Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 30306, William Butler, Va.
Page 1

SERVICE                                    NUMBER
Va.            Butler, William         S. 30306
Page 2

SERVICE                                              NUMBER
Va.                   Butler, William            S.30306
Page 3

(government ticket)

32715
Kentucky
========
William Butler
of Tumble Co. in the State of Kentucky
who was a private in the company, commanded
by captain Ward of the Regt commanded
by Col Nelson in the VA
for 6 months
==========
Subscribed on the Roll of Lewisville
at the rate of 20 dollars 00 cents per annum
commences on the 4th day of March, 1831
==============
Certificate of Pension issued the 17th day of April 1850 and send to Hon. N. Marshall, H.R.
===============
Arrears to the 4th of ---
Semi-annual allowances ending------

{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act (illeg) 7, 1832    }

Recorded by   J. P. Chase   Clerk,
Book E    Vol.  7   Page  4

(note on left side)

Reported
L.T. Guthrie 27th Nov 1854
Page 4

State of Kentucky, Trimble County
on this 11th day of February one thousand and eight hundred and fifty personally appeared before me John F. Butler a Justice of the County Court of Trimble County William Butler a resident of Kentucky in the County of Trimble aged ninety two years and three months who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th, 1832.
I was born on the 11th day of November 1757 in the State of Virginia and in the County of Prince George. While I was quite young my father John Butler removed from Prince George the county of my birth to Amelia County in the same state. In the spring of the year 1776 as well as I now recollect I was called into the service of the United States by draught (draft) for the term of three months as a private in the malitia (militia) forces. I served under Captain Rowland Ward and I recollect that his son Rowland Ward, Jr. was his first Lieutenant. Our company rendezvoused at Amelia Court House Va. Two other companies rendzvd (rendezvoused) at the same time and place, one commanded by Captain Thomas Wilson, his 1st Lieutenant was Peter Randolph.  The other company was commanded by Captn (Captain) Gabriel Fowlkes one of whose Lieutenants was John Knight. From Amelia Court House we marched as did also the other  two companies through Petersburgh to Williamsburgh Va. and then quartered in what was then called the New Barracks. The three companies there drew their arms and accoutrements at the _____. We then moved through Little York to Hampton and there quartered in an old Church. From that place we were sent out to the sea coast by companies or part of companies as guards.
Page 5

The point of this service was about seven miles below the Hamptons. The squad that was sent out remained on duty about one week each and I remained on that service and at that place for the full time of three months or until the full term for which I was draughted (drafted). At the close of this service I delivered up my arms according to orders at Hampton as did most of the men. Others who had gone off deposited their arms at Williamsburgh (Williamsburg) after their return home. After returning home we met at Amelia Court House and received pay I think from the Captain. Cal Wilson an officer in the regular Army as I understand had our company under his charge. He frequently inspected and reviewed us during the service of which I have spoken. We were in no battles and did not see an enemy. I recollect a look out boat which was kept at Hampton while I was there commanded by Captain Barren. This business was to take frequent short excursions out to sea to look out as I supposed for the approach of the enemy. 
In the year 1779 as well I worked in being still a citizen of Amelia Count Va. I was again called into the service of the United States by draught for three months as a private in the militia forces. I served under Captain Pleasant Roberts. Charles Irby was his 1st Lieutenant as well as I recollect. We again rendezvoused at Amelia Court House, Va. and marched from there to West Ham (Hampton) about seven miles above Richmond to draw arms and accoutrements as well as I recollect & after remaining there a few days we marched through Chesterfield County to Petersburgh & then to Cabin Point as it was then called. We were then put under the command of General Robert Lawson & regular officers and there remained on duty until the expiration of the term of which I had been draughted.
Page 6



Maj Merryweather also a regular officer as I understood frequently exercised or drilled us while on this service    I shall never forget the mortification of his brother who was a private in the company to which I belonged and my mess mate. He went to see his brother the officer with the expectation of receiving some favor (as he believed) in the way of advancements He returned however greatly  dispatched &  mortified   and said he would not again visit his brother,  about this time money had greatly depreciated or could not be obtained   I do not recollect of receiving any pay for the second term of service nor do I recollect of ever receiving a discharge I again returned to Amelia County Va.   In the year 1787
I removed to the State of Kentucky and have
ever since resided in this State. I had never
intended or expected  to have applied for a Pension believing that it was glory enough to have contributed in any manner   towards the achievement  of the Liberty of my country I am now go to to a different conclusion from the fact that thousand of distinguish patriots 
have availed themselves of the offerings of a generous people, and especially because I am now blind Having lost my eye sight about six years ago and as this may be my unfortunate condition for sum of  years to come  I respectfully ask for such pension as under the laws of my country I may be entitled to receive.   I would cheerfully have attended Court to have made this declaration but by circumstance
of bodily infirmity  the loss of my sight &   & the inclemency of the season I am unable to do so.   I will further state that I know of no person now living who can testify to my service  . I
will refer person to Jack Pryor and J Thrather(?) here both of Trimble County who know me and can testify as to my character for veracity . Also  They are familiar with the testimony accounts
of my service  and I think have talked  with one or more persons who served in the Revolutions war with me. I hereby relinquish every claim to a pension or annuity except the present
and declare  that my name is not on the pension roll  of the agency
Page 7


