James Joseph Butler

Who was James Joseph Butler?

James Joseph Butler was a U.S. Representative from Missouri.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Butler attended the public schools. He served an apprenticeship as a blacksmith, and worked at that trade for several years. He was graduated from St. Louis University in 1881. He studied law at Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri. He was admitted to the bar in 1884 and commenced practice in St. Louis, Missouri. He 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 Chester Robinson Wagoner, who contested his election.

Butler was elected as a Democrat to the Fifty-eighth Congress. He served as delegate to the Democratic National Conventions in 1904 and 1908. He resumed the practice of law in St. Louis, Missouri, and died there May 31, 1917. He was interred in Calvary Cemetery.