Butler, Harley J. 1872-1932

BUTLER, ATKIN, RANDALL

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/29/2015 at 18:26:20

Note: He is buried in Le Mars Memorial Cemetery. His mother's maiden name is Atkin.

DEATH CLAIMS OLD RESIDENT

Harley J. Butler, Well Known Business Man Here For Many Years

SUFFERED LONG ILLNESS

Active in Community Circles During Entire Life

Harley J. Butler, a resident of Le Mars for the past forty-six years, died at his home, 414 First Avenue SE., shortly after midnight Thursday at the age of 59 years.

Mr. Butler had been in poor health for some years and at times was a great sufferer from an internal malady which affected him at intervals during the past six years. With indomitable will be carried on his business affairs and took part in the daily round up to within a few days of the end.

Returning from a trip in northern Dakota and Minnesota with his race horses last month, he became seriously ill about ten days ago and took to his bed.

In the death of Mr. Butler, the community loses a good citizen and a man who gained popularity among all sorts and conditions of men. As a business man he made a success. In public life he represented the interests of those who elected him to office and in social circles was agreeable and pleasant.

Mr. Butler came to Le Mars when a lad in his teen and by his own efforts made his way and achieved standing in the community and earned the respect and esteem of those whom he had business connections and intermingled in social life.

Was born in Canada

Harley Judson Butler was born at Simcoe, Ontario, Canada, December 26, 1872. he came with his parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. William Butler, to Le Mars when he was 14 years of age and lived here ever since.

After leaving school he worked at various occupations and then engaged in the livery business, conducting a first class stable for a number of years. he was a great lover of horses and maintained a string of race horses up to the last.

While in the livery business Mr. Butler conducted a bus and dray line. he was a for a number of years manager of the Dalton opera house in this city.

Keeps Up With the Times

On the coming of the automobile and the consequent abandonment of livery stables as a source of revenue, Mr. Butler engaged in the oil business and conducted a wholesale and retail business and maintained three filling stations.

He took an active interest in community affairs and served as alderman at large on the city council for six years. He made an efficient councilman and faithfully worked for the interests of the tax payers. He was noted for using hard common sense in public interests as well as in the conduct of his own affairs.

Mr. butler was united in marriage with Miss Gertrude Randall of this city, April 12, 1894. Two children were born to them, one, a daughter, dying in infancy. He leaves his wife, Mrs. H. J. Butler, one son, Clay Butler, and two grandchildren, four brothers and three sisters, who are George Butler and Roy Butler, of Sioux City, Frank Butler, of Le Mars, and William Butler, of Madison, S. D., Mrs. Elmer Burkeen, Mrs. Ross Christy and Mrs. H. W. Haight, of Sioux City.

Mr. Butler was a member of the Eagles, Elks and Odd Fellows societies and a member of the Rotary Club.

Funeral Largely Attended

The funeral was held Sunday afternoon at the residence and was attended by a large number of people. Rev. F. Earl Burgess, pastor of the Methodist Church, conducted the service at the home and the services at the grave side were held by members of the Odd Fellows order.

The pallbearers were C. P. Cummickle, Fred Earnest, Frank J. Smith, Lane Vande Steege, F. K. Veale and B. C. Woolley.

Through the varied activities in business and pleasure of Mr. Butler, his circle of friendship extended over a wide extent of territory and to all who have come to know him his passing will bring a sense of regret. To know him was to value his fellowship and friendship.

Among out of town friends attending the funeral were Chas. Riffle, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Painter, Mrs. John Stuart, J. Keefe, Mr. and Mrs. Dudley Riegel, of Sioux City, Grove Riffle, of Spirit Lake, Sam Hawley and Chick Krouse, of Alta, Mr. and Mrs. Norval Rice, Hessel Van Elsenga, Anton Mouw, Harry Jones, Dr. and Mrs. H. J. Vander Waa, of Orange City, Jason Henry, Mrs. W. D. Munro and Donald Munro, of Spencer, Dr. Van Tyl, of Paullina, Peter Schoep, Miss Harriet Schoep, Mr. and Mrs. John Gotz, of Sioux Center, Mrs. H. J. Thorpe and Harry Thorpe, of Sioux City.

Le Mars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
August 2, 1932
Le Mars, Iowa