Who was Major Archibald Willingham Butt?

Major Archibald Willingham Butt was an influential American military aide to Presidents William Howard Taft and Theodore Roosevelt. Born on September 26, 1865, he was a prominent figure in Washington D.C. and tragically lost his life at the age of 46 (forty-six) in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Education

Archibald Butt was born into a prominent family in Augusta, Georgia. His early years were marked by a pursuit of knowledge and ambition:

• Graduated from the University of the South in Tennessee in 1888
• Began his career in journalism shortly after graduation

From Journalism to Diplomacy

Career Beginnings

Butt’s professional journey began in the world of journalism:

• Wrote for the Louisville Courier Journal
• Worked as a reporter in Washington for various Southern newspapers

Diplomatic Service

While working in Washington, Butt’s career took an interesting turn:

• Became secretary of the Mexican Embassy
• Worked alongside General “Matt” Ransom, a former Confederate officer and U.S. Senator from North Carolina

Military Career and Presidential Service

Spanish-American War and Beyond

In 1898, Butt’s life changed course dramatically:

• Entered the United States Army as a lieutenant during the Spanish-American War
• Decided to pursue a military career full-time
• Served in the Philippines from 1900 to 1906
• Subsequently served in Cuba

Presidential Aide

Butt’s military service led him to the highest echelons of American politics:

• Became military aide to President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908
• Continued serving as aide to President William Howard Taft
• Faced health deterioration in 1912 due to stress from remaining neutral in the Roosevelt-Taft quarrel

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Circumstances of Travel

Major Butt’s presence on the Titanic was a result of his need for rest and recuperation:

• Took six weeks’ leave from the White House
• Sailed for Europe with close friend Francis Millet
• Boarded the Titanic at Southampton for the return journey to Washington

Titanic Details

The Sinking and Aftermath

Rumors and Clarifications

Following the Titanic disaster, rumors circulated about Major Butt’s final moments:

• Claims of a conversation with Marie Grice Young during the sinking
• Young was forced to write to the president to correct these false reports

Memorial

To honor Major Butt and his friend Francis Millet:

• The Millet-Butt Memorial Fountain was erected in Washington, D.C.

Legacy

Major Archibald Willingham Butt’s life was characterized by dedicated service to his country, both in military and civilian capacities. His untimely death on the Titanic at the age of 46 (forty-six) cut short a distinguished career that had seen him rise from journalism to the inner circles of presidential power. The memorial fountain in Washington stands as a testament to his impact and the high regard in which he was held by his contemporaries.