Medical doctor, William Butler, and his wife, Beatrice, lived and worked in Abilene. Dr. Butler was the first African American physician in Abilene and practiced until his death in 1947. Their home was later used as a day nursery for babies and small children in the black community.

On October 4th, 2008, a ceremony was held at the house, 701 Mesquite, for the unveiling of a Texas State Historical Marker commemorating their lives and sacrifices to the community.