Elmer Butler, M. D., one of the leaders of the medical profession of Quenemo, Kan., was born in Allen county, Kansas, Sept. 23, 1862, a son of Reuben and Helen (Wood) Butler. His grandfather was a native of Massachusetts who removed to the State of New York, where Reuben Butler was born. He was reared in New York and at an early day immigrated to Illinois and joined the anti-slavery men who came to Kansas in 1858 to assist in its admission as a free-state. After reaching the territory he took up land, engaged in farming and became a member of the Bourbon county militia. Dr. Butler's maternal grandfather was also born in Massachusetts. He removed to New York state, where he was a mill owner and also engaged in farming.

Doctor Butler received his education in the public schools of Fort Scott, Kan., where he graduated at the Kansas Normal College in 1883. Two years later he began to study medicine and in 1889 graduated from the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio. After receiving his degree he returned to Allen county and began the practice of his profession. At the outbreak of the Spanish-American war he tendered his services to the government and was appointed hospital surgeon of the Twentieth Kansas regiment. He served a year in the Philippine Islands, under Col. Funston, and was present during some twenty-three engagements. He was present at all the skirmishes around Manila and remained with the army until his health began to suffer. Dr. Butler was mustered out of the service with his regiment, Oct. 12, 1899. On his return to the United States he engaged in the practice of medicine in Bourbon county and also ran a drug store, but in 1906 was forced to leave his business because of poor health. Six months later he located at Quenemo and has built up a gratifying practice. In 1898 he was elected coroner of Osage county and still holds that office. In politics he is a Republican and takes an interest in local and state affairs.

Dr. Butler married Millie Simmonds in 1901. She was the daughter of William and Jane Simmonds, who lived in Indiana. Four children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Butler, two boys and two girls. Dr. Butler is a member of the Masonic fraternity and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mrs. Butler is a member of the Methodist church.