In 1883, Horace Butters developed a log skidder for pulling logs out of "pots", steep-sided depressions left behind by glacial retreat. The skidder used a system of overhead hemp ropes—later replaced by steel cables—and Butters recognized that the idea was useful in all sorts of logging. The idea was wildly successful and even today, clearcut logging uses skidding systems directly evolved from Butters' design.
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| From 1887-88 Polk's Michigan State Directory |
Butters was reportedly issued a patent in October or November of 1883 but an extensive search has failed to find any patents to Horace Butters.