M. Caldwell Butler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Caldwell Butler
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 6th district |
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| In office November 7, 1972 – January 3, 1983 |
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| Preceded by | Dick Poff |
| Succeeded by | Jim Olin |
| Minority Leader of the Virginia House of Delegates | |
| In office January 1964 – January 12, 1972 |
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| Succeeded by | Pete Giesen |
| Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from Roanoke City |
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| In office January 10, 1962 – January 12, 1972 |
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| Preceded by | Julian Rutherford |
| Succeeded by | John C. Towler |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Manley Caldwell Butler
June 2, 1925 Roanoke, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | July 28, 2014 (aged 89) Roanoke, Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | June Parker Nolde |
| Children | 4, including Henry |
| Relatives | John Marshall (great-great-great-grandfather) Thomas Marshall (great-great-grandfather) James A. Walker (great-grandfather) |
| Education | University of Richmond (BA) University of Virginia (LLB) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1943–1946 |
| Rank | Ensign |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Manley Caldwell Butler (June 2, 1925 – July 28, 2014) was an American lawyer and politician. He was known for being honest, working well with others, and being brave. Born in Roanoke, he served his community in Virginia's government. He was a member of the Republican Party. He worked in the Virginia General Assembly from 1962 to 1972. Later, he served in the United States House of Representatives from 1972 to 1983.
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Caldwell Butler's Early Life and Family
Caldwell Butler was born in Roanoke, Virginia. His parents were William Wilson Samuel Butler and Sarah Poage Caldwell. He went to public schools in his hometown. He was an Eagle Scout, which is the highest rank in Boy Scouts. In 1942, he finished Jefferson Senior High School.
Education and Military Service
After high school, Butler started college at the University of Richmond. He also joined the ROTC. This program trains college students to become military officers. He trained at Columbia University. Then, he became an ensign in the United States Navy. He commanded a rescue boat in Rhode Island during World War II.
After the war, Butler left the Navy in 1946. He finished his degree at the University of Richmond in 1948. He then went to Charlottesville to study law. He graduated from the University of Virginia Law School in 1950. He was a member of several honor societies, like Phi Beta Kappa.
Butler's Family Life
Caldwell Butler married June Parker Nolde from Richmond. They were married for 64 years. Together, they had four sons: Manley, Henry, Jimmy, and Marshall. Butler was a lifelong member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Roanoke. He was also a leader on its church board.
He was related to important historical figures. His great-great-great-grandfather was Chief Justice John Marshall. His great-grandfather, James A. Walker, was also a lawyer and politician in Virginia.
Caldwell Butler's Political Career
After law school, Butler became a lawyer in Roanoke in 1950. He started his own law practice.
Serving in the Virginia House of Delegates
Butler first tried to get into politics in 1958, running for Roanoke City Council, but he lost. However, in 1961, he made history. He became the first Republican to represent Roanoke in the Virginia House of Delegates since 1901. He won against a long-serving Democrat.
Butler served in the House of Delegates from 1962 to 1971. This was a part-time job. He worked to stop corruption and helped make Virginia's political system fairer. He helped bring back a two-party system in Virginia. He later said this was "the greatest thrill of my life."
He was a leader for the Republican group in the House. He served as minority leader from 1966 to 1971. His law partner, Linwood Holton, became Governor of Virginia in 1970. Governor Holton admired Butler's ability to work with others.
Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives
In 1972, a spot opened in the United States House of Representatives. The current representative, Richard H. Poff, resigned. Butler won the Republican nomination for this seat. He ran in two elections on the same day. He won both: one to finish Poff's term and one for a new two-year term.
Butler first supported President Richard M. Nixon. However, as more information came out about the Watergate scandal, Butler had to make a tough choice. He joined a small group of Republicans and Democrats who questioned Nixon's actions.
On July 25, 1974, Butler gained national attention. He announced that he supported impeaching President Nixon. He said that for Republicans who fought against dishonesty in government, "Watergate is our shame." Soon after, the House committee voted to recommend impeachment. Butler voted for two of the charges. President Nixon resigned the next month.
Butler never regretted his vote, even though it might have made things harder for him politically. People who knew him said he acted like a judge, focusing on what was right.
Later Career and Retirement
Voters seemed to appreciate Butler's courage. In 1974, many Republicans lost their elections because of Watergate. But Butler won his election by a large margin. He faced little opposition in later elections. He ran unopposed in 1978 and 1980.
Besides Watergate, Butler helped with other important hearings. He also played a key role in creating the Legal Services Corporation. This group helps people who cannot afford legal help. He was also the main writer of the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978. This law changed how bankruptcy cases are handled.
In 1982, Butler decided not to run for re-election. He went back to practicing law in Roanoke. He also served on a national commission about bankruptcy from 1995 to 1997.
Caldwell Butler's Legacy
Caldwell Butler passed away on July 28, 2014, at 89 years old. His wife, June, had passed away the month before. They were survived by their four sons and many grandchildren. In 2002, the main post office in Roanoke was named in his honor.
His official papers are kept at the Washington and Lee University School of Law. Many people who worked for him went on to have successful careers. Bob Goodlatte, who was on his staff, later represented the same Congressional District. His former press secretary, Richard Cullen, became a U.S. Attorney and later the Attorney General of Virginia.
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