William Christian Buten
Kentucky Post, Friday, 13 December 1912, page 5
The fearless Police Judge of Newport, who is doing what Commissioners, county officials and Newport's police "farce" could not do. He is securing some real, tangible evidence upon the gambling situation in Newport and he is doing it singlehanded.
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Kentucky Post, Wednesday, 29 January 1947, page 1
Judge William C Buten, who gained a reputation as "watch dog" of the treasury during his 25 years of presiding in Campbell county courts, died unexpectedly late Tuesday at his home, 1127 N Ft Thomas avenue, Ft Thomas. Ill for several months the 67 year old former jurist had worked all day at his Newport offices. He had complained of feeling ill Tuesday, prior to being fatally stricken by a heart attack.
A native of Cincinnati, Judge Buten moved to Newport at the age of two. He graduated from Newport High School in 1897 and the YMCA Night Law School in 1903. His long tenure of public office began in 1907, when he was elected to occupy the bench in Newport Police Court. He was re-elected and during his second term the commission form of government was inaugurated in the city. After retiring as Police Court Judge, he also served one term as assistant city solicitor.
Om 1921 he was elected Judge of Campbell County Court. It was during his first term as chairman of the fiscal court that he was credited with inspiring the movement, which resulted in elimination of the last toll roads in Campbell county and the improvement and reconstruction of many miles of roadway. He also was a leader in having the highways taken over by the state. Judge Buten was widely recognized for his three terms as county judge, which he served from 1921 to 1929, and from 1933 to 1937. During his tenure it was never necessary to use the maximun tax rate allowed by law.
Following his retirement from active political participation Judge Buten devoted his time to private law practice and banking. He was vice president of the Newport National Bank and a director in several building and loan associations. In many cases he also represented the associations as attorney. He was a member of the Newport Eagles, Elks, Knights of Columbus, Catholic Order of Foresters, Knights of St George and the Holy Name Society of St Catherine Church, Ft Thomas.
Judge Buten leaves his widow Mrs. Leona Von Wahlde Buten and a brother, Dr. Edward J Buten, Newport. Requiem High Mass will be sung at St Catherine Church at 9 am Friday, following prayers at the A C Dobbling and Son funeral home, Ft Thomas at 8:30 am. Burial will be in St Mary Cemetery, St Bernard.