James W. Butler (1829-1913) was a resident of Batesville, Arkansas who served as judge on the Third District Court. He was elected to office in 1887, running unopposed.1 During his term, Butler held court at Powhatan in February and August.2
In 1893, Butler was appointed Acting Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court when Sterling Cockrill unexpectedly resigned.3 He was replaced by Henry Gaston Bunn. He was also a veteran of the Second Arkansas Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the Spanish-American War, rising to the rank of sergeant-major.4 He died in Batesville.5
Sources:
1. Arkansas Democrat. May 3, 1887. p.4. James_Butler_elected_Third_District_Judge__5_3_1887.pdf
2. Goodspeed's Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northeast Arkansas. 1889. p.623; 765
3. Daily Arkansas Gazette. April 22, 1893. p.1. James_Butler_appointed_ASC_justice__4_22_1893.pdf
4. Arkansas Democrat. December 13, 1898. p.1. James_Butler_discharged_from_the_army__12_13_1898.pdf
5. "Judge James W. Butler, Pioneer Citizen, is Dead." Batesville Daily Guard. March 18, 1913. p.1. James_butler_obituary__3_18_1913.pdf
