My Genealogy Hound

BUTLER & DRUMRIGHT, merchants. The business was established in 1878, by I. H. Butler and J. C. Mosbey, who conducted it two years and then divided the stock, and Mr. Butler and John W. Childress were partners for two years longer. Mr. Butler then purchased his partner’s interest, and Thomas Kerr became a partner, continuing so one year. He then dropped out and Horace Arnold became associated in this business, and remained a partner until 1885. Mr. Butler continued alone until February, 1886, when it came into the hands of the present firm, who keep a general merchandise store, and do an extensive business. Isaac H. Butler was born in Murfreesboro, July 26, 1844, son of Thomas O., and Permelia (Ware) Butler who were born in North Carolina and Louisiana respectively. They were married about 1838, and the father followed farming until his death in 1863. Isaac H. was prevented from receiving an extended education by the breaking out of the war. In 1861 he enlisted as first lieutenant of Capt. Lytle’s company, Eleventh Tennessee Cavalry, and after serving one and a half years, was discharged on account of his youth, but re-enlisted in Carter’s regiment of cavalry, and was made captain of Company C, of that regiment. He was captured near Murfreesboro in 1864, and was imprisoned on Johnson’s Island in Lake Erie until the close of the war. He then returned home and farmed until 1873, with the exception of one year (1867) spent in Texas. He came to this city and operated the City (now Miles’) Hotel one year, and then engaged in the liquor business for the same length of time. He was elected to the police force and served during 1876-77. In 1878 he engaged in his present business, but has since been compelled to close out on account of ill health. In 1865 he wedded Mary E. Murphey, who bore him six children. Mr. Butler is a Democrat, and in 1878 was elected city recorder, an office he held continuously until 1886. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.