of any State to my knowledge or with my consent. I have a record of my age taken from my Fathers register by myself The original is not in my possession

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year
first above written before the undersigned a Justice of the County Court of Trimble County Kentucky duly authorized to administer oaths Ky.

John F. Butler   Justice 


State of Kentucky Trimble County Fby 11th 1850

We Isaiah Cornelius a Clergyman and James Quinly both residing in the County of Trimble & State of herby certify that we are well  acquainted with William Butler who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration. That we believe him to be ninety two years of age; that he is reputed and believed
in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we fully concur in that opinion

Isaiah Cornelius
James Quinly

State of Ky Trimble Co.  Fby 11th 1850

I hereby certify that the said William Butler the person make the forgoing declaration is by reason of bodily infirmity his extreme age and the loss of his sight  unable to attend in Court. I further declare it to be my opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the
interrogatories presented by the war department that the above named deponent 
was a Revolutionary Soldier and said as he states   I further Certify that it appears to me that Isaiah Cornelius who has signed the
preceding certificate is a clergyman resident of the County of Trimble and that James Quinly is a credible person and that their statements 
an entitled to full credit. 

I further certify that the erasure of records
following the intestations & the change of Wilson to Nuson was done at the appoints required before he signed his name to it.

John F. Butler

State of Kentucky
Trimble County  ss

I William Samuel Clerk of the County Court of said County of herewith do Certify that John F Butler above and within named is and was at the time thereof a Justice of the County Court of Trimble County and a Judge thereof duly commissioned and qualified and that his signature is genuine and that said Court is a Court of Record   In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County Court this 11th day of February 1850

W. Samuel clk

(no seal affixed)
Page 8

Trimble County Set
Fby term 1850

On this the 11 day of February 1850 the declaration of William Butler an aged and venerable Citizen of this County was 
produced in Court and made asking a pension of the United States for services as a soldier of the Revolutionary war and signed with the proper and genuine signature of the said William Butler   To this declaration is added the
certificate of John Butter a Justice of this Court now present and also the proper certificate of the Clerk of this Court under seal and thereupon came Jack Pryor   James L Young   Robert O'Brian and W. J. Wright all of whom being first duly sworn stated as follows.   The said Jack Pryor stated that he had known the applicant William Butler for upwards of fifty years   That he has frequently ^heard^  an old
man by the name of Daniel Farley say that he & 
farlely  had service in the revolutionary war with
the A* William Butler   That Farley was a man of
good character and that his statements are to
be stood on. That O*  Danl Farley and many years senior and the said Jack Pryor as will as the said James L. Young   Robt O'Brian and W Wright further stated that they have always understood the said applicant William Butler to have been a Revolutionary Soldier. That traditionary accounts and common senses  so state. That his neighbors have always so believed  That they nor either of them have ever heard a doubt expressed to the contrary. That they have never known a man who stood & acted as a man of veracity then the said William Butler and that they themselves and each of them

(continued)
Page 9


believe that the said William Butler was a
Revolutionary Soldier and served as je
States James L. Young further states that he has known the applicant for about fifty years.   Robt O'Brian that he has known him for thirty years and W.J. Wright that he has known him for upward of Thirty years. To the end therefore that the official acts of the said Justice John Butter
may be fully conformed by this Court and more
fully to sanction his opinions touching the claims of the said William Butler   It is hereby
acclaimed as the opinion of this Court that the
said William Butler was a Revolutionary solder
and same as he states. And this Court further
certify that Jack Parson   James Young   Robert
O'Brian  and  W. Wight are credible persons
And that their statements an entitled to full
Credit. This being four of the most prominent
and respectable Citizens of this County
And this Court further certify that traditionary
accounts and the (?) opinion of the neighbors and acquaintances of the applicant William Butler Concur that he was a Revolutionary Soldier and his very high character as a correct and trustful man would forbid the impression that the statement he makes in any particular is within And this Court entertain no doubt as to the conclusions  of the statements set forth in the said Declaration.

