BIOGRAPHY: Butler, Lindley S.
From the A.T. Andreas Illustrated Historical Atlas of the State of Iowa, 1875

*************************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
*************************************************

LINDLEY S. BUTLER. – The subject of this sketch was born in Salem, Columbiana County, 
Ohio, May 31, 1846.  His parents moved to Iowa the following October, and he was brought up on a 
farm at Springdale, Cedar County; receiving a good education at the common schools and the Seminary 
of the Society of Friends, at Springdale.  In 1864 he took a complete course at a commercial college in 
Indianapolis.  From this time until 1869, his home was at Iowa City, where he commenced studying law 
with Honorable Rush Clark in the Spring of 1868.  He soon after entered the law department of the Iowa 
State University, from which he graduated, and was admitted to the bar of the Supreme court in June, 
1869, and commenced practice at Northwood, North County, in August following.

After establishing himself in business he visited his early home, Springdale, and was there 
married on the 23d day of November, 1869 to Miss Julia A. Pickering, by the ceremony of the society of 
friends, of which both were and still continue to be members. 

Mr. Butler was thrown upon his own resources when entering upon the study of his profession, 
in consequence of financial reverses suffered by his father, and had only his own ability and education 
to rely upon when he commenced business at Northwood.  With good judgment he selected a favorable 
field, and then employed his talent with energy, pluck and perseverance.  His industry has been well 
rewarded; he rapidly acquired practice, associated other with himself, enlarged the sphere of his 
business, and is now at the age of 29 the head of the prosperous law, real estate loan and collection 
house of Butler, Smith & Pickering.  In September, 1872, he was appointed by the Governor to a 
vacancy in the office of district attorney for the 12th judicial district, comprising eight counties, to which 
position he was elected in November following on the Republican ticket by a very large majority for a 
term of four years, still unexpired.  He is a hard worker in his profession, but nevertheless, is genial and 
pleasant in his social relations, and bears a good reputation in all the relations of life.