Butler, William Samford, son of Thomas H. and Martha (Wheat) Butler, was born in New London, New London county, Conn., February 15, 1838.
His early education was received in the public schools of Malden. His parents, though not in circumstances to enable them to bring up a family in luxury, nobly acquitted themselves in amply providing for that course of moral and intellectual training which tends to develop those qualities requisite to the highest and most lasting success.
At fifteen years of age Mr. Butler left school to accept employment with Phineas Sprague of Malden, and remained in his steady employ for ten years. He acquired during this term of service a reputation for rare business sagacity and judgment that secured him a position with L. Oudkirk of New York. His progress in the metropolis was rapid and substantial, and he soon was employed as salesman by Seligman & Macy, of the same city.
In 1866 Mr. Butler returned to Boston with an increased knowledge of the world, and of the business which he was prepared to follow with added responsibilities. With Seligman & Macy he took control of the establishment, which he now occupies as sole proprietor, at that time owned by Cushman & Brooks. Many important changes have been made in this place, and from the unpretentious building it was at first, it has been transformed into an extensive business house of stately proportions.
Mr. Butler has been sole proprietor of the business since 1873. This was the year of the well-known financial disaster, the results of which were felt until 1880. It was the latter year that Mr. Butler showed his business judgment by enlarging his establishment, which at that time consisted of the street floor and basement. The enlargement and improvements have
William S. Butler.
continued up to the present time, until now he holds the five stories and basement of the stone-front building, Nos. 90–98 Tremont Street.
On October 7, 1862, Mr. Butler was married to Charlotte F., daughter of Edward and Betsey M. (Ayers) Whittredge of Malden. Of this union were four children: Florence, Lottie, Frances, and William Butler. He subsequently married Mrs. Margaret Jane Folsom of Boston.
Mr. Butler has never even allowed the temptations of public position or the excitements of political life to interfere with the hours that he divides between his business interests and the more enjoyable claims of the family circle at Longwood, where he resides.