Of the many mercantile institutions in Fredonia and Wilson county none are more favorably known than the firm of C. J. Butin & Bro., who since the establishment of their drug store in Sept. 1871 have continuously followed that line of business. Theirs was among the many stores burned out when the west side of the Square went up in smoke in 1872, but nothing daunted they opened up again as soon as their stock arrived, and the record of the business has been that of success and popularity. The store is 20x80 feet in dimensions and every available inch of space is utilized to accommodate the mammoth stock, which in addition to a complete line of drugs and toilet articles includes paints, oils, glass, books, stationary and school supplies, queensware, glassware, and china, lamps of all descriptions, toilet sets bric-a-brack etc., and a full line of wall paper. This department is under the immediate supervision of a. C. J. Butin an experienced pharmacist who for seven years was a member of the State Board of pharmacy. The accurate compounding of prescriptions with the purest drugs is an assurance all patrons of this store feel. The jewelry and optical department, in chatge of C. E. Butin, comprises a stock replete with watches, clocks, jewelry and both solid and plated table ware. In watch and jewelry cleaning and repairing Mr. Butin is a most skillful artisan, and his reputation as a scientific optician is more than local. The eye is the most delicate, as well as the most abused organ in human anatomy, and person who find their eyes affected should call upon an optician of reputation and 6tanding to have their eyes tested and glasses fitted accordingly, instead of buying of some itinerant spectacle vender, whose only aim is to make a sale regardless of whether the purchaser's eyes are benefited or irreparably injured thereby. Of the personality of the firm, a few words may be said in conclusion. C.J.Butin was born in Logan, Hocking county, 0hio, and moved with his parents to Iowa, when a child. In Wapello county in the state last named he grew to manhood and obtained his schooling. As a youth of 18 tears he enlisted in Co. D. 3d Iowa cavalry, and for three years served his country in the valorous organization. In politics C. J. Butin is a Republican, and has ably represented this district four years in the state legislature. G. E. Butin was born, reared and educated in Wapello-Co., Ia., and like his brother is a veteran of the civil war. He was a member of Co. B, 7th Iowa cavalry, and for three years and four months shared the dangers and honors alike of that noted troop. At the close of the war both brothers returned to Iowa, the elder having just attained his majority. In 1868 they in partnership embarked in the general merchandise business in Chillicothe, IA., which was successfully continued for three years. In the spring of 1871 C. J. Butin came to Elk City, Montgomery-co., Kansas, and after spending a few months in prospecting for a business location, selected Fredonia as offering better inducements in his judgment, than any other location. He settled here and was seen joined by his brother, G.E. Butin, and they embarked in the business in which they are at present identified. There is no other store in the city today who, like C.J. Butin & Bro. can claim 28 years of business existence without a change in the firm or line of trade. The history of Fredonia and Butins' drug store is so closely allied as to be almost identical and as citizens and business men, both brothers enjoy the fullest confidence, respect and friendship of the community. G. E. Butin has filled the office of County Clerk two terms, having been elected in the year 1873 and again elected in 1875. Both of the brothers are prominent in Masonic circles, and are members of the G. A. R., of which C. J. Butin has held the office of post commander of the local post nine years.