Abilene in Taylor County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Dr. William & Beatrice Butler House
After moving to Abilene, Dr. Butler started his medical practice in his home at 701 Mesquite Street. In June 1914, Dr. Butler married Beatrice Studervant. The couple had one child, William H. Butler, Jr., who also became a physician. The elder Dr. Butler’s practice kept him busy in the community. As he was not only a practicing physician but also provided pharmaceutical and dental services. After retiring in 1945, Dr. Butler and his wife lived in Fort Worth until his death in Sept. 1947. Beatrice moved back to Abilene and lived in the family home until her death in Jan. 1968. The couple are buried in the Abilene city cemetery.
Following Beatrice Butler’s death, the home was deeded to Christ House day care center and used as a day care for the surrounding neighborhood, which at the time was primarily African American. Eight local churches provided support for the day care to meet the needs of area children.
The Butler’s house is a good local example of Craftsman style architecture. The historic bungalow features wood and stone cladding, a wide front gable and wraparound porch, back porch columns, exposed rafter trails and a projecting front bay window.
Erected 2008 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 14834.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1914.
Location. 32° 27.337′ N, 99° 43.781′ W. Marker is in Abilene, Texas, in Taylor County. Marker is at the intersection of Mesquite Street and N. 7th Street, on the right when traveling north on Mesquite Street. Marker is located at northeast corner of intersection. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 701 Mesquite St, Abilene TX 79601, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Macedonia Baptist Church (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Abilene African-American Schools (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mount Zion Baptist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Abilene Negro High School (approx. ¼ mile away); Mexican-American / Americanization School (approx. 0.3 miles away); James Winford Hunt (approx. 0.3 miles away); Claiborne Walker Merchant (approx. 0.4 miles away); Thomas Middlebrook Willis (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Abilene.
Also see . . . Dr. William and Beatrice Butler House Dedication. A short video on the house and the dedication of the marker. (Submitted on July 31, 2015.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 608 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 31, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.