(NOTE: Henry Butler probably never had his portrait taken prior to the Civil War. However, during the 10 month period that the 86th Illinois was in the Nashville, Tennessee area in 1862-63, Henry, like most of the Union soldiers in the Nashville area, probably took the time to sit for a portrait to send home to the loved ones that he left behind. These portraits were most often printed in the form of what was called a CDV, a paper picture glued to a heavier card stock about the size of a modern day baseball card, and the soldiers didn't just have one or two copies made. Most of the time, they had a dozen or more made, so they could swap pictures with their tentmates, messmates and for their friends, in the 86th and back home. This picture that we have of him was taken during that time period and swapped with his friend John Zimri Slane. John almost certainly gave him one of himself in return. I believe that Henry may have had other photographs made at the same time.
Henry Butler then survived the war and lived well into the 20th century. During his life, Henry probably had his picture taken dozens of times, if not hundreds of times. I would dearly love to see a copy of that CDV, if he did have one made as well, added to his Find A Grave site for all with an interest to see. However, at this point, I would be thrilled just to see some more pictures of him added to his Find A Grave Memorial, even ones of him as an old man. Can anyone help me? Thanks, Baxter)
Corporal HENRY BUTLER, Co. K, 86th Illinois
Henry Butler was born January 6, 1834 in Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio. He is most likely the son of George Butler and Catherine (Cline) Butler, whose family is found in Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio in the 1850 census.
George Butler M 59 Pennsylvania
Catharine Butler F 57 New York
Simon Butler M 30 Ohio
Calvin Butler M 21 Ohio
Abia Butler M 18 Ohio
Henry Butler M 16 Ohio
Sarah Butler F 25 Ohio
However, his death certificate lists his father as William Butler and his mother as Unknown. This may be just a guess from someone in the family.
From a record on familysearch.org we see that George Butler was born c. 1791 in Pennsylvania, while Catherine (Cline) Butler was born on January 15, 1793. They were the parents of the following children;
1. Uriah Butler, born c. October 31, 1812 and died December 25, 1892 and his mortal remains were laid in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Auburn, De Kalb County, Indiana.
2. Jonas Butler, born c. 1814/15 and died on July 19, 1881 in the 66th year of his life; He was a veteran of the Civil War; His mortal remains were laid in the Galva Cemetery in Knox County, Illinois.
3. Benjamin Butler, born c. 1818; Benjamin may actually have been the first member of the family to come west to Illinois as he is found in Joshua, Fulton County, Illinois at the time of the 1850 census; He eventually moved onto Washington State.
4. Simon Butler, born c. 1820; Simon seems to have disappeared after the 1860 unless he is the Simon Butler listed below.
5. David Butler, born c. March 1821; remained behind in Ohio, possibly to look after parents; David and his wife, Elizabeth, are found in Reed Township, Seneca County, Ohio at the time of the 1900 census.
6. Sarah Butler, born c. 1825.
7. Calvin Butler, born c. September 18, 1829 and died on December 15, 1913; In 1880, Calvin is found in Iowa and in 1910 in Los Angeles County, California.
8. Abia Cline Butler, born c. April 14, 1832 and died September 23, 1906 in Oklahoma and his mortal remains were laid in the McCormick Cemetery in Highland Center, Wapello County, Iowa.
9. Henry Butler, born c. 1834 in Ohio; See his biography below.
Henry Butler came west to Illinois sometime in the 1850's and at the time of the 1860 census, he is found residing in Akron Township in Peoria County working as a Farmhand;
92 Beer Jackson 33 M farmer 2,500 417 PA
92 Beer Julia 23 F PA
92 Butler Henry 26 M farmhand OH
It appears that Henry came west with at least four of his brothers, leaving the parents and at least one brother behind. A Simon Butler, age 40 and who was born in Ohio, and a Calvin Butler, age 30 and who was also born in Ohio, almost certainly brothers of Henry Butler, are found in West Jersey Township in Stark County, just north of Peoria County in the 1860 census.
Abia C. Butler, almost certainly another brother of Henry's came west to Illinois just after this census 1850 census and settled in Fulton County, Illinois, located just south and west of Peoria County. Abia C. Butler was born at Ashland, Ohio on April 14, 1832 and was married to Elizabeth Emery in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois on August 25, 1852.
Interestingly, the Jackson and Julia Beer that we see Henry Butler working for in the 1860 census, soon moved to the Canton area of Fulton County, Illinois and are buried in the Beer Cemetery in Fulton County. Also buried in the Beer Cemetery is a Simon Butler. This Simon Butler, however is said to have been born c. 1812 in Pennsylvania and and is said to be the son of Simon and Charity (Lommason) Butler. This Simon Butler died on 1907. This may be incorrect, however.
Henry's father and mother remained in Ohio. It is not known when George died, but Catherine (Cline) Butler died in 1859 and their mortal remains were laid in the Ashland Cemetery in Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio.
Now to continue with the biography of Henry Butler;
On August 8, 1862, Henry volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Princeville, Illinois by a Princeville area School Teacher by the name of John F. French.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name BUTLER, HENRY
Rank PVT Company K Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence PRINCEVILLE, PEORIA CO, IL Age 27 Height 5' 8 Hair DARK
Eyes BLUE Complexion FAIR Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity ASHLAND, ASHLAND CO, OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 8, 1862 Joined Where PRINCEVILLE, IL
Joined By Whom CPT FRENCH Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
Remarks MUSTERED OUT AS CORPORAL
When French had 100 volunteers he led the Princeville volunteers into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, French and 95 of his volunteers were mustered into service as Co. K of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. French was elected Captain of Co. K.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Three weeks later, the men of the 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, chasing Confederate troops in Kentucky. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more to come.
During the next three years, Private Henry Butler served faithfully in Co. K as the men of the 86th served in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina. During this time, Henry was witness to and a participant in numerous battles and skirmishes, some of the bloodiest fighting in the Western Theatre of the war, including the Battles of Chicakamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia, Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia; Peach Tree Creek, Georgia; Jonesboro, Georgia; Averysboro, North Carolina; and Bentonville, North Carolina, to name a few and marched with Sherman to the Sea. Sometime after July of 1864, Private Henry Butler was elected and promoted to Corporal as a testiment to his dedication to service and of his military bearing. On June 6, 1865, Corporal Henry Butler was with the surviving members of the 86th Illinois when they were mustered out of service on June 6, 1865 at Washington, D.C. He then, with the surviving members of Co. K, returned to his home in Princeville Township.
Henry Butler was married on October 3, 1866 in Peoria County to Margaretta "Margaret" "Maggie" Hare, who was born on January __, 1848 in Kentucky, the daughter of William Hare and Rhoda Cash.
To this union was born four children. They are;
1. Jennie Butler; born c. 1867/68 in Illinois. Jennie is known to have been deceased by 1901. She is known to have died sometime between 1880 and 1901.
2. Leona Butler, born January 16, 1869 near the village of Princeville, Peoria County, Illinois. Leona was married on ____________ __, 1887 to _____________ Sandberg. Two children were born to Leona and ____________;
A. Reta I Sandburg, born c. 1888 in Illinois. In 1900, Reta is living with her mother and step father. In 1910, after her mother has died, Reta is found living with her Grandparents, Henry and Margaret Butler, in Chillicothe, Illinois. It is not known what became of Reta after this time.
B. George H Sandburg, born c. 1890 in Illinois. In 1900, George is living with his mother and step-father. In 1910, after his mother has died, George is found living with his Uncle Orville and Aunt Cora in Chillicothe, Illinois. George died on _____________ __, 1914 at the age of 23. His mortal remains were laid in Section D of the the Chillicothe City Cemetery in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois.
_______________ Sandberg died in 1891, leaving Leona with two small children.
Leona (Butler) Sandburg was then married 2nd to Fletcher H. McVicker in 1895. No children were born to Leona and Fletcher.
At the time of the 1900 census, Leona and her combined family is found in Ward 1 - 3 of the city of Chillcothe, Chillicothe Township, Peoria County, Illinois. She has had 2 children, both of whom are living;
Fletcher Mcvicker Head M 47 Illinois
Leona M Mcvicker Wife F 31 Illinois
Reta I Sandburg Stepdaughter F 12 Illinois
George H Sandburg Stepson M 10 Illinois
Leona (Butler) Sandburg McVicker died suddenly on November 18, 1901 and her mortal remains were laid in the Chillicothe City Cemetery in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois.
3. Cora Butler; a twin was born February 17, 1871 in Akron Township, Peoria County, Illinois. Cora Butler was married to William Hammer, who was born in Princeville, Illinois, on February 11, 1889 in Stark County, Illinois. William Hammer was 19 at the time he married and was the son of Henry Hammer and Emma Mitzel, while Cora is listed as 18 and the daughter of Henry Butler and Maggie Hare.
Six children are known to have been born to Cora and William, including;
A. Verna F. Hammer, born c. May __, 1889. Verna was married to Charles H. Maher c. 1910.
Nine children were born to Verna and Charles;
a. Ralph B. Maher, born July 16, 1910 in or near Brimfield, Peoria County, Illinois. Ralph was married to Eleanor A. Bill (October 13, 1911 - December 24, 1991) on June 11, 1931. Three children were born to Ralph and Eleanor including, Bernard W. Maher (December 31, 1936 - November 21, 2000), Earl B. Maher (March 1, 1944 - January 27, 2014), and Jerylin D. Maher (December 14, 1952).
At the time of the 1940 census, Ralph and his family live at 706 Farmington Road in Peoria Township, Peoria, Illinois and his aunt and uncle, Clara and Herman Behrens;
Clara Behrens Head F 57 Illinois
Herman Behrens Husband M 55 Illinois
Ralph Maher Nephew M 29 Illinois
Elenore Maher Niece F 28 Illinois
Bernard Maher Grand-nephew M 3 Illinois
Ralph B. Maher died in December 12, 1998 in Pekin, Tazewell County, Illinois. He was residing in Tazewell County, Illinois at the time and his mortal remains were laid in the Resurrection Cemetery and Mausoleum in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois.
b. Mabel I. Maher, born January 19, 1915 in Illinois. Mabel is believed never to have married. Mabel lived in Williamsfield and in Elmwood throughout her life. She loved to make candy for friends and relatives at Christmastime. Mabel died on August 30, 2007 in Knoxville, Knox County, Illinois. Her mortal remains were laid in the Saint Marys Cemetery in Elmwood, Peoria County, Illinois. See her FAG Memorial #21297670.
c. Walter J. Maher, born December 16, 1916 in Illinois. In 1942, Walter J Maher was married to Evelyn E. Keaton (March 26, 1924 - _______ __, 2003). Walter and Evelyn had 3 daughters including, Patricia K. Maher (June 5, 1943), Diane J. Maher (September 12, 1945) and Jeanette S. Maher (December 1, 1951).
Walter entered the service of the United States Army in November of 1942 and served as a Sergeant. Walter died on 13 August 1990 in Peoria County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Elmwood Township Cemetery in Elmwood, Peoria County, Illinois. See his FAG Memorial #140734457.
d. Charles H. Maher Jr., born November 3, 1918 in Illinois. On October 13, 1940 he married Dorothy Neel (December 23, 1920 - November 11, 2010). They had 5 daughters and 3 sons: Judith C. Maher (March 21, 1942), Charles W. Maher (December 8, 1943), Sandra K. Maher (September 26, 1945 - November 1, 1982), Sharon M. Maher (May 9, 1948), Thomas E. Maher (August 15, 1949), Brenda S. Maher (January 11, 1957), William (Daniel) Maher (March 4, 1958) and Vicki L. Maher (August 31, 1959).
Charles H. Maher Jr. died on August 17, 1997.
e. Leila Ann Maher, born on November 8, 1922 in Illinois. On February 7, 1945 she married Dean W. Miles (March 2, 1921 - September 5, 2004). They had 2 sons: Jim W. Miles (February 5, 1947) and Ron L. Miles (July 25, 1960). Leila Ann (Maher) Miles died on September 21, 2008.
f. Thomas F. Maher, born December 1, 1924 in Illinois. Thomas was a World War II Army veteran, serving under Gen. Douglas MacArthur and left the service with the rank of T/4. Thomas worked at the Pabst Brewery in Peoria Heights for many years and was a huge Chicago Cubs fan.
