Cyrus Finley Butler 1830-1914

BUTLER, FINLLEY, THORLEY

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 2/22/2023 at 10:17:30

Columbus Gazette, Columbus Junction, Iowa
Thursday, January 15, 1914
page 1

Cyrus Finley Butler was born at Flemmingsburg, Kentucky, September 6, 1830, and died at Columbus Junction, Iowa, January 13, 1914, at the age of 83 years, 4 months and 7 days. He was a son of Robert and Paulina (Finley) Butler, who were both natives of Kentucky. At the age of twenty-six Mr. Butler left his Kentucky home and came to Iowa in 1856, settling at Columbus City, where he was engaged in the construction of the Rock Island railroad, as foreman of a gang of men for two years. Following four years he was employed as station Agent at Old Clifton, after which he taught school for one term near that town. He then reentered the employ of the railroad and continued with them with the exception of one year until the station at Old Clifton was closed. He was then appointed agent at Cotter where he remained for twelve years when he returned to his home between here and Columbus City. While agent at Old Clifton, Mr. Butler engaged extensively in the general merchandise, lumber and grain business and for ten years he was president of the Farmers and Merchants bank in this city.

November 16, 1866, Mr. Butler was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Thorley, a native of Ohio. She preceded him in death December 12, 1898. To them five children were born, two of whom preceded him in death, Irene who died in 1887 and Arthur, who died in 1901. The three surviving children are: Robert C. Butler of Minneapolis and Misses Martha and Grace, residing at home. Mr. Butler was a member of the Christian church at Columbus City and in later years has been a regular attendant at the Presbyterian church in this city. He was also a member of the Masonic order. Funeral services will be held this (Thursday) afternoon at the home at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. T. M. Balcoff. Interment will be made in the Columbus City cemetery.