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Below is a family biography included in The History of Sumner County, Tennessee published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1887.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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Oliver P. Butler (deceased), a merchant and farmer, was born in 1820, in North Carolina, and died at his home, seven and a half miles north east of Gallatin in 1885. He was of Scotch descent, one of six children. He came to Tennessee at an early day with his parents, and settled at a point now known as Bracken, Tenn. He was a merchant at Fountain Head several years, and afterward engaged in farming at the same place. He had a complete and thorough medical education, but never practiced. In 1854 he married Mary Ann, daughter of Henry Sarver, of Fountain Head. To them were born two sons: Wm. F., who resides in Summer County, on the homestead, and John H., agent of the Adams Express Company at Kansas City, Mo. Mrs. Butler died about 1875. In 1879 our subject wedded Mrs. Susan M. (Brown) Parker, daughter of George T. and Amanda C. Brown, who resided in east fork of Bledsoe Creek, eleven miles northeast of Gallatin. They were formerly of Virginia. Mrs. Butler was born on the farm now owned by Colby Chenault, eight miles northeast of Gallatin. By her former marriage there are three children: Clare, Washington T. and John R. Our subject was one of the most prosperous and successful farmers of the country. His education was secured chiefly by his own efforts. When he began life, he was the possessor of $1 but by energy and good judgment, amassed considerable wealth and valuable property. At one time he paid a security debt of $15,000 dollars. He was an enterprising, worthy citizen, well known and universally respected. He and his first wife were members of the church to which Mrs. Butler, William and John also belong.

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This family biography is one of 115 biographies included in The History of Sumner County, Tennessee published in 1887.  The History of Sumner County was included within The History of Sumner, Smith, Macon & Trousdale Counties of Tennessee. View the complete description here: History of Sumner, Smith, Macon and Trousdale Counties of Tennessee

View additional Sumner County, Tennessee family biographies here: Sumner County, Tennessee

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