William Butler was born on December 2, 1822, in Upper Uwchlan Township, Pennsylvania.

He was presiding judge of the Court of Common Pleas in Harrisburg from October 8, 1861, to his resignation on February 17, 1879, whereupon he was succeeded by West Chester attorney and historian J. Smith Futhey.

[1][2] On February 12, 1879, Butler was nominated by President Rutherford B. Hayes to a seat on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania vacated by Judge John Cadwalader.

Butler was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 19, 1879, and received his commission the same day.

Butler served in that capacity until his retirement from the bench on January 31, 1899.