Thomas died on October 11, 1996 in Peoria County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Elmwood Township Cemetery in Elmwood, Peoria County, Illinois.
g. Donald Paul Maher, born September 18, 1926 in Illinois. On July 16, 1955 Don was married to Nancy A. Smith (February 26, 1935 - July 27, 2018). They had 2 sons: Dennis P. Maher (September 24, 1956) and Matthew J. Maher (December 2, 1964).
Donald P. Maher died on April 30, 2017.
h. Fredrick J. Maher, born September 2, 1928 in Illinois. In 1951 Fred was married to Ruth E. Gilles (September 23, 1928 - July 10, 1989). They had 1 son and 2 daughters including, Fredrick W. Maher (July 2, 1952), Maricita B. Maher (March 29, 1957) and Barbara E. Maher (April 21, 1965).
Fredrick J. Maher died on August 21, 1975.
i. Pauline E. Maher, born February 8, 1931 in Illinois. On June 3, 1953 Pauline was married to Robert C. Hall (September 30, 1932- May 25, 2007). They had 1 son and 1 daughter including, Robert E. Hall (December 8, 1953) and Cathy A. Hall (February 27, 1957). Pauline celebrated her 89 birthday in February of 2020 and lives in Elmwood, Illinois.
Now to continue with what we known about Verna F. (Hammer) Maher and her family;
At the time of the 1920 census, Verna and her family are found in Brimfield Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
Charles H Maher Head M 34 Illinois
Verna F Maher Wife F 28 Illinois
Ralph B Maher Son M 9 Illinois
Mabel J Maher Daughter F 5 Illinois
Walter J Maher Son M 3 Illinois
Charles H Maher Son M 1 Illinois
At the time of the 1930 census, Verna and her family are found in Brimfield Township, Peoria County, Illinois, where the family is farming;
Charles H Maher Head M 44 Illinois
Verna F Maher Wife F 40 Illinois
Mable I Maher Daughter F 15 Illinois
Walter J Maher Son M 13 Illinois
Charles H Maher Son M 11 Illinois
Lela A Maher Daughter F 7 Illinois
Thomas F Maher Son M 5 Illinois
Donald P Maher Son M 3 Illinois
Frederick J Maher Son M 1 Illinois
At the time of the 1940 census, Verna and her family are found in Brimfield Township of Peoria County, Illinois. Charles is now listed as a Laborer on a Street Improvement Project. Charles H. Maher Sr. died in 1972, while Verna F. (Hammer) Maher died on ____________ __, 1980. Their mortal remains were laid in the Saint Marys Cemetery in Elmwood, Peoria County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #136683429.
B. William Hammer, born August 21, 1891 in Illinois. William Hammer is believed to have never been married. William Hammer died on April 17, 1925 in Limestone Township, Peoria County, Illinois. He was working as an Auto Mechanic at the time of his death. His mortal remains were laid in the Princeville Township Cemetery in Princeville, Illinois on April 19, 1925.
C. Claude Lee Hammer, born July 25, 1895 in or near Princeville, Peoria County, Illinois. Claude was married to Hazel Jenkins on ____________ __, 19__. Hazel was born c. 1902 in Kansas City, Missouri.
One daughter is known to have been born to Claude and Hazel;
a. Ruth Adele Hammer, born January 3, 1923 in Evanston, Cook County, Illinois.
Claude Lee Hammer died on May 23, 1927 in Akron Township, Peoria County, Illinois. He was listed as a Laborer at the time of his death. Claude's mortal remains were laid in the Princeville Township Cemetery in Princeville, Peoria County, Illinois.
D. Pearl A. Hammer, born June 6, 1899 in or near Princeville, Peoria County, Illinois. Pearl was married to Leon A. Nickolls/Nickles on December 25, 1919 in Princeville, Illinois.
Two son are known to have been born to Pearl and Leon;
a. Robert L. Nickels, born 22 Oct 1920 in Princeville, Peoria County, Illinois. Robert served in the U. S. Army during WWII. Robert was married to Gretchen A. Schade in 1946 in Peoria County and they were the parents of two daughters, Bobette (William) Shrode II and Lana (Bud) Bird Jr. Robert died on 8 Oct 1991 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Parkview Cemetery in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. See his FAG Memorial #122657975.
b. William J. "Bill" Nickles, born c. 1922/23 in Illinois. Bill was married to ___________ Stark and they were the parents of two sons, David Nickles and James Nickles.
At the time of the 1940 census, Pearl and her family reside at 806 Machin Avenue in Ward 5 of the city of Peoria, Illinois;
Leon Nickles Head M 43 Indiana
Pearl Nickles Wife F 40 Illinois
Robert Nickles Son M 19 Illinois
Bill Nickles Son M 17 Illinois
Leon died on Aug. 29, 1974 in Peoria, while P.earl A. (Hammer) Nickles died on 29 Feb 1996 in Peoria Heights, Peoria County, Illinois and her mortal remains were laid in the Parkview Cemetery in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial # 122658047.
E. Ethel M. Hammer, born ____________ __, 1902 in Illinois. Ethel was married to Raymond L. Poplette, of Peoria.
The children born to Ethel and Raymond include;
a. E________ Vivian Poplette, born February 9, 1923 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. Vivian was married to Harry J. Irwin. Vivian and Harry were the parents of at least one son, Dennis Irwin, of Washington, Illinois. Vivian died on March 9, 2008 in East Peoria, Tazewell County, Illinois and her mortal remains were laid in the Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #25341362.
b. Ray Ivan Poplette, born August 2, 1925 in Illinois. Ray was married to ____________ ____________ and they were the parents of at least one child, Roxanne. Ray died on August 22, 2001 in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois.
c. Gerald A. "Jerry" Poplette, born March 22, 1937 in Illinois. Living in East Peoria, Illinois.
At the time of the 1940 census, Ethel and her family reside at 1004 W. Wilson in Ward 5 of the city of Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. Raymond is a Clerk for the U. S. Postal service;
Raymond L Poplette Head M 39 Illinois
Ethel M Poplette Wife F 37 Illinois
E Vivian Poplette Daughter F 17 Illinois
R Ivan Poplette Son M 14 Illinois
Jerry A Poplette Son M 3 Illinois
Raymond L. Poplette died in 1972, while Ethel M. (Hammer) Poplette died on ____________ __, 1968. Their mortal remains were laid in the Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #159483344.
F. Opal Dell Hammer, born March 2, 1910 in Princeville Towship, Peoria County, Illinois. Opal was 1st married to ____________ ___________ and they had one child, Robert Valine ___________, who was born c. 1927/28 in Illinois. Opal was then married 2nd to Forrest Kerwood. No children were born to Opal and Forrest.
At the time of the 1940 census, Opal and her family are found residing in the village of Princeville, Akron Township, Peoria County, Illinois with her parents. Forrest is a Machinist for a Distilling Company;
William H Hammer Head M 70 Illinois
Cora Hammer Wife F 69 Illinois
Forrest Curwood Son-in-law M 37 Illinois
Opal Curwood Daughter F 30 Illinois
Robert Curwood Grandson M 12 Illinois
Forest died in 1965, while Opal Dell (Hammer) Kerwood died on 13 Feb 1980 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. Their mortal remains were laid in the Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #196181788.
Now to continue with what we know about Cora and her family;
At the time of the 1900 census, Cora and her family are found in the village of Princeville, Princeville township, Peoria County, Illinois;
William H Hammer Head M Nov 1869 31 Illinois
Cora Hammer Wife F 29 Feb 1871 Illinois
Verna F Hammer Daughter F May 1890 10 Illinois
William H Hammer Son M Aug 1892 8 Illinois
Claude L Hammer Son M 4 July 1896 Illinois
Pearl A Hammer Daughter M Jun 1899 1 Illinois
At the time of the 1910 census, Cora and her family are found residing on North Street in Princeville , Peoria County, Illinois;
William Hammer Head M 41 Illinois
Cora Hammer Wife F 39 Illinois
Claude Hammer Son M 14 Illinois
Pearl A Hammer Daughter F 10 Illinois
Ethel M Hammer Daughter F 7 Illinois
Opal D Hammer Daughter F 7/12 Illinois
At the time of the 1920 census, Cora and her family are found in Akron Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
William Hamma, Sr Head M 50 Illinois
Cora Hamma Wife F 48 Illinois
William Hamma, Jr Son M 28 Illinois
Ethel Hamma Daughter F 17 Illinois
Opel Hamma Daughter F 9 Illinois
At the time of the 1940 census, Cora and her family are found in or near the village of Princeville, Akron Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
William H Hammer Head M 70 Illinois
Cora Hammer Wife F 69 Illinois
Forrest Curwood Son-in-law M 37 Illinois Distilling Company Machinist
Opal Curwood Daughter F 30 Illinois
Robert Curwood Grandson M 12 Illinois
Cora died on Jun. 30, 1943 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois and her mortal remains were laid in the Princeville Township Cemetery in Princeville, Peoria County, Illinois.
4. Orville Butler, a twin was born February 17, 1871 in Illinois. Orville was married to Cora
c. 1895/96.
They are believed not to have had any children of their own.
At the time of the 1910 census, their nephew, George H. Sandberg, are found in Chillicothe Ward 2, Peoria County, Illinois;
Orville Butler Head M 39 Illinois
Cora Butler Wife F 36 Illinois
George Sandberg Nephew M 19 Illinois
At the time of the 1920 census, Orville and his family are found in Chillicothe Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
Orville Butler Head M 49 Illinois
Cora Butler Wife F 47 Illinois
Josephine Butler Grand-niece F 10 Illinois
(NOTE: Josephine is listed as a Grandniece. Josephine is the daughter of ____________ Butler.)
At the time of the 1940 census, Orville and his family are found in North Chillicothe, Chillicothe Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
Orville Butler Head M 69 Illinois
Cora Butler F 67 Illinois
Josephine Butler Daughter F 31 Illinois
(Note: Though they may have raised her as a daughter, Josephine is not believed to have been their daughter.)
Orville died on April 21, 1968 at the age of 97 and his mortal remains were laid in the Chillicothe City Cemetery in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois.
Now to continue with what we know about Henry Butler;
Henry and Margaret are found residing in Akron Township at the time of the 1870
At the time of the 1880 census, Henry and his family are found in Akron Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
Henry Butler Self M 46 Ohio Farming
Margaret Butler Wife F 32 Kentucky
Jenny Butler Daughter F 12 Illinois
Leona Butler Daughter F 10 Illinois
Cora Butler Daughter F 9 Illinois
Orville Butler Son M 9 Illinois
Then about 1890, the moved to Chillicothe, Illinois, where they resided the remainder of their lives. At the time of the 1900 census, Henry is employed as a Day Laborer.
In 1887, the surviving members of the 86th Illinois held a reunion on the 25th anniversary of the mustered in of the regiment, August 27, 1887. Henry did not attend that first reunion, but the membership continued to hold these reunions in Peoria until 1923, when it was decided that they were too old and too few to continue these reunions. Henry did attend several of the reunions, the last one in 1894.
In the 1910 census, a granddaughter is living with Henry and Margaret in Ward 1 of Chillicothe, Illinois;
Head Henry Butler M 77 Ohio
Wife Margret Butler F 63 Kentucky
Granddaughter Reta Sandburg F 22 Illinois
At the time of the 1920 census, Henry and Margaret are found renting in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois;
Head Henry Butler M 85 Ohio
Wife Margaret Butler F 72 Kentucky
Private Henry Butler died on January 17, 1922 in his home in Chillicothe, Illinois. The January 19, 1922 edition of THE PRINCEVILLE TELEPHONE newspaper contained the following obituary;
"VETERAN OF '61'
FATHER OF MRS. HAMMER IS DEAD
Henry Butler, father of Mrs. William Hammer, of Princeville, died Tuesday night at his home in Chillicothe. He was aged 89 and lived here until about 30 years ago. He was member of Co. K in the Civil War and of this well known company was one of the last survivors, the only others who remain being Emanuel Keller and Fred Gladfelter, of Princeville and James White, of Toulon. The funeral service will be held Friday at Chillicothe."
