A. D. BUTLER, merchant, Villa Ridge, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, June 26, 1842, to L. D. and Penina (Whidden) Butler. She was born in Clermont County, Ohio; he in Maine. By trade he was a carpenter. In the spring of 1861, they moved from Cincinnati to Villa Ridge, and he died here. She is still living. To them ten children were born, seven of whom are still living. Our subject received his education in Cincinnati. In 1861, he enlisted in the service, Company F, Eighteenth Illinois Infantry; served for three years; then re-enlisted in the Hancock Veteran Corps for one year. He was in some of the hardest fought battles during the war, being at Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Vicksburg, and many others of less importance. When returning from the army, he came to Villa Ridge, and began clerking in a store, and continued as clerk for some years; then engaged in mercantile business for himself, first at Elco, Alexander County, but soon moved his stock of goods to Villa Ridge, and has been here since. Mr. Butler has met with heavy losses since November 14, 1881, lost his store building and goods from fire, and again July 8, 1882. Each time his actual losses were from $1,300 to $1,700. April 1, 1883, he again opened up business with a complete stock of general merchandise, which averages about $4,500, and, since starting, his daily sales have averaged about $80. May 28, 1871, he was married to Miss Nannie J. Beaty. She was born in Pulaski County, Ill., May 24, 1846, daughter of David and Phoebe A. (Kennedy) Beaty, both of whom were born in Hamilton County, Ohio, he in 1812, she October 28, 1815. They were married July 15, 1841. He died of cholera, in Cairo, July 11, 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Butler have two children — Cecil G., born November 15, 1873, and Myrtle May, born March 29, 1876. In politics, he is Republican. Is a member of the I. O. of G. T.; also of the G. A. R.
Extracted 02 Nov 2014 by Norma Hass from 1883 History of Alexander, Union and Pulaski Counties, Illinois, Part V - Biographical Sketches, pages 282-283.
| Union | Johnson | |
| Alexander |
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Massac McCracken KY |
| Ballard KY |
