1915, newspaper unknown, likely Chandlerville Times, Havana or Jacksonville papers

Joseph R. Butler was born at Bath on May 8, 1862 and died October 5, 1915. He was 53 years, 4 months, 27 days of age. In his early life he was a member of the Hopewell Baptist church at Snicarte, maintaining his belief until death.

While yet a young man he drifted out in Nebraska, where he met and married Miss Fannie Curtis in 1885, his wife living about one year. To this union was born one child, dying in infancy. Being very despondent he came back to Illinois, where two years later he married Miss Bertie Foster in 1888 at Beardstwon, living at various places until of late years, when he located in Peoria, being emplowed at the Bartholamew Auto factory.

On August 9th, he had an eplectic stroke which affected his brain. By his own wishes they came down to his sister's, Mrs. J.B. Sarff at Snicarte, and after lingering about eight weeks died Oct. 5. He leaves to mourn his loss, his wife and two adopted children; Howard B. of Chicago and Marie B. who is still with the mother, also his sister, who is the only one left out of a family of nine, besides many relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at the Hopewell Baptist church, Thursday October 7 at 11:00 a.m., conducted by the pastor, Rev. George W. Boyd of Virginia.

Contributed by Judy Ingram Schuur