Butler - Charles E. - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Upon a popular form of government like that of the US, where the democratic idea of equality is as fully developed as the present imperfect condition of mankind will permit, we expect as its legitimate result the triump of individual worth and energy over all the competition that wealth and class may array against them. Here the avenues of wealth and distinction are fully opened to all, which fact enhances rather than detracts fromt he merits of those whose energy and integrity have triumped over all obstacles intervening between humble position and the attainment of those ends. Obscurity and labor, at no time dishonorable, never assume more attractive features than when the former appears as the nurse of those vitures which the latter, by years of honest and persevering effort, transplants to a higher and richer soil; hence the biographer of those men of sterling worth whose active enterprise has won for them the distinction, preeminence and commanding influence in the society in which they move must be replete with facts which should encourage and instruct the young.

Such a man is Charles E. BUTLER, well known citizen of Crawfordsville, who has done as much, if not more, than any other man to encourage better methods of farming in Montogmery County and by the exercise of those talents and characteristics which were cultivated from his youth, has reached an honorable position in the public mind and earned the respect and high esteem of his fellow citizens. Mr. Butler was born March 7, 1866 in Franklin Twp, Montgomery County. He is a son of Mahlon and Eunice LACY Butler. The father was born Jan 27, 1821 in VA, coming to IN at an early age of six months and in 1834 he came with the rest of the family to Montogmery County. They settled in Franklin Twp, in a Quaker community and among them was organized the Friends Church in that township. The father of the subject spent the rest of his life in that township and there followed general farming. There he built a house ready for his bride, a gentle, kind and true Christian woman, whom he brought form Rush County, Indiana and in that same house the father and mother of the subject always lived after coming to this county until her death on June 27, 1902. Mahlon Butler owned a good farm of 160 acres on which he carried on general farming and stock raising. politically, he was a Republican but he never held office, being a dignified, quiet home man and steady going Quaker. His death occurred March 5, 1904. His family consisted of 5 children, of whom Charles E. of this sketch is the only one living, he having been the youngest of the family; the others were Emiline; Emily; Jennie and Lindley M all deceased.

Charles E. Butler grew to manhood on the home farm and there he assisted with the general work on the farm. He reeived his early education in the common schools and high school and later was a studen tin Wabash College. On Oct 10, 1888, he married Hallie L. MOUNT, who was born in Montgomery County, Franklin Twp, on August 18, 1868. She is a daughter of James A. and Catherien BOYD Mount. He was born March 23, 1843 and his death occurred Jan 16, 1901. His wife was born 1849 and her death occured July 6, 1905. James A. Mount became governor of Indiana and was one of the most popular and efficient executives the state has ever had. A complete sketch of this distinguished man appears on other pages of this work. Mrs. Butler received a good education in the common schools here, later attended a colleg ein Ky, from which she was graduated. She is a lady of culture and refinement and has always been popular with a wide circle of friends. To Mr. and mrs. Butler 3 children have been born: Everett born Aug 18, 1891 graduated from Crawfordsville HS and is at present farming; Lois born July 6, 1897 is attending HS; Gladys born Sept 4, 1900 is also in school at Crawfordsville. Mr. Butler has spent nearly all his life on the farm in Franklin Twp. He has made general farming and stock raising his chief life work and he has succeeded beyond the average agriculturalist, party because he has made a more careful study of modern methods of tilling the soil and partly because he has applied himself persistently and assiduously to whatever task he has had in hand. Mr. and Mrs. Butler's farm includes the two original Mount and BUtler homesteads. it is deemed by them a privilege and responsiblity to have in their possession these sacred spots, wrought into them as there is so much of the life of their loved ones. The scenes of their happy childhood days filled with memories of self-sacrificing, devoted parents where the bravest struggles of hardships were met and conquered and the days of beautiful home life and happiness were passed. They are the owners of one of finest, bets-improved and most productive farms in Montgomery County consisting of 455 acres in Frankling Twp, all being cultivated or consisting of the best blue grass pastures. Here is carried on cultivated or consisting of the best blue grass pastures. Here is carried on a general line of farming and stock raising, some excellent grades of live stock being found about his place at all seasons. He raisses and feeds stock of all kinds for the market, shipping large numbers of fat cattle, hogs and sheep each year. He has a commodious and comfortable dwelling of modern style on his farm, where they spend their summers also an excellent group of outbuildings. But they spend their winters in Crawfordsville on account of school facilities, owning a beautiful home at 708 E. Main Street.

Politically, Mr. Butler is a Republican and while he has always been loyal in his support of the party and been actively engaged in politics, he has never south or held office, preferring to devote his attention exclusively to his large farming and stock raising industries. FOr years he has been officially identified with the Farmers Institute work of the county. He is pres. of the Better Farming Asosociation of Montgomery Co and for two years has been preseident of the Agricultural Society of Montgomery County. He is at present secreetary of the State Farmers Congress of Indiana. He has filled these important positions in a manner that has reflected much credit upon himself and to the eminent satisfaction fo all concerned. He has done a great work in encouraging better and more scientific methods in general farming and stock raising and is regarded as an authority on modern 20th Century methods and his advice frequently is south along these lines and is invariable followed with gratifying results. Mr. Butler is a member of Knights of Pythias Crawfordsville and religiously holds membership witht he Center Presbyterian Church here. - typed by kbz