During the Black Hawk War of 1832, he served as a private in an Illinois militia company commanded by his father.

Butler settled in Polk County, where he filed a Donation Land Act claim for 320 acres (130 ha) along the Luckiamute River.

Three years later, he sold the land claim property and purchased 640 acres (260 ha) near modern-day Monmouth.

In 1856, the first commercial building was built at the town site and a post office was established in 1859, shortly after Oregon became a state.

[2][10] Butler took his seat in the Oregon House on December 4, 1854, representing Polk County (designated District 1).

[13][14] As the session began, Governor George L. Curry delivered a message highlighting the settlement and growth of the territory.

During the session, the legislature elected territorial officers and after conducting other required business adjourned on February 5, 1858.

[19][20] In the 1860 general election, both Butler and Cram won seats in the Oregon House of Representatives.

Butler took his House seat representing Polk County's District 31 when the session opened on September 10, 1860.

[21] After completing his third term in the Oregon House of Representatives, Butler returned to his farm in Polk County.

As events began to move the country towards civil war, Butler remained a strong supporter of the Union.

In 1861, he helped organize a public meeting to support the United States Government and its elected leaders.

He regularly participated in Polk County Democratic conventions, serving as chairman several times.

[1][2][29] Butler helped establish the Bank of Monmouth in 1888 and remained one of its largest stockholders for the rest of his life.

The company was formed with $5,000 of capital for the purpose of making real estate loans in the Polk County area.