Wasco-Gilliam County OR Archives Biographies.....Butler, Robert R. September 24, 1881 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/or/orfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Ila Wakley iwakley@msn.com February 10, 2011, 3:48 pm Source: History of the Columbia River Valley From The Dalles to the Sea, Vol. III, Published 1928, Pages 875 - 876 Author: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company ROBERT R. BUTLER, a member of one of the leading law firms of The Dalles, has become well known through his service as circuit judge, as state senator, and as one of the political leaders of Oregon. He was born September 24, 1881, in Johnson county, Tennessee, and is a son of Dr. William R. and Rebecca Caroline (Grayson) Butler, representatives of old and distinguished families of that state, in which they have always resided. One of Mr. Butler's ancestors figured prominently in events which shaped the early history of Johnson county and the town of Butler was named in his honor. Colonel Roderick Randon Butler, the father of Dr. William R. Butler. was in command of a regiment during the Civil war, defending the cause of the north, and for a period of twenty years was a member of congress. J. W. Grayson, the maternal grandfather of Robert R. Butler, was also a gallant officer in the Union army and rose to the rank of colonel. Dr. William R. Butler received the M. D. degree from the University of Tennessee and since that time has practiced almost continuously in Butler, his native town. He is a physician of high standing and draws his patients from a wide area. To Dr. and Mrs. Butler were born ten children: Mrs. M. M. Baker, who lives in the state of Washington; Robert R.; J. D., whose home is in Tennessee; Mrs. J. A. Sproles, who resides in North Carolina; C. D., of The Dalles; Mark, who is living in Kansas; Paul and Roy, who are located in Colorado; Herbert, who maintains his home in Kansas; and Mrs. James Rivers, of North Carolina. Robert R. Butler was reared in the town of Butler, which has been the home of the family for generations, and supplemented his public school training by attendance at the Holly Spring College. He received the degree of LL. B. from Cumberland University at Lebanon, Tennessee, in 1903, and in the same year was admitted to the bar. For three years he followed his profession at Mountain City, Tennessee, and in 1906 came to Oregon, locating in Condon, Gilliam county, where he practiced for five years. His legal acumen led to his election to the bench and during 1909 and 1910 he was circuit judge of Sherman, Wheeler and Gilliam counties. To each case brought before his tribunal he gave deep thought and study and the justice of his rulings proved his moral worth. As mayor of Condon he also made an excellent record and since 1911 has been a resident of The Dalles. He has a comprehensive knowledge of law and displays marked skill in its exposition. In 1922 he formed a partnership with Samuel E. Van Vactor, who is the senior member of the firm, and a large and important clientele denotes the confidence reposed in their ability as advocates and counselors. Mr. Butler was married in 1911 and has a daughter, Elizabeth Annabel. She was born at The Dalles, June 30, 1912, and is attending St. Helen's Hall in Portland, Oregon. A power in the ranks of the republican party, Mr. Butler was chosen presidential elector-at-large and in 1908 was made messenger to Washington, D. C., for the state of Oregon. In 1912 he was elected state senator without opposition and from 1913 until 1915 was a member of that law-making body. In 1916 he again became presidential elector for Oregon and in 1924 was recalled to the office of state senator. He served from 1925 until 1927 and exerted his influence in behalf of all constructive legislation. Mr. Butler is a Kiwanian and a past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias. In Masonry he has attained the thirty-second degree and is also affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His well developed powers have brought him to the front in his profession and the firmness, frankness and strength of his character have established him high in public regard. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/or/wasco/bios/butler1473gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/orfiles/ File size: 4.6 Kb