Nathaniel Butterworth (died 1881)

BUTTERWORTH, BOOMER, BRADLEY

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 5/8/2009 at 22:22:28

Maquoketa Excelsior, October 22, 1881.

NATHANIEL BUTTERWORTH

Nathaniel Butterworth, one of the earliest and most prominent pioneers of this section died at his home in Andrew last Saturday, Oct. 15th, at the good old age of 81 years and 5 months. He settled upon the farm which he occupied at the time of his death in 1838. For years he kept hotel there, the only place of public entertainment between here and Galena, and many are the pioneers who passed their first night in Iowa under his roof. Money was scarce in those days and the landlord was poor himself, but his door was never closed to the needy. Throughout his life he was a very benevolent man, and a rugged, hearty, honest one, too. His career was one of ceaseless activity and industry, and no obstacles or hardship discouraged him. He was born in Bellingham, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, and in early life received a liberal education at Orange, Massachusetts. In 1827, he married at Troy, Massachusetts, Miss Sarah Boomer, who died in 1876. They lived in Mina, Chautauqua County, New York, from 1829, until coming to Iowa. Mr. Butterworth became poor through going security for false friends, and his attention was attracted by glowing reports from the West, and he determined to emigrate and better his fortune. In 1837 he walked from his New York home to where Andrew is now, located a claim, and returned afoot. In the following year he moved his family out.

Mr. Butterworth was a public spirited citizen and a promoter of the moral and material welfare of the community. He was once Treasurer of Jackson County, was the first postmaster at Andrew, and had served the people in many other positions of honor and trust, always creditably. Four children survive him, who, with a large number of grandchildren, have inherited the sterling integrity which was his strong characteristic.

His remains were interred at Andrew on Sunday last in presence of a large concourse of relatives and friends. At the grave Hon. P. B. Bradley read the favorite poem of the deceased, in accordance with a wish expressed before his death.

Butterworth Grave
 

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