34 • The Beacon December 17 , 2020
Writer donates book proceeds to the museum
By Tara Gracyk
Scott Butler , Ph . D ., a 1972 graduate of Coshocton and former Coshocton resident , has written numerous books about Coshocton ’ s history . His most recent work , “ Frontier History of Coshocton ,” is the culmination of six years of research and the book that ties all of his other historical books together .
Butler began his study of Coshocton ’ s history in 2014 . For this Harvard grad , he had many unanswered questions about the area he grew up in . There was contradictory information regarding people , places and events that occurred in Coshocton such as when Coshocton was established and what Coshocton ’ s definition really is . It became a passion of Butler ’ s to set the record straight about his hometown .
“ Frontier History of Coshocton ” details what has happened in Coshoctonia over the past 16,000 years and how all of the
events occurred . Butler said in his epilogue it is his hope that reading the book will give the reader the opportunity to see Coshocton through the eyes of its earliest residents and visitors and to appreciate Coshoctonia is an important place and matters in the history and values of the people of the world .
Butler dedicated his book to the people of Coshocton so they might know the truth of their place in the world .
“ I think it ’ s important
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Copies of “ Frontier History of Coshocton ” and other books of Coshocton ’ s history written by Butler can be purchased by visiting the museum ’ s website at www . jhmuseum . org or by contacting the JHM .
for residents to know there have been three Coshoctons . The first was Wyandot Town , established in 1750 ; the second , Delaware Town , in 1775 ; and modern Coshocton , which was established in 1811 ,” Butler said in his interview .
Another important fact Butler would like Coshoctonians to know is in reference to Mary Harris . “ She was an important figure for Coshocton . She was a captive , and she was 55 years old when she was in Coshocton . She had an interesting outlook on things and was very different than all the white-woman nonsense that has been talked about for decades ,” Butler said .
Submitted
Scott Butler , Ph . D ., a 1972 graduate of Coshocton and former Coshocton resident , has written numerous books about Coshocton ’ s history . His most recent work , “ Frontier History of Coshocton ,” is the culmination of six years of research and the book that ties all of his other historical books together .
Of “ Frontier History of Coshocton ,” Butler said , “ It won ’ t read like a history book but more like a narrative of the people and their lives .”
Butler said the historical records for Coshocton are spectacular . He explained how most of his research comes from reading others ’ research . “ I haven ’ t been able to travel much recently ,
so I find references or original books mostly on Amazon and buy them . I have my own library now . You can also do some research online through scholarly sources ,” he said .
About the Johnson- Humrickhouse Museum , Butler said , “ I have gone to many museums all over the world , and Coshocton ’ s museum is one I consider higher ranked . They are a grand institution , and they are doing a great job . They also help me by allowing me to do talks and get the word out to locals about Coshocton ’ s history .”
Reba Kocher , collections manager for the museum , said this of Butler , “ He ’ s just a really generous person . This is where he grew up , and Coshocton ’ s history is what he chooses to study . He donates all of his books and proceeds to the museum . And in our gift shop we have an entire section of just his books .”
Butler said he writes the books , donates a certain number of books to the museum and then donates the proceeds to the museum . As the books sell , Butler then donates more books , and the cycle continues . Butler also has donated copies of each of his books to the Coshocton Public Library because he values educating the residents of Coshocton .
Copies of “ Frontier History of Coshocton ” and other books of Coshocton ’ s history written by Butler can be purchased by visiting the museum ’ s website at www . jhmuseum . org or by contacting the JHM .
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