Sangamon Sun

In an August 5 Facebook post, Rep. Tim Butler paid tribute to his great great grandfather. Butler also paid tribute to the efforts of a Sangamon County Deputy who saved two elderly women from a fire.

"160 years ago my GG Grandfather David Lester enlisted in the 105th Ohio" Butler said on August 5. "He fought his way through the mountains of Tennessee and Georgia, eventually following Sherman to the sea. After his Army service he became a proud GAR member and a leader in his community of Lacon, Illinois. I'm proud of my family's history fighting for our great Nation, from our founding to today...'to defend his country's flag' as stated below."

Other statements from Butler included praise for the planned improvements to Route 66.

"Tremendous program this morning highlighting our region's efforts along the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway as we plan for the 100th Birthday of the Mother Road in 2026," Butler posted.

Butler also praised former gubernatorial candidate Jim Ryan and said that the state would be in an improved state had he won the race.

"God speed Jim Ryan. A wonderful public servant and such an honorable man. We need more like him today. Proud to have known him and supported him. Our state would be in a much better place if he won that 2002 Governor's race," said Butler.