Margaret died on February 15, 1922 in Chillicothe, Illinois. Their earthly remains were laid to rest in the Chillicothe City Cemetery. At the time of Henry Butler's death, only three members of Co. K were known to still be living, Emanuel Keller and Frederick Gladfelter, of Princeville, and James White, of Toulon, Illinois.
by Baxter B. Fite III, Gerald Poplette, Bobette (Nickles) Schrode, Jim Miles and Ron Miles, whose email address is [email protected]
(Baxter would love to hear from anyone, especially descendants, who might be able to add to the Find A Grave biography of Corporal Henry Butler, Co. K, 86th Illinois. Baxter would also love to see copies of any other pictures of Henry Butler that may have survived the years added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
Henry Butler then survived the war and lived well into the 20th century. During his life, Henry probably had his picture taken dozens of times, if not hundreds of times. I would dearly love to see a copy of that CDV, if he did have one made as well, added to his Find A Grave site for all with an interest to see. However, at this point, I would be thrilled just to see some more pictures of him added to his Find A Grave Memorial, even ones of him as an old man. Can anyone help me? Thanks, Baxter)
Corporal HENRY BUTLER, Co. K, 86th Illinois
Henry Butler was born January 6, 1834 in Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio. He is most likely the son of George Butler and Catherine (Cline) Butler, whose family is found in Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio in the 1850 census.
George Butler M 59 Pennsylvania
Catharine Butler F 57 New York
Simon Butler M 30 Ohio
Calvin Butler M 21 Ohio
Abia Butler M 18 Ohio
Henry Butler M 16 Ohio
Sarah Butler F 25 Ohio
However, his death certificate lists his father as William Butler and his mother as Unknown. This may be just a guess from someone in the family.
From a record on familysearch.org we see that George Butler was born c. 1791 in Pennsylvania, while Catherine (Cline) Butler was born on January 15, 1793. They were the parents of the following children;
1. Uriah Butler, born c. October 31, 1812 and died December 25, 1892 and his mortal remains were laid in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Auburn, De Kalb County, Indiana.
2. Jonas Butler, born c. 1814/15 and died on July 19, 1881 in the 66th year of his life; He was a veteran of the Civil War; His mortal remains were laid in the Galva Cemetery in Knox County, Illinois.
3. Benjamin Butler, born c. 1818; Benjamin may actually have been the first member of the family to come west to Illinois as he is found in Joshua, Fulton County, Illinois at the time of the 1850 census; He eventually moved onto Washington State.
4. Simon Butler, born c. 1820; Simon seems to have disappeared after the 1860 unless he is the Simon Butler listed below.
5. David Butler, born c. March 1821; remained behind in Ohio, possibly to look after parents; David and his wife, Elizabeth, are found in Reed Township, Seneca County, Ohio at the time of the 1900 census.
6. Sarah Butler, born c. 1825.
7. Calvin Butler, born c. September 18, 1829 and died on December 15, 1913; In 1880, Calvin is found in Iowa and in 1910 in Los Angeles County, California.
8. Abia Cline Butler, born c. April 14, 1832 and died September 23, 1906 in Oklahoma and his mortal remains were laid in the McCormick Cemetery in Highland Center, Wapello County, Iowa.
9. Henry Butler, born c. 1834 in Ohio; See his biography below.
Henry Butler came west to Illinois sometime in the 1850's and at the time of the 1860 census, he is found residing in Akron Township in Peoria County working as a Farmhand;
92 Beer Jackson 33 M farmer 2,500 417 PA
92 Beer Julia 23 F PA
92 Butler Henry 26 M farmhand OH
It appears that Henry came west with at least four of his brothers, leaving the parents and at least one brother behind. A Simon Butler, age 40 and who was born in Ohio, and a Calvin Butler, age 30 and who was also born in Ohio, almost certainly brothers of Henry Butler, are found in West Jersey Township in Stark County, just north of Peoria County in the 1860 census.
Abia C. Butler, almost certainly another brother of Henry's came west to Illinois just after this census 1850 census and settled in Fulton County, Illinois, located just south and west of Peoria County. Abia C. Butler was born at Ashland, Ohio on April 14, 1832 and was married to Elizabeth Emery in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois on August 25, 1852.
Interestingly, the Jackson and Julia Beer that we see Henry Butler working for in the 1860 census, soon moved to the Canton area of Fulton County, Illinois and are buried in the Beer Cemetery in Fulton County. Also buried in the Beer Cemetery is a Simon Butler. This Simon Butler, however is said to have been born c. 1812 in Pennsylvania and and is said to be the son of Simon and Charity (Lommason) Butler. This Simon Butler died on 1907. This may be incorrect, however.
Henry's father and mother remained in Ohio. It is not known when George died, but Catherine (Cline) Butler died in 1859 and their mortal remains were laid in the Ashland Cemetery in Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio.
Now to continue with the biography of Henry Butler;
On August 8, 1862, Henry volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Princeville, Illinois by a Princeville area School Teacher by the name of John F. French.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name BUTLER, HENRY
Rank PVT Company K Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence PRINCEVILLE, PEORIA CO, IL Age 27 Height 5' 8 Hair DARK
Eyes BLUE Complexion FAIR Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity ASHLAND, ASHLAND CO, OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 8, 1862 Joined Where PRINCEVILLE, IL
Joined By Whom CPT FRENCH Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
Remarks MUSTERED OUT AS CORPORAL
When French had 100 volunteers he led the Princeville volunteers into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, French and 95 of his volunteers were mustered into service as Co. K of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. French was elected Captain of Co. K.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Three weeks later, the men of the 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, chasing Confederate troops in Kentucky. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more to come.
During the next three years, Private Henry Butler served faithfully in Co. K as the men of the 86th served in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina. During this time, Henry was witness to and a participant in numerous battles and skirmishes, some of the bloodiest fighting in the Western Theatre of the war, including the Battles of Chicakamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia, Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia; Peach Tree Creek, Georgia; Jonesboro, Georgia; Averysboro, North Carolina; and Bentonville, North Carolina, to name a few and marched with Sherman to the Sea. Sometime after July of 1864, Private Henry Butler was elected and promoted to Corporal as a testiment to his dedication to service and of his military bearing. On June 6, 1865, Corporal Henry Butler was with the surviving members of the 86th Illinois when they were mustered out of service on June 6, 1865 at Washington, D.C. He then, with the surviving members of Co. K, returned to his home in Princeville Township.
Henry Butler was married on October 3, 1866 in Peoria County to Margaretta "Margaret" "Maggie" Hare, who was born on January __, 1848 in Kentucky, the daughter of William Hare and Rhoda Cash.
To this union was born four children. They are;
1. Jennie Butler; born c. 1867/68 in Illinois. Jennie is known to have been deceased by 1901. She is known to have died sometime between 1880 and 1901.
2. Leona Butler, born January 16, 1869 near the village of Princeville, Peoria County, Illinois. Leona was married on ____________ __, 1887 to _____________ Sandberg. Two children were born to Leona and ____________;
A. Reta I Sandburg, born c. 1888 in Illinois. In 1900, Reta is living with her mother and step father. In 1910, after her mother has died, Reta is found living with her Grandparents, Henry and Margaret Butler, in Chillicothe, Illinois. It is not known what became of Reta after this time.
B. George H Sandburg, born c. 1890 in Illinois. In 1900, George is living with his mother and step-father. In 1910, after his mother has died, George is found living with his Uncle Orville and Aunt Cora in Chillicothe, Illinois. George died on _____________ __, 1914 at the age of 23. His mortal remains were laid in Section D of the the Chillicothe City Cemetery in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois.
_______________ Sandberg died in 1891, leaving Leona with two small children.
Leona (Butler) Sandburg was then married 2nd to Fletcher H. McVicker in 1895. No children were born to Leona and Fletcher.
At the time of the 1900 census, Leona and her combined family is found in Ward 1 - 3 of the city of Chillcothe, Chillicothe Township, Peoria County, Illinois. She has had 2 children, both of whom are living;
Fletcher Mcvicker Head M 47 Illinois
Leona M Mcvicker Wife F 31 Illinois
Reta I Sandburg Stepdaughter F 12 Illinois
George H Sandburg Stepson M 10 Illinois
Leona (Butler) Sandburg McVicker died suddenly on November 18, 1901 and her mortal remains were laid in the Chillicothe City Cemetery in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois.
3. Cora Butler; a twin was born February 17, 1871 in Akron Township, Peoria County, Illinois. Cora Butler was married to William Hammer, who was born in Princeville, Illinois, on February 11, 1889 in Stark County, Illinois. William Hammer was 19 at the time he married and was the son of Henry Hammer and Emma Mitzel, while Cora is listed as 18 and the daughter of Henry Butler and Maggie Hare.
Six children are known to have been born to Cora and William, including;
A. Verna F. Hammer, born c. May __, 1889. Verna was married to Charles H. Maher c. 1910.
Nine children were born to Verna and Charles;
a. Ralph B. Maher, born July 16, 1910 in or near Brimfield, Peoria County, Illinois. Ralph was married to Eleanor A. Bill (October 13, 1911 - December 24, 1991) on June 11, 1931. Three children were born to Ralph and Eleanor including, Bernard W. Maher (December 31, 1936 - November 21, 2000), Earl B. Maher (March 1, 1944 - January 27, 2014), and Jerylin D. Maher (December 14, 1952).
At the time of the 1940 census, Ralph and his family live at 706 Farmington Road in Peoria Township, Peoria, Illinois and his aunt and uncle, Clara and Herman Behrens;
Clara Behrens Head F 57 Illinois
Herman Behrens Husband M 55 Illinois
Ralph Maher Nephew M 29 Illinois
Elenore Maher Niece F 28 Illinois
Bernard Maher Grand-nephew M 3 Illinois
Ralph B. Maher died in December 12, 1998 in Pekin, Tazewell County, Illinois. He was residing in Tazewell County, Illinois at the time and his mortal remains were laid in the Resurrection Cemetery and Mausoleum in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois.
b. Mabel I. Maher, born January 19, 1915 in Illinois. Mabel is believed never to have married. Mabel lived in Williamsfield and in Elmwood throughout her life. She loved to make candy for friends and relatives at Christmastime. Mabel died on August 30, 2007 in Knoxville, Knox County, Illinois. Her mortal remains were laid in the Saint Marys Cemetery in Elmwood, Peoria County, Illinois. See her FAG Memorial #21297670.
c. Walter J. Maher, born December 16, 1916 in Illinois. In 1942, Walter J Maher was married to Evelyn E. Keaton (March 26, 1924 - _______ __, 2003). Walter and Evelyn had 3 daughters including, Patricia K. Maher (June 5, 1943), Diane J. Maher (September 12, 1945) and Jeanette S. Maher (December 1, 1951).
Walter entered the service of the United States Army in November of 1942 and served as a Sergeant. Walter died on 13 August 1990 in Peoria County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Elmwood Township Cemetery in Elmwood, Peoria County, Illinois. See his FAG Memorial #140734457.
d. Charles H. Maher Jr., born November 3, 1918 in Illinois. On October 13, 1940 he married Dorothy Neel (December 23, 1920 - November 11, 2010). They had 5 daughters and 3 sons: Judith C. Maher (March 21, 1942), Charles W. Maher (December 8, 1943), Sandra K. Maher (September 26, 1945 - November 1, 1982), Sharon M. Maher (May 9, 1948), Thomas E. Maher (August 15, 1949), Brenda S. Maher (January 11, 1957), William (Daniel) Maher (March 4, 1958) and Vicki L. Maher (August 31, 1959).
Charles H. Maher Jr. died on August 17, 1997.
e. Leila Ann Maher, born on November 8, 1922 in Illinois. On February 7, 1945 she married Dean W. Miles (March 2, 1921 - September 5, 2004). They had 2 sons: Jim W. Miles (February 5, 1947) and Ron L. Miles (July 25, 1960). Leila Ann (Maher) Miles died on September 21, 2008.
f. Thomas F. Maher, born December 1, 1924 in Illinois. Thomas was a World War II Army veteran, serving under Gen. Douglas MacArthur and left the service with the rank of T/4. Thomas worked at the Pabst Brewery in Peoria Heights for many years and was a huge Chicago Cubs fan.
Thomas died on October 11, 1996 in Peoria County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Elmwood Township Cemetery in Elmwood, Peoria County, Illinois.
g. Donald Paul Maher, born September 18, 1926 in Illinois. On July 16, 1955 Don was married to Nancy A. Smith (February 26, 1935 - July 27, 2018). They had 2 sons: Dennis P. Maher (September 24, 1956) and Matthew J. Maher (December 2, 1964).
