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CHARLES BUTLER,
Master Mechanic of the Vandalia Division of the Terre Haute & Indianapolis Railroad, with headquarters at Effingham,
is a native of Kentucky. He was born in Fleming County, of that State, on the 1st of January, 1843, and is a son
of Caleb and Anna (Summers) Butler, who were also natives of Kentucky.
Our
subject spent the first eight years of his life in the State of his birth and then removed with his parents to
Indiana, the family locating in Terre Haute, where he received a common-school education. In 1862 he started out
in life for himself, and began learning the blacksmith's and machinist's trade in the local shops of the company
by which he is still employed. For the first ten months he was employed in the company's blacksmith shops, and
then began in the machine shops. After three years he was made foreman of a gang of men, and later served as roundhouse
foreman, being employed in that capacity until August 15, 1873, when he was promoted to the position of Master
Mechanic of the Vandalia Division of that road, with headquarters at Effingham. He has the entire charge of the
line from Terre Haute to St. Louis, a distance of about one hundred and sixty-six miles being under his supervision.
He has also one hundred men under his charge in the Effingham shops and about sixty at East St. Louis. In the former
place the work is largely on freight locomotive repairs. The roundhouse at Effingham has accommodation for sixteen
locomotives, appropriate shops and facilities for all repair work on engines and running gear for cars and coaches.
This is the terminus for all freight locomotives for this division.
On
the 5th of November, 1868, Mr. Butler was married in Terre Haute, Ind., to Miss Mary Roberts. The lady claims Indiana
as the State of her nativity. She was born in Orange County, and is a daughter of Joseph and Ruth Roberts. They
have had four children, two sons and two daughters: Harry C., Mabel C., Elsie R. and Edward A. The last-named died
on the 28th of March, 1893. The three older children are attending school.
From
the time when Mr. Butler went to Terre Haute in his childhood he made his home continuously in that city until
his removal to Effingham, in August, 1873, since which time he has resided in this place. While a resident of Terre
Haute he enlisted as a soldier in the spring of 1864. Offering his services to the Government for one hundred days'
service, he was assigned to Company C, One Hundred and Thirty-third Indiana Infantry, and with his command was
stationed at Bridgeport, Ala., where he served the term of his enlistment.
In
political affiliations, Mr. Butler is a supporter of the Republican party and keeps himself well informed on the
issues and questions of the day. He has been honored with some public offices, and for eight years has served as
Alderman in the City Council of Effingham. His frequent re-elections attest the promptness and fidelity with which
he discharged his duties. For twelve years he has been one of the efficient members of the School Board and is
now serving his second term as President of that body. In his social relations he is a Knight-Templar Mason and
holds membership with Terre Haute Lodge No. 19, A. F. & A. M.; Terre Haute Chapter No. 11, R. A. M.; Terre
Haute Council No. 8; and Terre Haute Commandery No. 16, K. T. He is also a member of Effingham Lodge, K. H.
Mr.
Butler has shown an active interest in the municipal affairs of Effingham and has done much good service in all
these years of his connection with the School Board in advancing the cause of education, He has thus won a strong
hold upon the good-will and respect of his fellow-citizens. He is thoroughly skilled in his business and possesses
good executive ability. By his faithful and able discharge of duty he has won the confidence of the management
of the road, as well as the respect and good-will of those who are employed under him.
Portrait
and Biographical Record of Effingham, Jasper and Richland Counties Illinois, Containing Biographical Sketches of
Prominent and Representative Citizens, Governors of the State, and the Presidents of the United States. (Chicago:
Chapman Brothers, 1887), p. 369.
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