My Genealogy Hound

ALEXANDER WILSON BUTLER, who died in the month of April, 1889, was for many years one of the most prominent and highly respected citizens of Mauch Chunk. He was born in Columbia County, Pa., April 7, 1826, and was the youngest of a large family. While he was still an infant his parents removed to Mauch Chunk. The little mountain town had but few educational advantages, and all the schooling that Mr. Butler ever enjoyed was under the care of an eccentric Irishman named “Jimmy” Nolan, who taught the boys and girls of Mauch Chunk at that time. Some of the most prominent men in the Lehigh Valley, however, were graduates of his establishment.

While hardly more than a boy, our subject became a clerk in a store at Maria Furnace, now known as Harrity, in Carbon County. He afterward became bookkeeper at the Mauch Chunk Foundry store. When the Mauch Chunk Bank was organized in 1855, he was appointed its book-keeper, and held this position until the organization of the First National Bank of Mauch Chunk, when he was made Cashier. He was subsequently elected Vice-President, which office he held at the time of his death. He was thus closely identified with the banking business in Mauch Chunk for a period of thirty-four years.

Mr. Butler took a prominent part in all that pertained to the welfare of the community, and was identified with many of its leading enterprises. He was also one of its most liberal and public-spirited citizens. Always greatly interested in the prosperity of Mauch Chunk, and in everything concerning its welfare, it was owing very largely to his energetic efforts that Concert Hall was erected. He made a liberal subscription himself, urged others to contribute, and when the necessary $30,000 was raised, wholly by voluntary subscriptions, the responsibility of the erection and furnishing of the building was placed in his hands.

For nearly a quarter of a century Mr. Butler was one of the most prominent and devoted members of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, and for many years a Vestryman and the Treasurer of the parish. His life was ever in harmony with his profession, his entire career being straightforward, just and honorable to the last degree. Of a cheerful, social disposition, his courtesy and genial nature endeared him to all his neighbors and friends, and he left to his family the priceless heritage of an honorable name and an unblemished character.

In 1849 Mr. Butler married Anna M., daughter of John Richards, an iron master of New Jersey, by whom he had five children, namely: William R; Harry A.; Elizabeth, wife of Laird H. Barber; Fanny and Mary. Mr. Butler’s death was mourned by the entire community and his memory is greatly revered by all who knew him.