Donald P. Maher died on April 30, 2017.
h. Fredrick J. Maher, born September 2, 1928 in Illinois. In 1951 Fred was married to Ruth E. Gilles (September 23, 1928 - July 10, 1989). They had 1 son and 2 daughters including, Fredrick W. Maher (July 2, 1952), Maricita B. Maher (March 29, 1957) and Barbara E. Maher (April 21, 1965).
Fredrick J. Maher died on August 21, 1975.
i. Pauline E. Maher, born February 8, 1931 in Illinois. On June 3, 1953 Pauline was married to Robert C. Hall (September 30, 1932- May 25, 2007). They had 1 son and 1 daughter including, Robert E. Hall (December 8, 1953) and Cathy A. Hall (February 27, 1957). Pauline celebrated her 89 birthday in February of 2020 and lives in Elmwood, Illinois.
Now to continue with what we known about Verna F. (Hammer) Maher and her family;
At the time of the 1920 census, Verna and her family are found in Brimfield Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
Charles H Maher Head M 34 Illinois
Verna F Maher Wife F 28 Illinois
Ralph B Maher Son M 9 Illinois
Mabel J Maher Daughter F 5 Illinois
Walter J Maher Son M 3 Illinois
Charles H Maher Son M 1 Illinois
At the time of the 1930 census, Verna and her family are found in Brimfield Township, Peoria County, Illinois, where the family is farming;
Charles H Maher Head M 44 Illinois
Verna F Maher Wife F 40 Illinois
Mable I Maher Daughter F 15 Illinois
Walter J Maher Son M 13 Illinois
Charles H Maher Son M 11 Illinois
Lela A Maher Daughter F 7 Illinois
Thomas F Maher Son M 5 Illinois
Donald P Maher Son M 3 Illinois
Frederick J Maher Son M 1 Illinois
At the time of the 1940 census, Verna and her family are found in Brimfield Township of Peoria County, Illinois. Charles is now listed as a Laborer on a Street Improvement Project. Charles H. Maher Sr. died in 1972, while Verna F. (Hammer) Maher died on ____________ __, 1980. Their mortal remains were laid in the Saint Marys Cemetery in Elmwood, Peoria County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #136683429.
B. William Hammer, born August 21, 1891 in Illinois. William Hammer is believed to have never been married. William Hammer died on April 17, 1925 in Limestone Township, Peoria County, Illinois. He was working as an Auto Mechanic at the time of his death. His mortal remains were laid in the Princeville Township Cemetery in Princeville, Illinois on April 19, 1925.
C. Claude Lee Hammer, born July 25, 1895 in or near Princeville, Peoria County, Illinois. Claude was married to Hazel Jenkins on ____________ __, 19__. Hazel was born c. 1902 in Kansas City, Missouri.
One daughter is known to have been born to Claude and Hazel;
a. Ruth Adele Hammer, born January 3, 1923 in Evanston, Cook County, Illinois.
Claude Lee Hammer died on May 23, 1927 in Akron Township, Peoria County, Illinois. He was listed as a Laborer at the time of his death. Claude's mortal remains were laid in the Princeville Township Cemetery in Princeville, Peoria County, Illinois.
D. Pearl A. Hammer, born June 6, 1899 in or near Princeville, Peoria County, Illinois. Pearl was married to Leon A. Nickolls/Nickles on December 25, 1919 in Princeville, Illinois.
Two son are known to have been born to Pearl and Leon;
a. Robert L. Nickels, born 22 Oct 1920 in Princeville, Peoria County, Illinois. Robert served in the U. S. Army during WWII. Robert was married to Gretchen A. Schade in 1946 in Peoria County and they were the parents of two daughters, Bobette (William) Shrode II and Lana (Bud) Bird Jr. Robert died on 8 Oct 1991 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Parkview Cemetery in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. See his FAG Memorial #122657975.
b. William J. "Bill" Nickles, born c. 1922/23 in Illinois. Bill was married to ___________ Stark and they were the parents of two sons, David Nickles and James Nickles.
At the time of the 1940 census, Pearl and her family reside at 806 Machin Avenue in Ward 5 of the city of Peoria, Illinois;
Leon Nickles Head M 43 Indiana
Pearl Nickles Wife F 40 Illinois
Robert Nickles Son M 19 Illinois
Bill Nickles Son M 17 Illinois
Leon died on Aug. 29, 1974 in Peoria, while P.earl A. (Hammer) Nickles died on 29 Feb 1996 in Peoria Heights, Peoria County, Illinois and her mortal remains were laid in the Parkview Cemetery in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial # 122658047.
E. Ethel M. Hammer, born ____________ __, 1902 in Illinois. Ethel was married to Raymond L. Poplette, of Peoria.
The children born to Ethel and Raymond include;
a. E________ Vivian Poplette, born February 9, 1923 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. Vivian was married to Harry J. Irwin. Vivian and Harry were the parents of at least one son, Dennis Irwin, of Washington, Illinois. Vivian died on March 9, 2008 in East Peoria, Tazewell County, Illinois and her mortal remains were laid in the Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #25341362.
b. Ray Ivan Poplette, born August 2, 1925 in Illinois. Ray was married to ____________ ____________ and they were the parents of at least one child, Roxanne. Ray died on August 22, 2001 in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois.
c. Gerald A. "Jerry" Poplette, born March 22, 1937 in Illinois. Living in East Peoria, Illinois.
At the time of the 1940 census, Ethel and her family reside at 1004 W. Wilson in Ward 5 of the city of Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. Raymond is a Clerk for the U. S. Postal service;
Raymond L Poplette Head M 39 Illinois
Ethel M Poplette Wife F 37 Illinois
E Vivian Poplette Daughter F 17 Illinois
R Ivan Poplette Son M 14 Illinois
Jerry A Poplette Son M 3 Illinois
Raymond L. Poplette died in 1972, while Ethel M. (Hammer) Poplette died on ____________ __, 1968. Their mortal remains were laid in the Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #159483344.
F. Opal Dell Hammer, born March 2, 1910 in Princeville Towship, Peoria County, Illinois. Opal was 1st married to ____________ ___________ and they had one child, Robert Valine ___________, who was born c. 1927/28 in Illinois. Opal was then married 2nd to Forrest Kerwood. No children were born to Opal and Forrest.
At the time of the 1940 census, Opal and her family are found residing in the village of Princeville, Akron Township, Peoria County, Illinois with her parents. Forrest is a Machinist for a Distilling Company;
William H Hammer Head M 70 Illinois
Cora Hammer Wife F 69 Illinois
Forrest Curwood Son-in-law M 37 Illinois
Opal Curwood Daughter F 30 Illinois
Robert Curwood Grandson M 12 Illinois
Forest died in 1965, while Opal Dell (Hammer) Kerwood died on 13 Feb 1980 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. Their mortal remains were laid in the Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #196181788.
Now to continue with what we know about Cora and her family;
At the time of the 1900 census, Cora and her family are found in the village of Princeville, Princeville township, Peoria County, Illinois;
William H Hammer Head M Nov 1869 31 Illinois
Cora Hammer Wife F 29 Feb 1871 Illinois
Verna F Hammer Daughter F May 1890 10 Illinois
William H Hammer Son M Aug 1892 8 Illinois
Claude L Hammer Son M 4 July 1896 Illinois
Pearl A Hammer Daughter M Jun 1899 1 Illinois
At the time of the 1910 census, Cora and her family are found residing on North Street in Princeville , Peoria County, Illinois;
William Hammer Head M 41 Illinois
Cora Hammer Wife F 39 Illinois
Claude Hammer Son M 14 Illinois
Pearl A Hammer Daughter F 10 Illinois
Ethel M Hammer Daughter F 7 Illinois
Opal D Hammer Daughter F 7/12 Illinois
At the time of the 1920 census, Cora and her family are found in Akron Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
William Hamma, Sr Head M 50 Illinois
Cora Hamma Wife F 48 Illinois
William Hamma, Jr Son M 28 Illinois
Ethel Hamma Daughter F 17 Illinois
Opel Hamma Daughter F 9 Illinois
At the time of the 1940 census, Cora and her family are found in or near the village of Princeville, Akron Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
William H Hammer Head M 70 Illinois
Cora Hammer Wife F 69 Illinois
Forrest Curwood Son-in-law M 37 Illinois Distilling Company Machinist
Opal Curwood Daughter F 30 Illinois
Robert Curwood Grandson M 12 Illinois
Cora died on Jun. 30, 1943 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois and her mortal remains were laid in the Princeville Township Cemetery in Princeville, Peoria County, Illinois.
4. Orville Butler, a twin was born February 17, 1871 in Illinois. Orville was married to Cora
c. 1895/96.
They are believed not to have had any children of their own.
At the time of the 1910 census, their nephew, George H. Sandberg, are found in Chillicothe Ward 2, Peoria County, Illinois;
Orville Butler Head M 39 Illinois
Cora Butler Wife F 36 Illinois
George Sandberg Nephew M 19 Illinois
At the time of the 1920 census, Orville and his family are found in Chillicothe Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
Orville Butler Head M 49 Illinois
Cora Butler Wife F 47 Illinois
Josephine Butler Grand-niece F 10 Illinois
(NOTE: Josephine is listed as a Grandniece. Josephine is the daughter of ____________ Butler.)
At the time of the 1940 census, Orville and his family are found in North Chillicothe, Chillicothe Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
Orville Butler Head M 69 Illinois
Cora Butler F 67 Illinois
Josephine Butler Daughter F 31 Illinois
(Note: Though they may have raised her as a daughter, Josephine is not believed to have been their daughter.)
Orville died on April 21, 1968 at the age of 97 and his mortal remains were laid in the Chillicothe City Cemetery in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois.
Now to continue with what we know about Henry Butler;
Henry and Margaret are found residing in Akron Township at the time of the 1870
At the time of the 1880 census, Henry and his family are found in Akron Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
Henry Butler Self M 46 Ohio Farming
Margaret Butler Wife F 32 Kentucky
Jenny Butler Daughter F 12 Illinois
Leona Butler Daughter F 10 Illinois
Cora Butler Daughter F 9 Illinois
Orville Butler Son M 9 Illinois
Then about 1890, the moved to Chillicothe, Illinois, where they resided the remainder of their lives. At the time of the 1900 census, Henry is employed as a Day Laborer.
In 1887, the surviving members of the 86th Illinois held a reunion on the 25th anniversary of the mustered in of the regiment, August 27, 1887. Henry did not attend that first reunion, but the membership continued to hold these reunions in Peoria until 1923, when it was decided that they were too old and too few to continue these reunions. Henry did attend several of the reunions, the last one in 1894.
In the 1910 census, a granddaughter is living with Henry and Margaret in Ward 1 of Chillicothe, Illinois;
Head Henry Butler M 77 Ohio
Wife Margret Butler F 63 Kentucky
Granddaughter Reta Sandburg F 22 Illinois
At the time of the 1920 census, Henry and Margaret are found renting in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois;
Head Henry Butler M 85 Ohio
Wife Margaret Butler F 72 Kentucky
Private Henry Butler died on January 17, 1922 in his home in Chillicothe, Illinois. The January 19, 1922 edition of THE PRINCEVILLE TELEPHONE newspaper contained the following obituary;
"VETERAN OF '61'
FATHER OF MRS. HAMMER IS DEAD
Henry Butler, father of Mrs. William Hammer, of Princeville, died Tuesday night at his home in Chillicothe. He was aged 89 and lived here until about 30 years ago. He was member of Co. K in the Civil War and of this well known company was one of the last survivors, the only others who remain being Emanuel Keller and Fred Gladfelter, of Princeville and James White, of Toulon. The funeral service will be held Friday at Chillicothe."
