Near Northside in Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Ovid Butler, Sr.

Front Side of Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, December 27, 2007

1. Front Side of Marker

Inscription.
(Front): Born 1801 in New York; moved to Indiana 1817. Admitted to bar 1825; became influential lawyer. Settled in Indianapolis 1836. His opposition to slavery on moral and religious grounds was reflected in his political affiliations and support of anti-slavery newspapers; his writings publicly condemned slavery and the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850.

(Back): Butler wrote North Western Christian University charter 1849; founders wanted to provide "liberal and Christian education" away from slavery influences. Indiana General Assembly passed charter 1850; university opened 1855 at 13th Street and College Avenue; renamed to honor Butler 1877. He resided here in "Forest Home" until his death in 1881.

Erected 2007 by Indiana Historical Bureau, Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology, IDNR; and Old Northside Foundation. (Marker Number 49.2007.2.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Education. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1801.

Location. 39° 47.065′ N, 86° 8.866′ W. Marker is in Indianapolis, Indiana, in Marion County. It is in Near Northside. Marker

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

is at the intersection of 13th Street and Park Street, on the right when traveling east on 13th Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Indianapolis IN 46202, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. North Western Christian University (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Old Northside (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Lady Caroline Harrison (approx. 0.3 miles away); Brig. General Benjamin Harrison (approx. 0.3 miles away); Home of Benjamin Harrison (approx. 0.3 miles away); World War II Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Home of Caroline Scott Harrison (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named The Old Northside (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Indianapolis.

Also see . . . Biographical Sketch of Ovid Butler, Sr. Wayback Machine website entry:
Included are photographs of Butler University's original buildings and his grave site. (Submitted on January 9, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Back Side of Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, December 27, 2007

2. Back Side of Marker

Ovid Butler, Sr. Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, December 27, 2007

3. Ovid Butler, Sr. Marker

Photographed By Craig Swain, December 27, 2007

4. Forest Home

Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 9, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,480 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 9, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.