Ovid Butler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ovid Butler
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| Born | February 7, 1801 |
| Died | July 12, 1881 (aged 80) Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Lawyer, newspaper publisher |
| Known for | Namesake of Butler University |
| Spouse(s) | Cordelia Dyer Butler (m, 1825; died 1838), Elizabeth A. Elgin (m. 1840) |
| Children | 10 |
Ovid Butler (born February 7, 1801, died July 12, 1881) was an important American lawyer, newspaper publisher, and a strong opponent of slavery. He also founded a university in Indiana. The famous Butler University in Indianapolis is named after him.
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About Ovid Butler's Life
Ovid Butler was born in Augusta, New York, on February 7, 1801. When he was 16, his family moved west to Jennings County, Indiana. His father, Chancey Butler, was one of the first preachers of a Christian movement in Indiana.
Early Career and Family
Ovid Butler studied law and became a lawyer. He worked in Shelbyville, Indiana, from 1825 to 1836. During this time, he married Cordelia Cole. They had three children together. Butler was also an abolitionist, meaning he was against slavery.
In 1836, Ovid Butler and his family moved to Indianapolis. Sadly, his wife Cordelia died in 1838. Later, he married Elizabeth A. Elgin. They had seven children together.
Ovid Butler passed away on July 12, 1881, in Indianapolis. He is buried in the Crown Hill Cemetery.
Butler's Work and Beliefs
In Indianapolis, Ovid Butler started a law firm with other lawyers. He became very interested in political and social issues. Butler strongly believed that slavery was wrong, both for moral and religious reasons.
Fighting Against Slavery
To share his views, Butler started an anti-slavery newspaper called Free Soil Banner in 1849. This newspaper helped spread ideas against slavery. That same year, he stopped practicing law and retired early because of his health.
Founding Butler University
Ovid Butler was a member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He wanted to create a university for this Christian group.
A New University Opens
On January 15, 1850, the Indiana General Assembly (Indiana's state government) approved the idea for the university. On November 1, 1855, the North Western Christian University opened its doors. Ovid Butler was the head of the university's Board of Directors until 1871.
Later, he became the Chancellor of the University. In 1877, the school was renamed Butler University in his honor. Today, there is also the Ovid Butler Society, which recognizes people who donate a lot of money to Butler University.
Leisure Time
During the summer months, Ovid Butler enjoyed spending time at Lake Wawasee in Indiana. He had a home near Vawter Park Village, where he would relax.