Margaret died on February 15, 1922 in Chillicothe, Illinois. Their earthly remains were laid to rest in the Chillicothe City Cemetery. At the time of Henry Butler's death, only three members of Co. K were known to still be living, Emanuel Keller and Frederick Gladfelter, of Princeville, and James White, of Toulon, Illinois.
by Baxter B. Fite III, Gerald Poplette, Bobette (Nickles) Schrode, Jim Miles and Ron Miles, whose email address is [email protected]
(Baxter would love to hear from anyone, especially descendants, who might be able to add to the Find A Grave biography of Corporal Henry Butler, Co. K, 86th Illinois. Baxter would also love to see copies of any other pictures of Henry Butler that may have survived the years added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
(NOTE: Henry Butler probably never had his portrait taken prior to the Civil War. However, during the 10 month period that the 86th Illinois was in the Nashville, Tennessee area in 1862-63, Henry, like most of the Union soldiers in the Nashville area, probably took the time to sit for a portrait to send home to the loved ones that he left behind. These portraits were most often printed in the form of what was called a CDV, a paper picture glued to a heavier card stock about the size of a modern day baseball card, and the soldiers didn't just have one or two copies made. Most of the time, they had a dozen or more made, so they could swap pictures with their tentmates, messmates and for their friends, in the 86th and back home. This picture that we have of him was taken during that time period and swapped with his friend John Zimri Slane. John almost certainly gave him one of himself in return. I believe that Henry may have had other photographs made at the same time.
Henry Butler then survived the war and lived well into the 20th century. During his life, Henry probably had his picture taken dozens of times, if not hundreds of times. I would dearly love to see a copy of that CDV, if he did have one made as well, added to his Find A Grave site for all with an interest to see. However, at this point, I would be thrilled just to see some more pictures of him added to his Find A Grave Memorial, even ones of him as an old man. Can anyone help me? Thanks, Baxter)
Corporal HENRY BUTLER, Co. K, 86th Illinois
Henry Butler was born January 6, 1834 in Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio. He is most likely the son of George Butler and Catherine (Cline) Butler, whose family is found in Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio in the 1850 census.
George Butler M 59 Pennsylvania
Catharine Butler F 57 New York
Simon Butler M 30 Ohio
Calvin Butler M 21 Ohio
Abia Butler M 18 Ohio
Henry Butler M 16 Ohio
Sarah Butler F 25 Ohio
However, his death certificate lists his father as William Butler and his mother as Unknown. This may be just a guess from someone in the family.
From a record on familysearch.org we see that George Butler was born c. 1791 in Pennsylvania, while Catherine (Cline) Butler was born on January 15, 1793. They were the parents of the following children;
1. Uriah Butler, born c. October 31, 1812 and died December 25, 1892 and his mortal remains were laid in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Auburn, De Kalb County, Indiana.
2. Jonas Butler, born c. 1814/15 and died on July 19, 1881 in the 66th year of his life; He was a veteran of the Civil War; His mortal remains were laid in the Galva Cemetery in Knox County, Illinois.
3. Benjamin Butler, born c. 1818; Benjamin may actually have been the first member of the family to come west to Illinois as he is found in Joshua, Fulton County, Illinois at the time of the 1850 census; He eventually moved onto Washington State.
4. Simon Butler, born c. 1820; Simon seems to have disappeared after the 1860 unless he is the Simon Butler listed below.
5. David Butler, born c. March 1821; remained behind in Ohio, possibly to look after parents; David and his wife, Elizabeth, are found in Reed Township, Seneca County, Ohio at the time of the 1900 census.
6. Sarah Butler, born c. 1825.
7. Calvin Butler, born c. September 18, 1829 and died on December 15, 1913; In 1880, Calvin is found in Iowa and in 1910 in Los Angeles County, California.
8. Abia Cline Butler, born c. April 14, 1832 and died September 23, 1906 in Oklahoma and his mortal remains were laid in the McCormick Cemetery in Highland Center, Wapello County, Iowa.
9. Henry Butler, born c. 1834 in Ohio; See his biography below.
Henry Butler came west to Illinois sometime in the 1850's and at the time of the 1860 census, he is found residing in Akron Township in Peoria County working as a Farmhand;
92 Beer Jackson 33 M farmer 2,500 417 PA
92 Beer Julia 23 F PA
92 Butler Henry 26 M farmhand OH
It appears that Henry came west with at least four of his brothers, leaving the parents and at least one brother behind. A Simon Butler, age 40 and who was born in Ohio, and a Calvin Butler, age 30 and who was also born in Ohio, almost certainly brothers of Henry Butler, are found in West Jersey Township in Stark County, just north of Peoria County in the 1860 census.
Abia C. Butler, almost certainly another brother of Henry's came west to Illinois just after this census 1850 census and settled in Fulton County, Illinois, located just south and west of Peoria County. Abia C. Butler was born at Ashland, Ohio on April 14, 1832 and was married to Elizabeth Emery in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois on August 25, 1852.
Interestingly, the Jackson and Julia Beer that we see Henry Butler working for in the 1860 census, soon moved to the Canton area of Fulton County, Illinois and are buried in the Beer Cemetery in Fulton County. Also buried in the Beer Cemetery is a Simon Butler. This Simon Butler, however is said to have been born c. 1812 in Pennsylvania and and is said to be the son of Simon and Charity (Lommason) Butler. This Simon Butler died on 1907. This may be incorrect, however.
Henry's father and mother remained in Ohio. It is not known when George died, but Catherine (Cline) Butler died in 1859 and their mortal remains were laid in the Ashland Cemetery in Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio.
Now to continue with the biography of Henry Butler;
On August 8, 1862, Henry volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Princeville, Illinois by a Princeville area School Teacher by the name of John F. French.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name BUTLER, HENRY
Rank PVT Company K Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence PRINCEVILLE, PEORIA CO, IL Age 27 Height 5' 8 Hair DARK
Eyes BLUE Complexion FAIR Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity ASHLAND, ASHLAND CO, OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 8, 1862 Joined Where PRINCEVILLE, IL
Joined By Whom CPT FRENCH Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
Remarks MUSTERED OUT AS CORPORAL
When French had 100 volunteers he led the Princeville volunteers into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, French and 95 of his volunteers were mustered into service as Co. K of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. French was elected Captain of Co. K.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Three weeks later, the men of the 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, chasing Confederate troops in Kentucky. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more to come.
During the next three years, Private Henry Butler served faithfully in Co. K as the men of the 86th served in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina. During this time, Henry was witness to and a participant in numerous battles and skirmishes, some of the bloodiest fighting in the Western Theatre of the war, including the Battles of Chicakamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia, Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia; Peach Tree Creek, Georgia; Jonesboro, Georgia; Averysboro, North Carolina; and Bentonville, North Carolina, to name a few and marched with Sherman to the Sea. Sometime after July of 1864, Private Henry Butler was elected and promoted to Corporal as a testiment to his dedication to service and of his military bearing. On June 6, 1865, Corporal Henry Butler was with the surviving members of the 86th Illinois when they were mustered out of service on June 6, 1865 at Washington, D.C. He then, with the surviving members of Co. K, returned to his home in Princeville Township.
Henry Butler was married on October 3, 1866 in Peoria County to Margaretta "Margaret" "Maggie" Hare, who was born on January __, 1848 in Kentucky, the daughter of William Hare and Rhoda Cash.
To this union was born four children. They are;
1. Jennie Butler; born c. 1867/68 in Illinois. Jennie is known to have been deceased by 1901. She is known to have died sometime between 1880 and 1901.
2. Leona Butler, born January 16, 1869 near the village of Princeville, Peoria County, Illinois. Leona was married on ____________ __, 1887 to _____________ Sandberg. Two children were born to Leona and ____________;
A. Reta I Sandburg, born c. 1888 in Illinois. In 1900, Reta is living with her mother and step father. In 1910, after her mother has died, Reta is found living with her Grandparents, Henry and Margaret Butler, in Chillicothe, Illinois. It is not known what became of Reta after this time.
B. George H Sandburg, born c. 1890 in Illinois. In 1900, George is living with his mother and step-father. In 1910, after his mother has died, George is found living with his Uncle Orville and Aunt Cora in Chillicothe, Illinois. George died on _____________ __, 1914 at the age of 23. His mortal remains were laid in Section D of the the Chillicothe City Cemetery in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois.
_______________ Sandberg died in 1891, leaving Leona with two small children.
Leona (Butler) Sandburg was then married 2nd to Fletcher H. McVicker in 1895. No children were born to Leona and Fletcher.
At the time of the 1900 census, Leona and her combined family is found in Ward 1 - 3 of the city of Chillcothe, Chillicothe Township, Peoria County, Illinois. She has had 2 children, both of whom are living;
Fletcher Mcvicker Head M 47 Illinois
Leona M Mcvicker Wife F 31 Illinois
Reta I Sandburg Stepdaughter F 12 Illinois
George H Sandburg Stepson M 10 Illinois
Leona (Butler) Sandburg McVicker died suddenly on November 18, 1901 and her mortal remains were laid in the Chillicothe City Cemetery in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois.
3. Cora Butler; a twin was born February 17, 1871 in Akron Township, Peoria County, Illinois. Cora Butler was married to William Hammer, who was born in Princeville, Illinois, on February 11, 1889 in Stark County, Illinois. William Hammer was 19 at the time he married and was the son of Henry Hammer and Emma Mitzel, while Cora is listed as 18 and the daughter of Henry Butler and Maggie Hare.
Six children are known to have been born to Cora and William, including;
A. Verna F. Hammer, born c. May __, 1889. Verna was married to Charles H. Maher c. 1910.
Nine children were born to Verna and Charles;
a. Ralph B. Maher, born July 16, 1910 in or near Brimfield, Peoria County, Illinois. Ralph was married to Eleanor A. Bill (October 13, 1911 - December 24, 1991) on June 11, 1931. Three children were born to Ralph and Eleanor including, Bernard W. Maher (December 31, 1936 - November 21, 2000), Earl B. Maher (March 1, 1944 - January 27, 2014), and Jerylin D. Maher (December 14, 1952).
At the time of the 1940 census, Ralph and his family live at 706 Farmington Road in Peoria Township, Peoria, Illinois and his aunt and uncle, Clara and Herman Behrens;
Clara Behrens Head F 57 Illinois
Herman Behrens Husband M 55 Illinois
Ralph Maher Nephew M 29 Illinois
Elenore Maher Niece F 28 Illinois
Bernard Maher Grand-nephew M 3 Illinois
Ralph B. Maher died in December 12, 1998 in Pekin, Tazewell County, Illinois. He was residing in Tazewell County, Illinois at the time and his mortal remains were laid in the Resurrection Cemetery and Mausoleum in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois.
b. Mabel I. Maher, born January 19, 1915 in Illinois. Mabel is believed never to have married. Mabel lived in Williamsfield and in Elmwood throughout her life. She loved to make candy for friends and relatives at Christmastime. Mabel died on August 30, 2007 in Knoxville, Knox County, Illinois. Her mortal remains were laid in the Saint Marys Cemetery in Elmwood, Peoria County, Illinois. See her FAG Memorial #21297670.
c. Walter J. Maher, born December 16, 1916 in Illinois. In 1942, Walter J Maher was married to Evelyn E. Keaton (March 26, 1924 - _______ __, 2003). Walter and Evelyn had 3 daughters including, Patricia K. Maher (June 5, 1943), Diane J. Maher (September 12, 1945) and Jeanette S. Maher (December 1, 1951).
Walter entered the service of the United States Army in November of 1942 and served as a Sergeant. Walter died on 13 August 1990 in Peoria County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Elmwood Township Cemetery in Elmwood, Peoria County, Illinois. See his FAG Memorial #140734457.
d. Charles H. Maher Jr., born November 3, 1918 in Illinois. On October 13, 1940 he married Dorothy Neel (December 23, 1920 - November 11, 2010). They had 5 daughters and 3 sons: Judith C. Maher (March 21, 1942), Charles W. Maher (December 8, 1943), Sandra K. Maher (September 26, 1945 - November 1, 1982), Sharon M. Maher (May 9, 1948), Thomas E. Maher (August 15, 1949), Brenda S. Maher (January 11, 1957), William (Daniel) Maher (March 4, 1958) and Vicki L. Maher (August 31, 1959).
Charles H. Maher Jr. died on August 17, 1997.
e. Leila Ann Maher, born on November 8, 1922 in Illinois. On February 7, 1945 she married Dean W. Miles (March 2, 1921 - September 5, 2004). They had 2 sons: Jim W. Miles (February 5, 1947) and Ron L. Miles (July 25, 1960). Leila Ann (Maher) Miles died on September 21, 2008.
f. Thomas F. Maher, born December 1, 1924 in Illinois. Thomas was a World War II Army veteran, serving under Gen. Douglas MacArthur and left the service with the rank of T/4. Thomas worked at the Pabst Brewery in Peoria Heights for many years and was a huge Chicago Cubs fan.
