WITH K. P. HONORS
Remains of Sergeant William Butler Laid to rest
ONE OF THE MEN KILLED IN THE INDIAN SKIRMISHES.
His Remains Sent Here by His Friends of the Knights
Accompanied by Sergeant George A. Sharp.
A funeral took place in the Quaker district in Palmyra township this morning at 10 o'clock at the home of Mrs. D. A. Clark. It was the last sad rites over the remains of Sergeant Wm. Butler, Company E, Third U. S. Infantry, of Ft. Snelling.
It was the funeral of a brave man, a hero who gave his life for his country. Deceased was killed by an Indian bullet at Bear Island, during the late uprising among the Pillager Indians. He was one of six, and our readers have been informed before of his death and the connection he has to Lenawee county.
The remains arrived her last night at 10:30, over the Lake Shore road, in charge of Sergeant George A. Sharp, of Ft. Snelling.
The fort is situated about seven miles from St. Paul and the sergeant started last Monday evening from there at 4 o'clock. The remains were sent by Ivy lodge, No. 135, Knights of Pythias, and all expenses were paid by them.
The local Knights of Pythias became apprised of the reception of the remains about 8 o'clock this morning and took the matter in hand. As a consequence about (20?) Sir Knights drove out to the funeral with the remains, and Sir Knights G. B. M. Seager, Mark Mills, O. B. Pennock, John Mawdsley, J. W. Kirk and Frank Kilmer acted as bearers, with the balance of the Sir Knights as honorary bearers.
Rev. George Humphrey conducted the service which was very brief and the K. P. service was conducted at the grave.
The casket was draped with the American flag and a beautiful floral piece, a large wreath, sent by Capital and St. Paul lodges rested upon it.
The casket was opened at the house and the Knights took a look at one of their number although comparatively a stranger, who had died for his country. The remains rested with the head turned on the left side, to conceal the terrible wound over the left eye that marks the place where the Indiana bullet entered.
The service was simple, a prayer and a few remarks by the minister, then the depositing of the myrtle by the Knights and all was over.
Sergeant Sharp, who accompanied the remains, says that he had been acquainted with Sergeant Butler for about eight years. He knew that deceased had enlisted from Michigan about 13 years ago, served though two terms, and was on his third term of enlistment. He was stationed with him at Ft. Snelling when the war broke out. His (Butler's) company went and he went through the battles of E. Caney and San Juan Hill without a scratch. He was the sent back to Montauk Point, and after recovering from the slight fever he contracted, was sent back to Snelling, where he was when the Pillage Indian troubles commenced.
Sergeant Sharp, who is of Co. G was detailed to remain at Snelling but he says that Co. E had to go to the assistance of United States Marshal O'Conner. At first 20 men went, but then afterwards the full company of 80 was sent. The understanding was with the Indians that no shooting was to be done and that the United States officers should go and arrest 12 Indian prisoners that were wanted. Company E was lined up and guns stacked when Sergeant Ayres, of the company, in handling a recruit's gun, accidentally discharged it. This started a fusillade from the Indians and Major Wilkinson, Sergeant Butler and four privates were killed. Sergeant Butler received a bullet over the left eye, the ball penetrating the brain and killing him instantly. This happened about 4 o'clock I the afternoon of Wednesday, 5th inst., and…….
To see more of the history of this battle, see: Battle of Sugar Point
contributed by: David CLARK, 01 March 2009
Editor's Note: William Butler's grave is located in the back row of the Palmyra Friends (Crane) Cemetery. For some reason there isn't any type of military insignia on or near the stone. The date was 1898.
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