James Joseph BUTLER, Congress, MO (1862-1917)

BUTLER, James Joseph, a Representative from Missouri; born in St. Louis, Mo., August 29, 1862; attended the public schools; served an apprenticeship as a blacksmith, and worked at that trade for several years; was graduated from St. Louis (Mo.) University in 1881; studied law at Washington University, St. Louis, Mo.; was admitted to the bar in 1884 and commenced practice in St. Louis, Mo.; served as city attorney of St. Louis 1886-1894; presented credentials as a Democratic Member-elect to the Fifty-seventh Congress and served from March 4, 1901, until June 28, 1902, when the seat was declared vacant; subsequently presented credentials as a Member-elect to fill the vacancy thus caused and served from November 4, 1902, until February 26, 1903, when he was succeeded by George C. R. Wagoner, who contested his election; elected as a Democrat to the Fifty-eighth Congress (March 4, 1903-March 3, 1905); delegate to the Democratic National Conventions in 1904 and 1908; resumed the practice of law in St. Louis, Mo., and died there May 31, 1917; interment in Calvary Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present