Mary Ann Harter
was born in Adams, Jefferson County, New York in 1818. She came
to Detroit with her family in 1829. On September 12, 1839 at the
age of twenty she married William A. Butler. Butler was a prominent
banker in the city. They made their home on West Congress Street,
a fashionable area of the time.
The Butlers were members of the First Congregational Church of Detroit.
Mrs. Butler was a member for over 50 years. She was the first Directress
of the Detroit Industrial School from 1864-1868, and President of
the school in 1868.
During the Civil War, Mary Ann Butler was one of the treasurers
of The Ladies’ Soldiers Aid Society. She continued her charitable
works, following the war, with the backing of her husband.
Mrs. Butler died January, 19, 1908 at the age of 89. She was survived
by three sons.
Born: 1818
Died: January 19, 1908
Buried: Section I, Lot 24
