This web page was created and dedicated to my late husband Virgil Butts, without is indulgence and encouragement I wouldn't have been able to pursue this great venture. My curiosity started over a small New Testament which had been given to my Mother-In-Law (Grace Butts) Inscribed Presented By The Knox County Bible Society To John F.Mires John F. Mires Book  Company H 102 Regiment Illinois Volunteers. Written by Lucy J. Mires his wife Knox Co. Knoxville Ill. September 10 1862. Grace had no idea who this couple were,but surmised that they were from the Butts family as it had been given to  her from her Mother-In-Law (Margaret Butts). Aunt Nora(Butts)Gibson identified Lucy Jane as her Aunt, sister of her father William Henry Butts, daughter of Barrak T. Butt From then on my natural curiosity was to learn more about this family. Aunt Nora encouraged me and was eager to share her knowledge and memories from her father, which gave me a good start. Hopefully my family will appreciate the story of their ancestors who followed their dreams and came west.  This family starting with Barrak  T . Butt came to Knox County ,Illinois in 1852 from Ohio. He purchased land in Perisfer Twp.near Trenton, which had been laid out as a town but never materialized. According to his estate record he opened a General Merchandise Store. Barrack died in 1854 and according to family lore he was bitten by a rattle snake while clearing his land which caused his death. He is buried near his land in Trenton Cemetery. He left a wife and and three children,descendants of these children still reside in Knox County. I am proud to be part of this Honest,Hardworking and loving family and have enjoyed tracing their roots. Hopefully I will be able to continue this journey. I would like to thank all the people who have helped me and please feel free in correcting any mistakes as all my information isn't proven .   Wilma L. (Martin) Butts