San
Joaquin County
Biographies
HOWARD L. BUTTS
Numbered among Stockton’s prominent
businessmen, Howard L. Butts is the proprietor of one of the leading shoe
stores of the city, well deserving the large patronage his efficient business
methods and courteous policy toward his customers have brought him. A native of New York, Mr. Butts was born in
Delaware County, December 13, 1879, and his early schooling was obtained in his
native state. In 1897 he came to
Stockton to make his home with his uncle, Howard Malcom
Fanning, one of Stockton’s prominent pioneer residents who came to California
in 1850, a sketch of his life being given on another page of this work.
Continuing his schooling here, Mr.
Butts graduated from the Stockton high school in the class of 1900, and then
entered the employ of John Garwood, a pioneer shoe dealer in Stockton, now a
resident of San Francisco, who was in partnership with George Langridge in the
early days, starting in business for himself in 1888. Mr. Butts learned the business thoroughly
under this experienced shoe man, continuing until the fall of 1903, when he
returned east, and through the recommendation of Mr. Garwood he secured a
position in the establishment of James McCreery &
Company, one of New York’s leading stores.
After only four weeks as a salesman, Mr. Butts was promoted to the head
of the shoe department, and he remained with this company until 1909 when he
returned to California. The Sorosis Shoe Company had just placed their line of ladies’
shoes with the D. Samuels Lace House on O’Farrell Street, San Francisco, and
Mr. Butts was offered the position of manager of the shoe department, and being
anxious to return to California, he accepted the position. He continued there for six months and then
was prevailed upon by his former employer, Mr. Garwood, to return to Stockton
and take charge of his store, and soon after coming here he purchased the
business. Since then many improvements
have been made in the store; a new modern front, one of the most attractive on
the street, has been installed, and the business has grown steadily year by
year, the highest class of shoes for men and women being carried.
He has one son, Robert Calvin Butts,
attending the Stockton public schools.
For many years Mr. Butts has been a member of the Elks, joining Stockton
Lodge, No. 218, in 1901. He is also a
member of the Yosemite Club, the Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Merchants
Association and the Merchants, Manufacturers and Employers Association.
Transcribed by V. Gerald Iaquinta.
Source: Tinkham, George
H., History of San Joaquin County, California , Page
1507. Los Angeles, Calif.: Historic
Record Co., 1923.
© 2012 V. Gerald Iaquinta.
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