Thomas died on October 11, 1996 in Peoria County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Elmwood Township Cemetery in Elmwood, Peoria County, Illinois.
g. Donald Paul Maher, born September 18, 1926 in Illinois. On July 16, 1955 Don was married to Nancy A. Smith (February 26, 1935 - July 27, 2018). They had 2 sons: Dennis P. Maher (September 24, 1956) and Matthew J. Maher (December 2, 1964).
Donald P. Maher died on April 30, 2017.
h. Fredrick J. Maher, born September 2, 1928 in Illinois. In 1951 Fred was married to Ruth E. Gilles (September 23, 1928 - July 10, 1989). They had 1 son and 2 daughters including, Fredrick W. Maher (July 2, 1952), Maricita B. Maher (March 29, 1957) and Barbara E. Maher (April 21, 1965).
Fredrick J. Maher died on August 21, 1975.
i. Pauline E. Maher, born February 8, 1931 in Illinois. On June 3, 1953 Pauline was married to Robert C. Hall (September 30, 1932- May 25, 2007). They had 1 son and 1 daughter including, Robert E. Hall (December 8, 1953) and Cathy A. Hall (February 27, 1957). Pauline celebrated her 89 birthday in February of 2020 and lives in Elmwood, Illinois.
Now to continue with what we known about Verna F. (Hammer) Maher and her family;
At the time of the 1920 census, Verna and her family are found in Brimfield Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
Charles H Maher Head M 34 Illinois
Verna F Maher Wife F 28 Illinois
Ralph B Maher Son M 9 Illinois
Mabel J Maher Daughter F 5 Illinois
Walter J Maher Son M 3 Illinois
Charles H Maher Son M 1 Illinois
At the time of the 1930 census, Verna and her family are found in Brimfield Township, Peoria County, Illinois, where the family is farming;
Charles H Maher Head M 44 Illinois
Verna F Maher Wife F 40 Illinois
Mable I Maher Daughter F 15 Illinois
Walter J Maher Son M 13 Illinois
Charles H Maher Son M 11 Illinois
Lela A Maher Daughter F 7 Illinois
Thomas F Maher Son M 5 Illinois
Donald P Maher Son M 3 Illinois
Frederick J Maher Son M 1 Illinois
At the time of the 1940 census, Verna and her family are found in Brimfield Township of Peoria County, Illinois. Charles is now listed as a Laborer on a Street Improvement Project. Charles H. Maher Sr. died in 1972, while Verna F. (Hammer) Maher died on ____________ __, 1980. Their mortal remains were laid in the Saint Marys Cemetery in Elmwood, Peoria County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #136683429.
B. William Hammer, born August 21, 1891 in Illinois. William Hammer is believed to have never been married. William Hammer died on April 17, 1925 in Limestone Township, Peoria County, Illinois. He was working as an Auto Mechanic at the time of his death. His mortal remains were laid in the Princeville Township Cemetery in Princeville, Illinois on April 19, 1925.
C. Claude Lee Hammer, born July 25, 1895 in or near Princeville, Peoria County, Illinois. Claude was married to Hazel Jenkins on ____________ __, 19__. Hazel was born c. 1902 in Kansas City, Missouri.
One daughter is known to have been born to Claude and Hazel;
a. Ruth Adele Hammer, born January 3, 1923 in Evanston, Cook County, Illinois.
Claude Lee Hammer died on May 23, 1927 in Akron Township, Peoria County, Illinois. He was listed as a Laborer at the time of his death. Claude's mortal remains were laid in the Princeville Township Cemetery in Princeville, Peoria County, Illinois.
D. Pearl A. Hammer, born June 6, 1899 in or near Princeville, Peoria County, Illinois. Pearl was married to Leon A. Nickolls/Nickles on December 25, 1919 in Princeville, Illinois.
Two son are known to have been born to Pearl and Leon;
a. Robert L. Nickels, born 22 Oct 1920 in Princeville, Peoria County, Illinois. Robert served in the U. S. Army during WWII. Robert was married to Gretchen A. Schade in 1946 in Peoria County and they were the parents of two daughters, Bobette (William) Shrode II and Lana (Bud) Bird Jr. Robert died on 8 Oct 1991 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Parkview Cemetery in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. See his FAG Memorial #122657975.
b. William J. "Bill" Nickles, born c. 1922/23 in Illinois. Bill was married to ___________ Stark and they were the parents of two sons, David Nickles and James Nickles.
At the time of the 1940 census, Pearl and her family reside at 806 Machin Avenue in Ward 5 of the city of Peoria, Illinois;
Leon Nickles Head M 43 Indiana
Pearl Nickles Wife F 40 Illinois
Robert Nickles Son M 19 Illinois
Bill Nickles Son M 17 Illinois
Leon died on Aug. 29, 1974 in Peoria, while P.earl A. (Hammer) Nickles died on 29 Feb 1996 in Peoria Heights, Peoria County, Illinois and her mortal remains were laid in the Parkview Cemetery in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial # 122658047.
E. Ethel M. Hammer, born ____________ __, 1902 in Illinois. Ethel was married to Raymond L. Poplette, of Peoria.
The children born to Ethel and Raymond include;
a. E________ Vivian Poplette, born February 9, 1923 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. Vivian was married to Harry J. Irwin. Vivian and Harry were the parents of at least one son, Dennis Irwin, of Washington, Illinois. Vivian died on March 9, 2008 in East Peoria, Tazewell County, Illinois and her mortal remains were laid in the Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #25341362.
b. Ray Ivan Poplette, born August 2, 1925 in Illinois. Ray was married to ____________ ____________ and they were the parents of at least one child, Roxanne. Ray died on August 22, 2001 in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois.
c. Gerald A. "Jerry" Poplette, born March 22, 1937 in Illinois. Living in East Peoria, Illinois.
At the time of the 1940 census, Ethel and her family reside at 1004 W. Wilson in Ward 5 of the city of Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. Raymond is a Clerk for the U. S. Postal service;
Raymond L Poplette Head M 39 Illinois
Ethel M Poplette Wife F 37 Illinois
E Vivian Poplette Daughter F 17 Illinois
R Ivan Poplette Son M 14 Illinois
Jerry A Poplette Son M 3 Illinois
Raymond L. Poplette died in 1972, while Ethel M. (Hammer) Poplette died on ____________ __, 1968. Their mortal remains were laid in the Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #159483344.
F. Opal Dell Hammer, born March 2, 1910 in Princeville Towship, Peoria County, Illinois. Opal was 1st married to ____________ ___________ and they had one child, Robert Valine ___________, who was born c. 1927/28 in Illinois. Opal was then married 2nd to Forrest Kerwood. No children were born to Opal and Forrest.
At the time of the 1940 census, Opal and her family are found residing in the village of Princeville, Akron Township, Peoria County, Illinois with her parents. Forrest is a Machinist for a Distilling Company;
William H Hammer Head M 70 Illinois
Cora Hammer Wife F 69 Illinois
Forrest Curwood Son-in-law M 37 Illinois
Opal Curwood Daughter F 30 Illinois
Robert Curwood Grandson M 12 Illinois
Forest died in 1965, while Opal Dell (Hammer) Kerwood died on 13 Feb 1980 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. Their mortal remains were laid in the Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #196181788.
Now to continue with what we know about Cora and her family;
At the time of the 1900 census, Cora and her family are found in the village of Princeville, Princeville township, Peoria County, Illinois;
William H Hammer Head M Nov 1869 31 Illinois
Cora Hammer Wife F 29 Feb 1871 Illinois
Verna F Hammer Daughter F May 1890 10 Illinois
William H Hammer Son M Aug 1892 8 Illinois
Claude L Hammer Son M 4 July 1896 Illinois
Pearl A Hammer Daughter M Jun 1899 1 Illinois
At the time of the 1910 census, Cora and her family are found residing on North Street in Princeville , Peoria County, Illinois;
William Hammer Head M 41 Illinois
Cora Hammer Wife F 39 Illinois
Claude Hammer Son M 14 Illinois
Pearl A Hammer Daughter F 10 Illinois
Ethel M Hammer Daughter F 7 Illinois
Opal D Hammer Daughter F 7/12 Illinois
At the time of the 1920 census, Cora and her family are found in Akron Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
William Hamma, Sr Head M 50 Illinois
Cora Hamma Wife F 48 Illinois
William Hamma, Jr Son M 28 Illinois
Ethel Hamma Daughter F 17 Illinois
Opel Hamma Daughter F 9 Illinois
At the time of the 1940 census, Cora and her family are found in or near the village of Princeville, Akron Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
William H Hammer Head M 70 Illinois
Cora Hammer Wife F 69 Illinois
Forrest Curwood Son-in-law M 37 Illinois Distilling Company Machinist
Opal Curwood Daughter F 30 Illinois
Robert Curwood Grandson M 12 Illinois
Cora died on Jun. 30, 1943 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois and her mortal remains were laid in the Princeville Township Cemetery in Princeville, Peoria County, Illinois.
4. Orville Butler, a twin was born February 17, 1871 in Illinois. Orville was married to Cora
c. 1895/96.
They are believed not to have had any children of their own.
At the time of the 1910 census, their nephew, George H. Sandberg, are found in Chillicothe Ward 2, Peoria County, Illinois;
Orville Butler Head M 39 Illinois
Cora Butler Wife F 36 Illinois
George Sandberg Nephew M 19 Illinois
At the time of the 1920 census, Orville and his family are found in Chillicothe Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
Orville Butler Head M 49 Illinois
Cora Butler Wife F 47 Illinois
Josephine Butler Grand-niece F 10 Illinois
(NOTE: Josephine is listed as a Grandniece. Josephine is the daughter of ____________ Butler.)
At the time of the 1940 census, Orville and his family are found in North Chillicothe, Chillicothe Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
Orville Butler Head M 69 Illinois
Cora Butler F 67 Illinois
Josephine Butler Daughter F 31 Illinois
(Note: Though they may have raised her as a daughter, Josephine is not believed to have been their daughter.)
Orville died on April 21, 1968 at the age of 97 and his mortal remains were laid in the Chillicothe City Cemetery in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois.
Now to continue with what we know about Henry Butler;
Henry and Margaret are found residing in Akron Township at the time of the 1870
At the time of the 1880 census, Henry and his family are found in Akron Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
Henry Butler Self M 46 Ohio Farming
Margaret Butler Wife F 32 Kentucky
Jenny Butler Daughter F 12 Illinois
Leona Butler Daughter F 10 Illinois
Cora Butler Daughter F 9 Illinois
Orville Butler Son M 9 Illinois
Then about 1890, the moved to Chillicothe, Illinois, where they resided the remainder of their lives. At the time of the 1900 census, Henry is employed as a Day Laborer.
In 1887, the surviving members of the 86th Illinois held a reunion on the 25th anniversary of the mustered in of the regiment, August 27, 1887. Henry did not attend that first reunion, but the membership continued to hold these reunions in Peoria until 1923, when it was decided that they were too old and too few to continue these reunions. Henry did attend several of the reunions, the last one in 1894.
In the 1910 census, a granddaughter is living with Henry and Margaret in Ward 1 of Chillicothe, Illinois;
Head Henry Butler M 77 Ohio
Wife Margret Butler F 63 Kentucky
Granddaughter Reta Sandburg F 22 Illinois
At the time of the 1920 census, Henry and Margaret are found renting in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois;
Head Henry Butler M 85 Ohio
Wife Margaret Butler F 72 Kentucky
Private Henry Butler died on January 17, 1922 in his home in Chillicothe, Illinois. The January 19, 1922 edition of THE PRINCEVILLE TELEPHONE newspaper contained the following obituary;
"VETERAN OF '61'
FATHER OF MRS. HAMMER IS DEAD
Henry Butler, father of Mrs. William Hammer, of Princeville, died Tuesday night at his home in Chillicothe. He was aged 89 and lived here until about 30 years ago. He was member of Co. K in the Civil War and of this well known company was one of the last survivors, the only others who remain being Emanuel Keller and Fred Gladfelter, of Princeville and James White, of Toulon. The funeral service will be held Friday at Chillicothe."
