This cigar box from 1957 holds a lot of memories. It's full of newspaper articles, calling cards, military orders, and a very special journal.
Corporal Truman Marion Butts served in Cuba when President William Taft declared a Provisional Government in Cuba and declared himself the Provisional Governor. Truman documented his travels from his home state of Iowa to Cuba and sent letters home which were published in the local papers.
His small, black journal somehow survived 116 years and found it's way to me. Even more surprising, the original news articles published from his time in Cuba are with the journal. He was a young man at the time and saved a few military orders, one is printed on delicate paper that is nearly transparent. Upon his return to the U.S., he was stationed at Fort Sheridan, Illinois.
It reads:
Post Headquarters, Ft. Sheridan, Ill
July 20, 1909
Special Orders, No. 149
XIV Corporal Truman M. Butts, Co. "D", 27th Infantry, is detailed on special duty as Assistant Prison Infantry, and will report at once for duty.
Sergeant Wright will report to his company commander for duty.
By Order of Colonel Pitcher
J.T. Moore
Captain and Adjutant, 27th Infantry Adjutant
Another reads:
Corporal T.M. Butts
Company D, 27th Infantry, Fort Seridan, Ill
Dear Sir
How nice of you to arrange so that I can write to my dearie Jack. I hope I may have an opportunty some time of thanking you personally for this great big favor
Thanks very much.
Dot
It will be best for me to be addressed to general delivery
Quite a bit of fun things, as well. Postcards, calling cards, a fishing license, baby announcement, and a couple of graduation programs.
I'm looking to return these items to a direct descendant. Here's what I've found through my research -
Truman Marion Butts
BIRTH 8 OCT 1885 • Wesley, Kossuth, Iowa, USA
DEATH 17 OCT 1952 • Mason City, Cerro Gordo, Iowa, USA
Married 1911 in Chicago, Ill.
Frances Dorothy Butts
BIRTH 14 FEB 1885 • Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States of America
DEATH 12 MAY 1938 • Plymouth, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, United States of America
Truman and Frances had at least 5 children and were living in Iowa by 1914. If you are directly descended from Truman, please reach out so these precious family artifacts can be returned to you at no cost.
Comments