Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 999 - 1000 

SUTLIF G. BUTLER, the oldest liveryman in the city of Wichita, is proprietor of a flourishing sale and livery stable, occupying No. 116 South Fourth street. He established himself here in 1872, and has proved a valued accession to the community. His excellent business capacities and his good judgment are evinced in his surroundings, and the fact that he has been enabled to provide himself and his family with all the comforts of life, and has in prospect a snug sum for a rainy day.

             Mr. Butler made his advent into the Territory of Kansas in 1858, settling first in Leavenworth County. He was there engaged in farming about three years, and until the outbreak of the late Rebellion. Subsequently he was in the Quartermaster's department of the army at Ft. Leavenworth, and held the position of Wagonmaster until the close of the war. During this time he had in charge a train of twenty-five wagons, to each of which was attached a six-mule team. His migrations in this department of the army led him all over the South and West, during which period he was often in places of danger in common with his comrades, but happily escaped serious injury.

             After the close of the war Mr. Butler once more engaged in farming, and continued thus occupied until coming to Wichita. Here he engaged in city transportation, which he followed for six years, and then established himself in the livery business at the corner of Fourth street and Douglas avenue, and at this location built up the business which is now one of the most extensive of its kind in the city.

             Mr. Butler was born in Steuben County, N. Y., June 14, 1829, and is the son of Thomas and Clarissa (Sutlif) Butler, natives of the Empire State. Thomas Butler was one of the most thrifty farmers of Steuben County, from which he removed to Boone County, Ill., in 1839, being one of the pioneers of that region. There also he carried on agriculture extensively, but finally removed to Wisconsin, where his death took place in the spring of 1848. The mother died the same year, a few months after the decease of her husband. The parents were of Irish and English ancestry, and Mrs. Butler was the daughter of Gad Sutlif, who was a sea captain many years. The parental family included five children.

             The subject of this history received his education in the district school, and became familiar with the various employments of farm life. Upon reaching his majority he engaged in lumbering in Michigan, building up a good trade, and operated there about eight years. He then went into Rockford County, Ill., and engaged in farming until the year of his arrival in this State. Upon coming to Sedgwick County be took up a quarter-section of Government land in Kechi Township, where he made some improvements, but only occupied it a comparatively brief time. He has lived to see the city of Wichita develop from a village to one of the most prosperous towns west of the Mississippi, and takes satisfaction in the reflection that he has contributed in no small measure to its business interests. He put up his present stables in 1882, and not long since refused an offer of $30,000 for the ground, buildings and contents.

             The marriage of Sutlif G. Butler and Miss Sarah E. Adkins was celebrated at the home of the bride in Leavenworth City, Aug. 29, 1863. Of this union there were three children, the eldest of whom, Frank S., was married, Oct. 15, 1887, to Miss Cora A. Armstrong, of Wichita. He is a promising young man, having inherited the business capacities of his father, for whom he officiates as foreman in the livery stable. The younger children, George S. and Lottie E., remain under the home roof. The family residence is located at No. 829 South Topeka street, and is the frequent resort of the refined and cultivated people of the city.

             Mr. Butler gives the most of his attention to his business affairs, but when exercising the rights of an American citizen at the polls uniformly supports the Democratic ticket.

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