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- George Harris Butler1840 - 1886
Facts and Events
References
- From the Washington Evening Star, May 12, 1886:
Death of George H. Butler
HIS EVENTFUL CAREER ENDED IN THIS CITY LAST NIGHT
Mr. George H. Butler died in a little third-story room of the old Kirby house, in this city last night. His career has been varied. He was a graduate of West Point; left the army to become a journalist; was a brilliant writer and at one time quite famous. For ten years he was at the height of popularity and wrote letters for many papers. His fall came from his intemperate habits. He married Rose Eytinge, the actress.
He was appointed consul general at Alexandria, Egypt, by President Grant, through the influence of his uncle, Gen. Benjamin Franklin Butler. While he was in Egypt, his wife got a divorce from him. He led a wild life in the east, wrote some brilliant letters to American papers, and wound up by beating a donkey-tender, slapping the face of an English major who interfered, fighting a duel with and wounding the major, and leaving Alexandria by night for Spain. His successor was appointed to Alexandria, and he remained some time in Spain, where he is said to have gained great popularity in court circles.
From 1875 until his death, he lived most of the time in Washington, writing numerous letters for the press over his initials, "G.H.B.", at times when he was not in some hospital under treatment for his excesses. Had it not been for his unfortunate propensity for drink he would, no doubt, have attained a high position. He was a man of ready wit and in spite of his faults had many warm friends.
The remains will be taken from the city on the 10 o'clock train tonight for Lowell, Mass., where they will be buried. The funeral will take place from Gen. Butler's house at Lowell.
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