The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-02-09
Bishop Butler.
Of the Indianapolis Journal:

To the Editor of the Indianapolis Journal:
We write of the late BIT Rev. George Butler,
Bishop of Limerick, Ireland, who died on
Wednesday, Feb. 3, 1856 In writing of Bishop
Butler it is well to say that his years earth
exceeded the allotted time, three score and ten.
He was born in what is known as the County
Tipperary, Ireland, at Kilnamann mountains, on
the 18th of FEBRUARY 1914, hence, had he lived
until the 18th inst he would have been seventy
two years of age and as all his mature years
were spent in the service of the church, it be-
comes eminently appropriate in his case TO
quote spocalyptic Scripture BLESSED are the
dead which die in the Lord from henceforth;
yea. saith the Spirit. that they may rest from
their labors and their works do follow them"
Bishop Butler and his brother John were
educated for the priesthood at Maynooth Col
lege, Ireland, but when thoroughly educated for
their priestly work, owing to their youth, they
were required to remain at MaynOoth two years
longer before ordination. Thus from early man
hood Bishop Butler was devoted to the work of
the ministry-trained head and heart to ad-
vance the cause of Christ in the world
with i've other young priests Bishop Butler
and his brother began their priestly work in
Trinidad, one of the British West India islands
They were volunteers under Rt Rev. DR.. Smith,
at st. Georges College, in that island. It was a
service which tested the zeal and fealty of the
young volunteers to the utmost for within
after the other FIVE young and ardent priests
were buried on that sickly island. so of the
seven who set sail from Ireland tc preach the
gospel in Trinidad, only one, the late Bishop.
whose death We now chronicle, survived, and he,
after one attack of the island fever was ordered
home to Ireland to save his life.
Arriving in Ireland he was appointed to a
parish. and soon after appointed coadjutor
bishop of the late DR.. Ryan, d. d.. Bishop of
Limerick. and at Bishop Ryan's death DR.. Butler
received the appointment of full Bishop of Linn
erck, position he occupied at the time of his
death, and one which he adorned by holy living
and transformations devotion to the church.
1t is said of Dr. Butler that he was quiet, in
dustrious, painstaking bishop an eloquent
preacher, and possessed of voice of such Lutte
like melody as to distinguish him when prais-
ing God in sacred song and anthem.
In writing of the late preate it is proper to men
ton the fact that he had numerous blood rela-
tions in the United States. The Bretts of Ten
nessee, Mississippi South Carolina and Georgia,
and the Bretts and Ryans of Indiana are his
kinfolks. His brother Danl K. Butler is
the trusted agent of Mullaney & Hayes, of this
man and vigorous writer who controls the ed
itorial department of the New Record.
In closing this tribute of love and veperation,
there should be an absence of lamentation. Trna,
ireland has lost pure patriot and the chur
conscientious. jealous and laborious bishop,
his relations one whom they loved. But Irel.
may profit by his example, and the youthful
priest, inspired by his devotion to the church,
will contemplate his work and advance to a
higher plane of usefulness. The aged, tol-worn
Bishop is at rest, and, why not say: Precious
in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints
when the good man yields his breath.
For the good man never dies),
Bright beyond the gulf of death
The land of promise lies
FEB. s, 1886.