Hall of Fame
J. Hiram “Steepy” Butler Jr. J. Hiram Butler, Jr. was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He completed Douglass High School and entered Morgan in 1926, graduating in 1931 with a B.S. degree.
At Morgan, “Steepy” was an All-CIAA tackle in football and was reputed to be one of the finest defensive tackles in Morgan History. He played stellar ball on offense as well as defense. “Steepy” was rough, tough, and durable, effective as a blocker and a sure fire, deadly tackler. He was a member of Morgan’s first team to win a major football game- defeating Lincoln University and tying Howard. “Steepy” was a student representative of his class and is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
After graduating Morgan, Hiram worked as a decorating artist before entering the Baltimore Police Academy. In 1938, Hiram emerged from the police training class as the first Black policeman in Baltimore City and the first Black detective. In 1947 he was promoted the first Black sergeant and in 1962, the first Black police lieutenant. He has received 20 official commendations and 2 bronze star commendations for bravery. Detective lieutenant Butler was assigned to the investigation of the shooting of Senator Verda Welcome, and was first in command of security whenever Dr. M.L. King, Jr. Came to Baltimore.
“Steepy” Butler retired from the Baltimore City Police Department with honors, in 1966.
Deceased.
