Frank Butler 1867-1923

BUTLER, CREW, CRAIN, RANDALL, BENTON

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 6/13/2018 at 08:52:48

22 February 1923 - West Branch Times

SHOCKING TRAGEDY SADDENS COMMUNITY
Frank J. Butler Instantly Killed By Freight Train at College Street Crossing Tuesday Noon

Once again the shock of sudden death in horrible form has appalled the community, taking from our midst one of the prominent business men, Frank J. Butler, local manager for the Standard Oil Company.

Mr. Butler was driving his oil truck east across the railroad track at the crossing on College street, when he was struck by the freight train which took his life.

The accident occurred between 12:30 and 1:00 Tuesday and it is of course impossible to state exactly how it occurred. Whether Mr. Butler failed to see the approaching freight or whether he thot to cross ahead of it will never be known.

The train had slowed up somewhat as it approached town and the engine struck the cab of the truck, hurling the occupant to the track where the train passed over him. Death was mercifully sudden and the remains were taken to the Anderson Moratorium where Coroner McCormick viewed them and pronounced an inquest unneccesary.

The oil truck was thrown clear of the track and except for the front end which received the impact of the locomotive, received surprisingly small damage.

In the passing of this man, the community feels that its loss is irreparable. Mr. Butler has for many years been the local representative of the Standard Oil Company. His business took him over a wide territory where he made many friends who are stunned at untimely demise and whose sincerest sympathy is with the bereft family.

Mr. Butler was a Mason and his brothers in that fraternity share with his brothers in the business world the sense of loss in his passing.

To the family of children left motherless a number of years ago he has been a pal as well as a loving father, the link which kept the family united.

Of the ten living children seven are living at home. Chauncey, for whom the local American Legion Post was named, won the gold star in France. Paul lives in San Carlos, Calif., Mrs. Bernice Crain lives in Iowa City, Mrs. Fay Randall in West Branch, but Lenora, Margery, Edward, James, Lester, Marvin and Cecil remain in the home circle.

Funeral services at two o'clock today from the home, conducted by Rev. W. H. Wilson and Rev. W. G. Rowley.

1 March 1923 - West Branch Times

Frank J. Butler was born near Damascus, Ohio, October 9, 1867, and met a tragic death February 20, 1923.

As a small boy he went with his parents to Fort Sill, Indian Territory.

The most of his life until eighteen years of age was spent in the home community in Ohio. In 1885 the family followed the call of the West and moved to Barclay, Kansas. August 9, 1889 Mr. Butler was united in marriage to Rebecca Ellen Crew of Osage City, Kansas, and the new home was established in Barclay, Kansas. Since August 1, 1901, the home has been in West Branch or the immediate vicinity. Farming has been the life pursuit of the one who has gone, but for the last few years he was the local representative for the Standard Oil Company.

Twelve children came to bless the home. Earl died in infancy and Chauncey M. paid the supreme price for his country in the World War. The other children are Paul, now residing in San Jose, Calif.; Mrs. Clifford Crain, Coraville, Iowa; Mrs. Chas. Randall, Lenora; Marjorie, Ed, James, Lester, Marvin and Cecil of West Branch, Iowa. There are also left to mourn the loss his father, Josiah Butler and the step-mother of Lenora, Okla., and a sister, Mrs. E. L. Benton of Chico, Calif. Two brothers, John and Fred of Oklahoma. The path of Frank Butler's earthly life was blessed with true and tried friends. Religiously, he was a birth-right member of the Friends church. Fraternally, he was a highly esteemed member of the Masonic Lodge. Perhaps it is impossible to estimate just how much of faith and devotion and love it took to keep the family together since the death of the wife ten years ago, but with patience and very deep devotion he kept the home together. Perhaps like many others, Mr. Butler was not as well known by many as he should have been because of his quiet, unassuming way. To such parents the world must stop and pay a tribute. Death came to him while busy in the part of this world's work that he chose to do. There is something noble in a soul that will thus toil until the evening time and can give a good account for the hours of the day. The deepest sympathy of the entire community goes to the home because Frank Butler belonged not only to his home but also to the entire community.

The funeral service was held in the home Thursday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Walter Wilson of the Friends church, who was assisted by Rev. W. Glenn Rowley of the Methodist church. Interment was in the beautiful West Branch cemetery and the service at the grave was in the impressive order of the lodge to which he belonged.