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William Butler, son of Aaron and Christina Butler, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, Oct. 22, 1841, and departed this life at his late residence in Hoytville, Ohio, Dec. 4th, 1912, aged 71 years, 1 month and 12 days.

In January, 1863, he was joined in marriage to Miss Rebecca Baer. The following June he enlisted in the Federal army, the First Ohio Heavy Artillery, and served in that capacity two years and one month, being mustered out of service in July, 1865.

But prior to regular enlistment he was one of a company called the 'Squirrel Hunters.' While in the army he made a covenant with his God that if he was permitted to see again the loved ones at home he would be a christian the rest of his life, which pledge he always kept inviolate from young manhood to past the three score and ten milestone of life; even to the end.

He was converted to the Christian faith at Olney chapel, North Ridge, Hancock county, in the autumn of 1865. His name is on the church roll at Oakdale chapel as a charter member of that class, and in point of membership, was the senior member of Oakdale church.

Among the sorrowing is the devoted wife, who has borne the heartaches and anxieties of 'war times,' when her husband was 'midst the scenes of carnage on the southern fields of warfare, and has, all these passing years, been at his side, helping to bear the burdens of this life. His posterity consists of Mrs. Harriet Wall, Mrs. Ida McBride, Joseph and Aaron Butler, one daughter, Lulu, having preceded him to the spirit world. There are eleven grand-children living and one great grand-child. Besides the large circle of kindred, a vast community of neighbors, friends and comrades is left in sorrow. Our Brother was one of the pioneers of the Four County vicinity. He has seen the tall sentinels of the forest lain low by the woodman's ax, and converted into productive fields, and comfortable homes.

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