I  William Samuel Clerk of the County
Court for the County of Trimble do certify that the foregoing is a true and perfect transcript of the proceedings in the case of William Butler an applicant for a pension which are of record in my office

 In Testimony
Page 10

Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
affixed the seal of the County Court
at the Clerks office in the town of
Bedford this 11th Feby 1850

W. Samuel   Clerk
Trimble County Court

(SEAL affixed)
Page 11

September 7, 1938

BA - J/AWF
William Butler
S. 30306   Claim

Mr. C. G. Cordle
1009 Adrian Street
Augusta, Georgia

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which
you state that the William Butler, soldier of
the Revolution, in whom you are interested, was
the son of John Butler, that he moved from Prince George County, Virginia, to Brunswick County, Virginia, in 1789, that he married in 1793, Nancy Rawlings, and he died late in 1835 in Brunswick County, Virginia.

The record of William Butler furnished herein
with obtained from claim for pension, S. 30306, based on his service in the Revolutionary War.

William Butler was born November 11, 1757 in
Prince George County, Virginia. He was the son of John Butler, name of mother not given. When William Butler was quite young, his father moved from Prince George County, to Amelia County, Virginia.

While residing in said Amelia County, William
Butler enlisted in the spring of 1776, served three months as private in Captain Rowland Ward's Virginia company, part of the time under Colonel Nelson, guarding the sea coast near Hampton, Virginia. He enlisted sometime in 1779, served three months as private in Captain Pleasant Roberts' Virginia company.

William Butler moved to Kentucky in 1787. He
Page 12


was allowed pension on his application executed February 11, 1850, at which time he was living in Trimble County, Kentucky.

One John F. Butler was Justice of the Peace
in Trimble County, Kentucky, in 1850; it was not
stated that he was related to the soldier, William
Butler.

The papers on file in this claim contain no
further discernible data in regard to family.

In order to obtain the date of last payment
of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D. C., and furnish the following data:

William Butler
Certificate #32715
Issued April 17, 1850
Rate $20.00 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
Kentucky Agency.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 13

(envelope)

Bedford  K
(illeg)
PAID
3

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City, DC

(notes on envelope)

William Butler
Ky  A - 1832

G. Cole
Page 14

(government ticket)

Revy   INVALID
-----

File No....30,306
William Butler
Prv   Rev War
--------
Act:  June  7th  32

Index: -- vol 2  ,    page  98

(Arrangement of 1870)

(note on opposite page)

195(?) Sept 7 - hist to C.G. Cordle (?)
Page 15

SEAL  
(ILLIGIBLE)
Page 16


310

Pension Office
27th Nov. 1854.

SIR. 

The Pension Agent at Louisville Kentucky is the proper person for paying the semi annual average due William Butler at the date of his death. I return
you the application of the Administrator  and William's pension certificate

L. T. Guthrie Esqr
Bedford
Trimble County
Ky
Page 17

Comm Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 18



Bedford Trimble County
Novr 20th 1854

Dear sir

Enclosed please find the claim of Wm Butler's Administrator for Arrears of Pension due William Butler at his death

I wrote several days since  to know what was the condition of the claim of Nancy Rankin, please let
me hear

Yours truly
L.T. Guthrie
Atty at Law
Bedford Ky

To  Comm of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 19

William Butler
Kentucky
Trimble Co.

admitted
Pr. 6 mo  --$20..--
per ann  come 5 March 1831(?)

Col Ward   Col  Col Nelson, rev


Act 7 June 1832
Page 20

THE ACADEMY OF RICHMOND COUNTY
Boys' high school   Founded by the State of Georgia         July 31, 1783
Department of History

THE JUNIOR COLLEGE OF AUGUSTA
Co-Educational Founded by Board of Education Of Richmond County, August 15, 1925
1009 Adrian St.
Augusta, Georgia
August 31, 1938
(SEAL) Received Sep 2 1938 (rest is illegible)

Veterans Administration
Washington, D.C.

Re: John Cordell
W. 9814
BA-J/AWF

Gentlemen:

The William Butler whose Revolutionary service I am trying to trace moved to Brunswick County, Virginia, from Prince George County in 1789. In 1793 he married Nancy Rawlings, the daughter of Isaac Rawlings. William Butler died in the latter part of 1835 in Brunswick County, Virginia, leaving a widow Nancy Butler, who was still living at the age of eighty in 1850.

As for John Butler, the father of the above, I have no such definite information.

With many thanks for your courtesy, I am
                                   Very truly yours,
                                   C.G. Cordle (signature)