Butler Cemetery

Front: This cemetery dates to at least the 1860s and likely began as a burial ground for white members of the Butler and Nelson families. By the turn of the 20th century it was a community cemetery for local African Americans who lived in St. Paul and St. James Townships. Among Butler Cemetery’s Black occupants are members of the Johnson, Butler, and Nelson families. Reverse: Adjacent to Butler Cemetery for many years was Butler School. Housed in a small wood frame building, it served local African American fmailies and was part of St. Paul School District (No. 4). Around 30-50 students attended in the mid-1930s. Butler closed in 1951 and was consolidated with St. Paul School (4 mi. N). In its final year the school enrolled 55 students in grades 1-6.