Buena Vista County, IA
USGenWeb Project

James Butler, a successful and progressive agriculturist residing on section 2, Storm Lake township, was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, November 1. 1866.  In 1878 his father, Patrick Butler, brought the family to Buena Vista county, Iowa, and purchased a tract of seventy-one acres of raw land, which he opened up and developed into a valuable property, fencing the fields and erecting good buildings. Later he bought one hundred and sixty acres adjoining and here reared his family and spent his remaining days, his demise occurring on the 18th of April, 1897.  His wife, who survived him for a decade, was called to her final rest on the 2d of March, 1907.  Unto this worthy couple were born five sons and three daughters, namely:  Frank and John, both residents of Storm Lake; Thomas, living in Pittsfield, Massachusetts; James, of this review; Michael, who makes his home in St. Louis; Mary, the wife of Albert Hughes, of Storm Lake; and Anna and Lizzie, who keep house for their brother James.

James Butler was a lad of twelve years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to this county and, as opportunity offered, attended school at Storm Lake.  His time was largely occupied, however, in assisting his father in the development of the new farm and when the latter passed away he took charge of the property and has since been successfully engaged in its cultivation.  In addition to the work of general farming he also raises high grade stock, including cattle, horses and hogs, and both branches of his business return to him a gratifying annual income.  His farm, which is situated within a mile and a half of Storm Lake, comprises two hundred and thirty-one acres of rich and productive land and is a neat, well improved and valuable property.

Mr. Butler gives his political allegiance to the men and measures of the democracy where national questions and issues are involved but at local elections casts an independent ballot.  Reared in the Catholic faith, he is a member of the church of that denomination in Storm Lake.  Having been a resident of this county for thirty years, he is widely and favorable known here and is recognized as a prosperous and representative agriculturist as well as an upright and honorable citizen.