John W. Butler

Term of Office, 1874-1878

John W. Butler was born around 1830 near Boston, Massachusetts. Little was recorded about his early years and education. However, records show that he married twice, but there is no evidence of any children.

Butler is by far one of Santa Rosa’s most magnanimous sheriffs. He weighed in at over 300 pounds, was 6’3” tall, and often referred to as an “Irish Hercules.” He was admired for an overly generous heart, a quick wit, and a great sense of humor. During public appearances, he could be seen sporting a heavy gold watch chain and was often the center of attention. In 1860, Butler worked as a mariner. From 1861-1865 he was known to be a unionist, but little is recorded on his wartime activities. Butler rose up the ladder in both state and local political arenas due to the Reconstruction Acts of 1867. He served in more than thirteen offices during his life including a position in the House of Assembly.

In 1874, Butler became sheriff for Santa Rosa County serving a dual role as sheriff and tax collector. As an integrity driven sheriff, he focused on restoring law and order and bringing greater imagery and dignity to the sheriff’s office. His constituents held him in great esteem. Due to the mysterious destruction of the wooden structured courthouse in 1875, further information about his term as sheriff was lost. Before his term ended, a new courthouse was erected at what is now called “Courthouse Square.”

Butler also served as a major general, in the Florida Militia and earned the nickname “Santa Rosa Butler.” He was also a member of the Honorable Order of Carpetbaggers. He embodied the image of a carpetbagger in every sense of the word and advocated a strong stand for public education and political reform. In 1878, Butler left Santa Rosa County to become the Utah Territorial Penitentiary Keeper in Salt Lake City, Utah. He died in 1881. His former house still stands in Milton at 6830 Pine Street.