma F., the widow of Joseph Daft, a teacher of Salt Lake City; Rolla, located near the home farm; Josephine, deceased; and Arthur C., an orchardist and manager of the home place.
Transcribed
1-15-16 Marilyn
R. Pankey.
ญญญญSource:
History of the State of California &
Biographical Record of Coast Counties, California by Prof. J. M. Guinn, A.
M., Pages 944-945. The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904.
ฉ 2016 Marilyn R.
Pankey.