BX June 17, 1916

A Father Who Leaves a Family of Eight – Private Edward Butler, 34 Duke Street, and His Young Son Have Set a Splendid Example for Young Men to Follow – Son Left U.S. Army to Come Back to Canada to Join the C.M.R.

Stories of self-sacrifice in the present great crisis are numerous, but the above photo reveals one of the most striking examples of heroism that has yet come to light in Brantford.  Although a father of eight children, Edward Butler has felt the call and has enlisted to do his “bit.”

But not only is he leaving a big family behind, but in addition his eldest son is undergoing training in Hamilton with a view to getting in a few body blows on the all destructive Hun.  Edward Butler, the father, is connected with the 125th Brant Battalion, while his son Jack is with the C.M.R. in Hamilton.  Although only 19 years of age this brave youth had spent three years in the United States army.  He was given his discharge to allow him to return to fight for his own king and country.  Men of this type are the kind commanders of battalions are particularly on the lookout for today.

At different times The Expositor has mentioned instances of sacrifices made by father and mother with large families but this one undoubtedly tops the list.  Recently mention was made of one “Tommy” who had a family of six children.  Then it was discovered that Pte. George O’Connell of Grandview, in the 125th Battalion, had seven children, but it remains for Mr. Butler with eight to lead the self-sacrificing fathers.

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Butler are highly respected residents at 34 Duke Street.  The children are named as follows: Jack, Amy, Elizabeth, Daisy, Violet, Victoria, little Earl (who appears in a suit of khaki) and Edith.