John Cornelius Butler
American politician
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
John Cornelius Butler (July 2, 1887 – August 13, 1953) was a Republican politician from New York.[1] He was most notable for his service as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1941 to 1949 and 1951 to 1953.[2]
John Cornelius Butler | |
|---|---|
| |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York | |
| In office January 3, 1951 – January 3, 1953 | |
| Preceded by | Chester C. Gorski |
| Succeeded by | District eliminated |
| Constituency | 44th district |
| In office April 22, 1941 – January 3, 1949 | |
| Preceded by | Pius Schwert |
| Succeeded by | Chester C. Gorski |
| Constituency | 42nd district (1941–45) 44th district (1945–49) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 2, 1887 |
| Died | August 13, 1953 (aged 66) Buffalo, New York, US |
| Resting place | Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, New York |
| Party | Republican |
| Spouse | Frances T. Pachowiak (m. 1908) |
| Children | 3 |
| Occupation | Electrician Union official |
| Nickname | Jack |
Biography
Butler was born in Buffalo, New York, on July 2, 1887.[2] He attended the public schools of Buffalo and graduated from Buffalo's Central High School.[2]
Butler worked in businesses on Buffalo's Lake Erie waterfront, primarily as an electrician.[2] He later became active in several unions, including the longshoremen's, grain elevator employees', and electrical workers'.[2]
In 1941, Butler was elected to the U.S. House as a Republican in the special election held to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Pius Schwert.[2] He served from April 22, 1941, until January 3, 1949.[2] He failed to be reelected in 1948.[2] After losing his seat, Butler was employed as sales manager for the Fire Equipment Sales Company and estimator for the Beacon Electrical Engineering and Construction Company, both of Buffalo.[2]
In 1950, Butler was again elected to the U.S. House, and he served from January 3, 1951, to January 3, 1953.[2] Because his district was eliminated after the 1950 census, in 1952 Butler ran in the 42nd District, where he lost the Republican nomination to John R. Pillion.[3] As a member of Congress, Butler was best known for his opposition to the Saint Lawrence Seaway, which he believed would have a detrimental effect on Buffalo's shipping and cargo handling industries.[4]
After leaving Congress, Butler lived in retirement in Buffalo.[2] He died in Buffalo on August 13, 1953.[2] He was buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo.[2]
In 1908, Butler married Frances T. Pachowiak.[5][6][7] They had three sons, George, John, and Henry.[5]