Margaret died on February 15, 1922 in Chillicothe, Illinois. Their earthly remains were laid to rest in the Chillicothe City Cemetery. At the time of Henry Butler's death, only three members of Co. K were known to still be living, Emanuel Keller and Frederick Gladfelter, of Princeville, and James White, of Toulon, Illinois.
by Baxter B. Fite III, Gerald Poplette, Bobette (Nickles) Schrode, Jim Miles and Ron Miles, whose email address is [email protected]
(Baxter would love to hear from anyone, especially descendants, who might be able to add to the Find A Grave biography of Corporal Henry Butler, Co. K, 86th Illinois. Baxter would also love to see copies of any other pictures of Henry Butler that may have survived the years added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
Henry Butler then survived the war and lived well into the 20th century. During his life, Henry probably had his picture taken dozens of times, if not hundreds of times. I would dearly love to see a copy of that CDV, if he did have one made as well, added to his Find A Grave site for all with an interest to see. However, at this point, I would be thrilled just to see some more pictures of him added to his Find A Grave Memorial, even ones of him as an old man. Can anyone help me? Thanks, Baxter)
Corporal HENRY BUTLER, Co. K, 86th Illinois
Henry Butler was born January 6, 1834 in Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio. He is most likely the son of George Butler and Catherine (Cline) Butler, whose family is found in Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio in the 1850 census.
George Butler M 59 Pennsylvania
Catharine Butler F 57 New York
Simon Butler M 30 Ohio
Calvin Butler M 21 Ohio
Abia Butler M 18 Ohio
Henry Butler M 16 Ohio
Sarah Butler F 25 Ohio
However, his death certificate lists his father as William Butler and his mother as Unknown. This may be just a guess from someone in the family.
From a record on familysearch.org we see that George Butler was born c. 1791 in Pennsylvania, while Catherine (Cline) Butler was born on January 15, 1793. They were the parents of the following children;
1. Uriah Butler, born c. October 31, 1812 and died December 25, 1892 and his mortal remains were laid in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Auburn, De Kalb County, Indiana.
2. Jonas Butler, born c. 1814/15 and died on July 19, 1881 in the 66th year of his life; He was a veteran of the Civil War; His mortal remains were laid in the Galva Cemetery in Knox County, Illinois.
3. Benjamin Butler, born c. 1818; Benjamin may actually have been the first member of the family to come west to Illinois as he is found in Joshua, Fulton County, Illinois at the time of the 1850 census; He eventually moved onto Washington State.
4. Simon Butler, born c. 1820; Simon seems to have disappeared after the 1860 unless he is the Simon Butler listed below.
5. David Butler, born c. March 1821; remained behind in Ohio, possibly to look after parents; David and his wife, Elizabeth, are found in Reed Township, Seneca County, Ohio at the time of the 1900 census.
6. Sarah Butler, born c. 1825.
7. Calvin Butler, born c. September 18, 1829 and died on December 15, 1913; In 1880, Calvin is found in Iowa and in 1910 in Los Angeles County, California.
8. Abia Cline Butler, born c. April 14, 1832 and died September 23, 1906 in Oklahoma and his mortal remains were laid in the McCormick Cemetery in Highland Center, Wapello County, Iowa.
9. Henry Butler, born c. 1834 in Ohio; See his biography below.
Henry Butler came west to Illinois sometime in the 1850's and at the time of the 1860 census, he is found residing in Akron Township in Peoria County working as a Farmhand;
92 Beer Jackson 33 M farmer 2,500 417 PA
92 Beer Julia 23 F PA
92 Butler Henry 26 M farmhand OH
It appears that Henry came west with at least four of his brothers, leaving the parents and at least one brother behind. A Simon Butler, age 40 and who was born in Ohio, and a Calvin Butler, age 30 and who was also born in Ohio, almost certainly brothers of Henry Butler, are found in West Jersey Township in Stark County, just north of Peoria County in the 1860 census.
Abia C. Butler, almost certainly another brother of Henry's came west to Illinois just after this census 1850 census and settled in Fulton County, Illinois, located just south and west of Peoria County. Abia C. Butler was born at Ashland, Ohio on April 14, 1832 and was married to Elizabeth Emery in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois on August 25, 1852.
Interestingly, the Jackson and Julia Beer that we see Henry Butler working for in the 1860 census, soon moved to the Canton area of Fulton County, Illinois and are buried in the Beer Cemetery in Fulton County. Also buried in the Beer Cemetery is a Simon Butler. This Simon Butler, however is said to have been born c. 1812 in Pennsylvania and and is said to be the son of Simon and Charity (Lommason) Butler. This Simon Butler died on 1907. This may be incorrect, however.
Henry's father and mother remained in Ohio. It is not known when George died, but Catherine (Cline) Butler died in 1859 and their mortal remains were laid in the Ashland Cemetery in Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio.
Now to continue with the biography of Henry Butler;
On August 8, 1862, Henry volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Princeville, Illinois by a Princeville area School Teacher by the name of John F. French.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name BUTLER, HENRY
Rank PVT Company K Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence PRINCEVILLE, PEORIA CO, IL Age 27 Height 5' 8 Hair DARK
Eyes BLUE Complexion FAIR Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity ASHLAND, ASHLAND CO, OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 8, 1862 Joined Where PRINCEVILLE, IL
Joined By Whom CPT FRENCH Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
Remarks MUSTERED OUT AS CORPORAL
When French had 100 volunteers he led the Princeville volunteers into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, French and 95 of his volunteers were mustered into service as Co. K of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. French was elected Captain of Co. K.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Three weeks later, the men of the 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, chasing Confederate troops in Kentucky. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more to come.
During the next three years, Private Henry Butler served faithfully in Co. K as the men of the 86th served in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina. During this time, Henry was witness to and a participant in numerous battles and skirmishes, some of the bloodiest fighting in the Western Theatre of the war, including the Battles of Chicakamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia, Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia; Peach Tree Creek, Georgia; Jonesboro, Georgia; Averysboro, North Carolina; and Bentonville, North Carolina, to name a few and marched with Sherman to the Sea. Sometime after July of 1864, Private Henry Butler was elected and promoted to Corporal as a testiment to his dedication to service and of his military bearing. On June 6, 1865, Corporal Henry Butler was with the surviving members of the 86th Illinois when they were mustered out of service on June 6, 1865 at Washington, D.C. He then, with the surviving members of Co. K, returned to his home in Princeville Township.
Henry Butler was married on October 3, 1866 in Peoria County to Margaretta "Margaret" "Maggie" Hare, who was born on January __, 1848 in Kentucky, the daughter of William Hare and Rhoda Cash.
To this union was born four children. They are;
1. Jennie Butler; born c. 1867/68 in Illinois. Jennie is known to have been deceased by 1901. She is known to have died sometime between 1880 and 1901.
2. Leona Butler, born January 16, 1869 near the village of Princeville, Peoria County, Illinois. Leona was married on ____________ __, 1887 to _____________ Sandberg. Two children were born to Leona and ____________;
A. Reta I Sandburg, born c. 1888 in Illinois. In 1900, Reta is living with her mother and step father. In 1910, after her mother has died, Reta is found living with her Grandparents, Henry and Margaret Butler, in Chillicothe, Illinois. It is not known what became of Reta after this time.
B. George H Sandburg, born c. 1890 in Illinois. In 1900, George is living with his mother and step-father. In 1910, after his mother has died, George is found living with his Uncle Orville and Aunt Cora in Chillicothe, Illinois. George died on _____________ __, 1914 at the age of 23. His mortal remains were laid in Section D of the the Chillicothe City Cemetery in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois.
_______________ Sandberg died in 1891, leaving Leona with two small children.
Leona (Butler) Sandburg was then married 2nd to Fletcher H. McVicker in 1895. No children were born to Leona and Fletcher.
At the time of the 1900 census, Leona and her combined family is found in Ward 1 - 3 of the city of Chillcothe, Chillicothe Township, Peoria County, Illinois. She has had 2 children, both of whom are living;
Fletcher Mcvicker Head M 47 Illinois
Leona M Mcvicker Wife F 31 Illinois
Reta I Sandburg Stepdaughter F 12 Illinois
George H Sandburg Stepson M 10 Illinois
Leona (Butler) Sandburg McVicker died suddenly on November 18, 1901 and her mortal remains were laid in the Chillicothe City Cemetery in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois.
3. Cora Butler; a twin was born February 17, 1871 in Akron Township, Peoria County, Illinois. Cora Butler was married to William Hammer, who was born in Princeville, Illinois, on February 11, 1889 in Stark County, Illinois. William Hammer was 19 at the time he married and was the son of Henry Hammer and Emma Mitzel, while Cora is listed as 18 and the daughter of Henry Butler and Maggie Hare.
Six children are known to have been born to Cora and William, including;
A. Verna F. Hammer, born c. May __, 1889. Verna was married to Charles H. Maher c. 1910.
Nine children were born to Verna and Charles;
a. Ralph B. Maher, born July 16, 1910 in or near Brimfield, Peoria County, Illinois. Ralph was married to Eleanor A. Bill (October 13, 1911 - December 24, 1991) on June 11, 1931. Three children were born to Ralph and Eleanor including, Bernard W. Maher (December 31, 1936 - November 21, 2000), Earl B. Maher (March 1, 1944 - January 27, 2014), and Jerylin D. Maher (December 14, 1952).
At the time of the 1940 census, Ralph and his family live at 706 Farmington Road in Peoria Township, Peoria, Illinois and his aunt and uncle, Clara and Herman Behrens;
Clara Behrens Head F 57 Illinois
Herman Behrens Husband M 55 Illinois
Ralph Maher Nephew M 29 Illinois
Elenore Maher Niece F 28 Illinois
Bernard Maher Grand-nephew M 3 Illinois
Ralph B. Maher died in December 12, 1998 in Pekin, Tazewell County, Illinois. He was residing in Tazewell County, Illinois at the time and his mortal remains were laid in the Resurrection Cemetery and Mausoleum in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois.
b. Mabel I. Maher, born January 19, 1915 in Illinois. Mabel is believed never to have married. Mabel lived in Williamsfield and in Elmwood throughout her life. She loved to make candy for friends and relatives at Christmastime. Mabel died on August 30, 2007 in Knoxville, Knox County, Illinois. Her mortal remains were laid in the Saint Marys Cemetery in Elmwood, Peoria County, Illinois. See her FAG Memorial #21297670.
c. Walter J. Maher, born December 16, 1916 in Illinois. In 1942, Walter J Maher was married to Evelyn E. Keaton (March 26, 1924 - _______ __, 2003). Walter and Evelyn had 3 daughters including, Patricia K. Maher (June 5, 1943), Diane J. Maher (September 12, 1945) and Jeanette S. Maher (December 1, 1951).
Walter entered the service of the United States Army in November of 1942 and served as a Sergeant. Walter died on 13 August 1990 in Peoria County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Elmwood Township Cemetery in Elmwood, Peoria County, Illinois. See his FAG Memorial #140734457.
d. Charles H. Maher Jr., born November 3, 1918 in Illinois. On October 13, 1940 he married Dorothy Neel (December 23, 1920 - November 11, 2010). They had 5 daughters and 3 sons: Judith C. Maher (March 21, 1942), Charles W. Maher (December 8, 1943), Sandra K. Maher (September 26, 1945 - November 1, 1982), Sharon M. Maher (May 9, 1948), Thomas E. Maher (August 15, 1949), Brenda S. Maher (January 11, 1957), William (Daniel) Maher (March 4, 1958) and Vicki L. Maher (August 31, 1959).
Charles H. Maher Jr. died on August 17, 1997.
e. Leila Ann Maher, born on November 8, 1922 in Illinois. On February 7, 1945 she married Dean W. Miles (March 2, 1921 - September 5, 2004). They had 2 sons: Jim W. Miles (February 5, 1947) and Ron L. Miles (July 25, 1960). Leila Ann (Maher) Miles died on September 21, 2008.
f. Thomas F. Maher, born December 1, 1924 in Illinois. Thomas was a World War II Army veteran, serving under Gen. Douglas MacArthur and left the service with the rank of T/4. Thomas worked at the Pabst Brewery in Peoria Heights for many years and was a huge Chicago Cubs fan.
Thomas died on October 11, 1996 in Peoria County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Elmwood Township Cemetery in Elmwood, Peoria County, Illinois.
g. Donald Paul Maher, born September 18, 1926 in Illinois. On July 16, 1955 Don was married to Nancy A. Smith (February 26, 1935 - July 27, 2018). They had 2 sons: Dennis P. Maher (September 24, 1956) and Matthew J. Maher (December 2, 1964).
