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 was married to Frances T. Pachowiak.[5][6][7] They were the parents of three sons, George, John, and Henry.[5]
