BUTTERLEY, STEPHEN, now living retired from active life, at 1928 South Sixth Street, Springfield, was born in County Louth, Ireland, in 1849, son of Stephen and Katherine (Murphy) Butterley, both of whom were natives of Ireland and spent their entire lives in that country, dying in comparatively early life. Stephen Butterley, subject of this sketch has a brother and sister living in Springfield, who came to the United States about ten years after he did. He was educated in the public schools in County Louth and remained on his father's farm until he was seventeen years old, then began working at farming for others. In 1870 he came to America, locating in Sangamon County, where he became interested in coal mining, and spent thirty-eight years in this occupation. He has worked in several different shafts and has been employed in various capacities, and he has learned many branches of the work and has always been a reliable and conscientious worker.

In 1872 Mr. Butterley moved to Iles Junction and lived there thirteen years, then located in his present home, where he has resided twenty-six years. He has a fine house and owns 100 feet front,, with a depth of 160 feet. He has been a member of the Mine Workers of America for the past seven years and is connected with Local No. 999, of Springfield. He is an enterprising, public-spirited citizen and in politics is a Democrat. He is a member of the Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception.

Mr. Butterley was married, in Springfield, in November, 1872, to Miss Julia, daughter of James and Mary Matthews, born in Ireland, in 1843. Both Mr. Matthews and his wife died in Ireland, in 1875. Two brothers of Mrs. Butterley came to America in 1869 and one of them is now living in California. Mr. Butterley and his wife have children as follows: Peter J., employed by the Marquette Cement Company, at Oglesby, Ill.; Katherine, a clerk with the Capital Coal Company; James, a coal miner; Mary, living at home. Mr. Butterley has two grandchildren: Stephen Butterley, born in 1907, and Robert Butterley, born in 1908. Mr. Butterley is a man of honest and upright character and generally respected. His wife died October 9, 1908, and is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Springfield. She had been a faithful and devoted wife and mother and was mourned by many friends.