STEUBEN REPUBLICAN, WEDNESDAY, 10 FEB 1886, p.1, c.4

HENRY P. BUTLER, 16 MAR 1831 - 03 FEB 1886

   Henry P. Butler was born in Grand Isle county, 
Vermont, March 16, 1831, and died at his home in 
Salem township, February 3, 1886.  The funeral 
services were held at the Block church, in 
Salem, on Saturday the 6th inst, Rev. Gerard, of 
Corunna circuit officiating.  A very large 
concourse of people were in attendance, it being 
probably the largest funeral ever held in the 
township.
   In 1838 Mr. Butler's parents with their 
family came to Steuben county and settled on the 
farm in Salem township which has been the home 
of the family ever since.  In 1847 the father 
died leaving the principal care of the family 
and farm on the subject of this sketch.  That he 
discharged the duties of this trust with more 
than ordinary fidelity the estimation in which 
he was held by his family and neighbors 
sufficiently attest.  His opportunities for 
education were limited to the common schools, 
but by a judicious course of home reading he 
became an unusually well informed man, a close 
thinker and a ready speaker.  About 1860 he was 
married to Phebe Clark who, with three children, 
survive him.  In 1863 immediately after the 
battle of Stone River his brother Marvin, who 
was in the army, was taken very sick at 
Murfreesboro, Tennessee.  Henry at once went to 
his relief and for nearly three months watched 
by his bedside day and night nursing him back to 
life and as soon as he was able bringing him 
home.
   In 1876 Mr. Butler was elected to represent 
the county in the state legislature and served 
with credit in the session of 1877.
   Extravagant eulogy would be an unfit tribute 
to the memory of one whose life has been 
characterized by steadfast earnest work, 
remarkably free from ostentation and display.  
But it is only due to say that in all the 
relations of life he has ever acquitted himself 
as an earnest, practical christian and a true 
man.  His word or his motives no man ever 
questioned.
   In his home the vacant chair will ever be 
present.  In the neighborhood the sound of his 
cheerful voice and the touch of his helping 
hand, with which two generations have grown 
familiar, will long be missed.
   He had been in poor health for several months 
but the fatal nature of his disease was not 
determined until a few days before his death.  
Although having a strong desire to live in the 
enjoyment of his happy home, and for the good he 
might yet do in life, when it was known that he 
must die he bravely turned to meet the last 
enemy and 
  "Approached his grave sustained and soothed by 
an unfaltering trust,
   Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch 
about him
   And lies down to pleasant dreams."

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION;

   Henry P. Butler, 16 Mar 1831 - 03 Feb 1886, married 
Phebe M. (Clark) Butler, 1838 - 1892.  Henry was the son 
of Daniel and Mary (Prentice/Prentiss) Butler.  Henry 
and Phebe are buried at Block Cemetery, Steuben County, 
IN.

CHILDREN OF THE MARRIAGE:
   Rachel E. Butler, died 11 Apr 186_, age 1 month and 
11 days.
   Melvin C. Butler, (bachelor) 1863 - 1924.  He is 
buried at Block Cemetery.
   Wallace J. Butler, age 11 in the 1880 U.S. Census.
   Mary A. Butler, age 9 in the 1880 U.S. Census.
Rachel and Melvin are buried at Block Cemetery.

BROTHER:  Lieutenant Marvin B. Butler, born 15 Feb 1834 
in Grandisle, VT; died 17 Jun 1914.  He served in Co. A, 
44th Ind. Inf.  He married Harriet M. (Fuller) Butler, 30 
Apr 1843 - 01 Jan 1901, daughter of Elsley W. Fuller and 
his 1st wife, Keturah (Sanders) Fuller.  They are buried 
at Block Cemetery.
 
SOURCES:
   "Cemeteries of Steuben County, IND, 1990" by Audree 
Seibel Lewis, Vol. 1, pages 255, 257, 258.
   www.familysearch.org: 1880 U.S. Census, Henry P. Butler, 
Salem, Steuben County, IN. Family History Library 
#1254312, NA film #T9-0312, page 283D.
   IGI Individual Record, Henry P. Butler, Phebe M. 
Clark. 

Submitted by Mona Hilden-Beckwith
e-mail:  hilbeck123@att.net