Source: Portrait & Biographical Album of Whiteside County, IL, Chapman Bros., Chicago, IL 1885
Transcribed by: Denise McLoughlin, Tampico Area Historical Society
www.tampicohistoricalsociety.citymax.com

WILLIAM BUTMAN, farmer, residing on section 26, Fulton Township, is a son of James and Esther (MOULTHROP) BUTMAN, natives of Massachusetts and Vermont, whose family consisted of five children, namely: Betsey, Melissa, Laura, James and William. William BUTMAN was born in Rutland, Rutland Co., Vt., Feb. 10, 1821. He received good common-school and academical education, and remained in his native State alternating his attendance at school by working on the farm until 19 years of age. On reaching this age he went to Elmira, N. Y., where he was engaged in the occupation of a carpenter and builder for a year. He was next employed as a passenger conductor on the New York Central R. R., and followed that position for about 17 years. In 1865 he went to New York City, and was there employed in the Custom House as Examiner and Verifier for upward of three years. He then went to Michigan, and entered the employ of the Detroit, Lansing & Northern Railroad, as conductor. He was the first conductor of a passenger train on that road, and remained with the company for 14 years.

His health failing, he came to this county, and settled in Fulton Township.

Mr. BUTMAN was married in Dundee, Yates Co., N. Y., in 1843, to Miss Clarissa BOOTH, a native of York State. She bore him five children: Theo. F., William E. and Emily E. Emily E. is the wife of John W. BOYER, and resides in Detroit. Sarah and Henry died in infancy. William is employed as postal clerk on the D., L. & N. R. R. and resides at Detroit. Theo, died in 1878, aged 36 years.

The wife and mother died in 1871. and Mr. BUTMAN was again married Sept. 17, 1873, to Miss Abbie A. GOODRICH, at Ionia, Mich. She was a daughter of Leonard and Juliet GOODRICH, and was a descendant from Miles STANDISH. Her parents were natives of Vermont, and emigrated to Michigan in 1850, and settled in Pontiac, Oakland County. Her mother died there, and her father moved to Ionia, Mich., where he still resides, living a retired life. Mrs. BUTMAN'S parents had five children: Melancton S., Norman S., Ellen J., Louisa A. and Abbie A.

Mrs. BUTMAN was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, Dec. 13. 1848, and has borne to her husband five children, of whom two are living - Frank S. and an unnamed infant. Three died in childhood, - Harry, James L, and Etta M.

Mr. BUTMAN has held the office of School Director, and politically endorses the principles of the Republican party. Mrs. B., religiously, is a member of the Baptist Church.