Butler was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, where he attended the public school and studied law.

Butler moved to Boston in 1895, and continued the practice of law until 1912, when he engaged in the manufacture of cotton goods.

He was a member of the commission to revise the statutes of Massachusetts from 1896 to 1900, and was chairman of the Republican National Committee from 1924 to 1928.

Butler served as chairman of the Committee on Patents in the 69th Congress, and then resumed his manufacturing interests.

In 1932, Butler sought to return to the Republican National Committee, but was defeated by John Richardson by a vote of 18 to 15.