Seeking information for Blanche Butler, first female Justice of the Peace in Arkansas

Hi Danna

Welcome to History Hub

I found Blanche Olive Gaffney Butler on findagrave.com

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/5196438/blanche-olive-butler >>>

There is a note that someone left that states>>>>

Year of 1921 - Only female Justice of the Peace.

Alice Lane

Volunteer Reseacher

Dear Ms. Carver,

Thank you for posting your request on History Hub!

We searched the National Archives Catalog and located the Population Schedules for the 1900 Census; the Population Schedules for the 1910 Census; the Population Schedules for the 1930 Census; and the Population Schedules for the 1940 Census in the Records of the Bureau of the Census (Record Group 29) that include listings for Blanche Butler born ca. 1873 in Texas and living in Arkansas. This person may be the same Blanche O. Butler you are researching. In 1900 through 1930, she was living in Malvern, Hotsprings County, Arkansas.  In 1940 she was living in Little Rock. We also located Population Schedules for the 1880 Census in Record Group 29 which includes listings for Blanche Gaffney, born ca. 1873 in Texas and living with her parents in St. Louis, Missouri. Some of these censuses have been digitized and are available using the Catalog. For the non-digitized portions, please contact the National Archives at Washington, DC - Textual Reference (RDT1) via email at Archives1reference@nara.gov. For information about accessing census records online, see Search Census Records Online and Other Resources.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and pursuant to guidance received from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), NARA has adjusted its normal operations to balance the need of completing its mission-critical work while also adhering to the recommended social distancing for the safety of NARA staff. As a result of this re-prioritization of activities, you may experience a delay in receiving an initial acknowledgement as well as a substantive response to your reference request from RDT1. We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and patience.

We suggest that you also contact the Arkansas State Archives, the Arkansas State Library, and any courts, public libraries, and local historical or genealogical societies for the county where she served for assistance with researching her life and career.

We hope this is helpful. Best of luck with your research!