Donald P. Maher died on April 30, 2017.
h. Fredrick J. Maher, born September 2, 1928 in Illinois. In 1951 Fred was married to Ruth E. Gilles (September 23, 1928 - July 10, 1989). They had 1 son and 2 daughters including, Fredrick W. Maher (July 2, 1952), Maricita B. Maher (March 29, 1957) and Barbara E. Maher (April 21, 1965).
Fredrick J. Maher died on August 21, 1975.
i. Pauline E. Maher, born February 8, 1931 in Illinois. On June 3, 1953 Pauline was married to Robert C. Hall (September 30, 1932- May 25, 2007). They had 1 son and 1 daughter including, Robert E. Hall (December 8, 1953) and Cathy A. Hall (February 27, 1957). Pauline celebrated her 89 birthday in February of 2020 and lives in Elmwood, Illinois.
Now to continue with what we known about Verna F. (Hammer) Maher and her family;
At the time of the 1920 census, Verna and her family are found in Brimfield Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
Charles H Maher Head M 34 Illinois
Verna F Maher Wife F 28 Illinois
Ralph B Maher Son M 9 Illinois
Mabel J Maher Daughter F 5 Illinois
Walter J Maher Son M 3 Illinois
Charles H Maher Son M 1 Illinois
At the time of the 1930 census, Verna and her family are found in Brimfield Township, Peoria County, Illinois, where the family is farming;
Charles H Maher Head M 44 Illinois
Verna F Maher Wife F 40 Illinois
Mable I Maher Daughter F 15 Illinois
Walter J Maher Son M 13 Illinois
Charles H Maher Son M 11 Illinois
Lela A Maher Daughter F 7 Illinois
Thomas F Maher Son M 5 Illinois
Donald P Maher Son M 3 Illinois
Frederick J Maher Son M 1 Illinois
At the time of the 1940 census, Verna and her family are found in Brimfield Township of Peoria County, Illinois. Charles is now listed as a Laborer on a Street Improvement Project. Charles H. Maher Sr. died in 1972, while Verna F. (Hammer) Maher died on ____________ __, 1980. Their mortal remains were laid in the Saint Marys Cemetery in Elmwood, Peoria County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #136683429.
B. William Hammer, born August 21, 1891 in Illinois. William Hammer is believed to have never been married. William Hammer died on April 17, 1925 in Limestone Township, Peoria County, Illinois. He was working as an Auto Mechanic at the time of his death. His mortal remains were laid in the Princeville Township Cemetery in Princeville, Illinois on April 19, 1925.
C. Claude Lee Hammer, born July 25, 1895 in or near Princeville, Peoria County, Illinois. Claude was married to Hazel Jenkins on ____________ __, 19__. Hazel was born c. 1902 in Kansas City, Missouri.
One daughter is known to have been born to Claude and Hazel;
a. Ruth Adele Hammer, born January 3, 1923 in Evanston, Cook County, Illinois.
Claude Lee Hammer died on May 23, 1927 in Akron Township, Peoria County, Illinois. He was listed as a Laborer at the time of his death. Claude's mortal remains were laid in the Princeville Township Cemetery in Princeville, Peoria County, Illinois.
D. Pearl A. Hammer, born June 6, 1899 in or near Princeville, Peoria County, Illinois. Pearl was married to Leon A. Nickolls/Nickles on December 25, 1919 in Princeville, Illinois.
Two son are known to have been born to Pearl and Leon;
a. Robert L. Nickels, born 22 Oct 1920 in Princeville, Peoria County, Illinois. Robert served in the U. S. Army during WWII. Robert was married to Gretchen A. Schade in 1946 in Peoria County and they were the parents of two daughters, Bobette (William) Shrode II and Lana (Bud) Bird Jr. Robert died on 8 Oct 1991 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Parkview Cemetery in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. See his FAG Memorial #122657975.
b. William J. "Bill" Nickles, born c. 1922/23 in Illinois. Bill was married to ___________ Stark and they were the parents of two sons, David Nickles and James Nickles.
At the time of the 1940 census, Pearl and her family reside at 806 Machin Avenue in Ward 5 of the city of Peoria, Illinois;
Leon Nickles Head M 43 Indiana
Pearl Nickles Wife F 40 Illinois
Robert Nickles Son M 19 Illinois
Bill Nickles Son M 17 Illinois
Leon died on Aug. 29, 1974 in Peoria, while P.earl A. (Hammer) Nickles died on 29 Feb 1996 in Peoria Heights, Peoria County, Illinois and her mortal remains were laid in the Parkview Cemetery in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial # 122658047.
E. Ethel M. Hammer, born ____________ __, 1902 in Illinois. Ethel was married to Raymond L. Poplette, of Peoria.
The children born to Ethel and Raymond include;
a. E________ Vivian Poplette, born February 9, 1923 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. Vivian was married to Harry J. Irwin. Vivian and Harry were the parents of at least one son, Dennis Irwin, of Washington, Illinois. Vivian died on March 9, 2008 in East Peoria, Tazewell County, Illinois and her mortal remains were laid in the Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #25341362.
b. Ray Ivan Poplette, born August 2, 1925 in Illinois. Ray was married to ____________ ____________ and they were the parents of at least one child, Roxanne. Ray died on August 22, 2001 in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois.
c. Gerald A. "Jerry" Poplette, born March 22, 1937 in Illinois. Living in East Peoria, Illinois.
At the time of the 1940 census, Ethel and her family reside at 1004 W. Wilson in Ward 5 of the city of Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. Raymond is a Clerk for the U. S. Postal service;
Raymond L Poplette Head M 39 Illinois
Ethel M Poplette Wife F 37 Illinois
E Vivian Poplette Daughter F 17 Illinois
R Ivan Poplette Son M 14 Illinois
Jerry A Poplette Son M 3 Illinois
Raymond L. Poplette died in 1972, while Ethel M. (Hammer) Poplette died on ____________ __, 1968. Their mortal remains were laid in the Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #159483344.
F. Opal Dell Hammer, born March 2, 1910 in Princeville Towship, Peoria County, Illinois. Opal was 1st married to ____________ ___________ and they had one child, Robert Valine ___________, who was born c. 1927/28 in Illinois. Opal was then married 2nd to Forrest Kerwood. No children were born to Opal and Forrest.
At the time of the 1940 census, Opal and her family are found residing in the village of Princeville, Akron Township, Peoria County, Illinois with her parents. Forrest is a Machinist for a Distilling Company;
William H Hammer Head M 70 Illinois
Cora Hammer Wife F 69 Illinois
Forrest Curwood Son-in-law M 37 Illinois
Opal Curwood Daughter F 30 Illinois
Robert Curwood Grandson M 12 Illinois
Forest died in 1965, while Opal Dell (Hammer) Kerwood died on 13 Feb 1980 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. Their mortal remains were laid in the Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #196181788.
Now to continue with what we know about Cora and her family;
At the time of the 1900 census, Cora and her family are found in the village of Princeville, Princeville township, Peoria County, Illinois;
William H Hammer Head M Nov 1869 31 Illinois
Cora Hammer Wife F 29 Feb 1871 Illinois
Verna F Hammer Daughter F May 1890 10 Illinois
William H Hammer Son M Aug 1892 8 Illinois
Claude L Hammer Son M 4 July 1896 Illinois
Pearl A Hammer Daughter M Jun 1899 1 Illinois
At the time of the 1910 census, Cora and her family are found residing on North Street in Princeville , Peoria County, Illinois;
William Hammer Head M 41 Illinois
Cora Hammer Wife F 39 Illinois
Claude Hammer Son M 14 Illinois
Pearl A Hammer Daughter F 10 Illinois
Ethel M Hammer Daughter F 7 Illinois
Opal D Hammer Daughter F 7/12 Illinois
At the time of the 1920 census, Cora and her family are found in Akron Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
William Hamma, Sr Head M 50 Illinois
Cora Hamma Wife F 48 Illinois
William Hamma, Jr Son M 28 Illinois
Ethel Hamma Daughter F 17 Illinois
Opel Hamma Daughter F 9 Illinois
At the time of the 1940 census, Cora and her family are found in or near the village of Princeville, Akron Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
William H Hammer Head M 70 Illinois
Cora Hammer Wife F 69 Illinois
Forrest Curwood Son-in-law M 37 Illinois Distilling Company Machinist
Opal Curwood Daughter F 30 Illinois
Robert Curwood Grandson M 12 Illinois
Cora died on Jun. 30, 1943 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois and her mortal remains were laid in the Princeville Township Cemetery in Princeville, Peoria County, Illinois.
4. Orville Butler, a twin was born February 17, 1871 in Illinois. Orville was married to Cora
c. 1895/96.
They are believed not to have had any children of their own.
At the time of the 1910 census, their nephew, George H. Sandberg, are found in Chillicothe Ward 2, Peoria County, Illinois;
Orville Butler Head M 39 Illinois
Cora Butler Wife F 36 Illinois
George Sandberg Nephew M 19 Illinois
At the time of the 1920 census, Orville and his family are found in Chillicothe Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
Orville Butler Head M 49 Illinois
Cora Butler Wife F 47 Illinois
Josephine Butler Grand-niece F 10 Illinois
(NOTE: Josephine is listed as a Grandniece. Josephine is the daughter of ____________ Butler.)
At the time of the 1940 census, Orville and his family are found in North Chillicothe, Chillicothe Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
Orville Butler Head M 69 Illinois
Cora Butler F 67 Illinois
Josephine Butler Daughter F 31 Illinois
(Note: Though they may have raised her as a daughter, Josephine is not believed to have been their daughter.)
Orville died on April 21, 1968 at the age of 97 and his mortal remains were laid in the Chillicothe City Cemetery in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois.
Now to continue with what we know about Henry Butler;
Henry and Margaret are found residing in Akron Township at the time of the 1870
At the time of the 1880 census, Henry and his family are found in Akron Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
Henry Butler Self M 46 Ohio Farming
Margaret Butler Wife F 32 Kentucky
Jenny Butler Daughter F 12 Illinois
Leona Butler Daughter F 10 Illinois
Cora Butler Daughter F 9 Illinois
Orville Butler Son M 9 Illinois
Then about 1890, the moved to Chillicothe, Illinois, where they resided the remainder of their lives. At the time of the 1900 census, Henry is employed as a Day Laborer.
In 1887, the surviving members of the 86th Illinois held a reunion on the 25th anniversary of the mustered in of the regiment, August 27, 1887. Henry did not attend that first reunion, but the membership continued to hold these reunions in Peoria until 1923, when it was decided that they were too old and too few to continue these reunions. Henry did attend several of the reunions, the last one in 1894.
In the 1910 census, a granddaughter is living with Henry and Margaret in Ward 1 of Chillicothe, Illinois;
Head Henry Butler M 77 Ohio
Wife Margret Butler F 63 Kentucky
Granddaughter Reta Sandburg F 22 Illinois
At the time of the 1920 census, Henry and Margaret are found renting in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois;
Head Henry Butler M 85 Ohio
Wife Margaret Butler F 72 Kentucky
Private Henry Butler died on January 17, 1922 in his home in Chillicothe, Illinois. The January 19, 1922 edition of THE PRINCEVILLE TELEPHONE newspaper contained the following obituary;
"VETERAN OF '61'
FATHER OF MRS. HAMMER IS DEAD
Henry Butler, father of Mrs. William Hammer, of Princeville, died Tuesday night at his home in Chillicothe. He was aged 89 and lived here until about 30 years ago. He was member of Co. K in the Civil War and of this well known company was one of the last survivors, the only others who remain being Emanuel Keller and Fred Gladfelter, of Princeville and James White, of Toulon. The funeral service will be held Friday at Chillicothe."
Margaret died on February 15, 1922 in Chillicothe, Illinois. Their earthly remains were laid to rest in the Chillicothe City Cemetery. At the time of Henry Butler's death, only three members of Co. K were known to still be living, Emanuel Keller and Frederick Gladfelter, of Princeville, and James White, of Toulon, Illinois.
by Baxter B. Fite III, Gerald Poplette, Bobette (Nickles) Schrode, Jim Miles and Ron Miles, whose email address is [email protected]
(Baxter would love to hear from anyone, especially descendants, who might be able to add to the Find A Grave biography of Corporal Henry Butler, Co. K, 86th Illinois. Baxter would also love to see copies of any other pictures of Henry Butler that may have survived the years added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
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