Thomas C. Butler was born in Tennessee sometime in 1810 where he remained for 49 years when he moved to Arkansas to homestead land compromising of 160 acres. The area was then part of Hempstead County, but is now Nevada County, in Parker Township, one mile East of Union Church.

 

Thomas C. Butler was married twice. His first wife was Mary Brumelow to whom he was married in 1830 in Tennessee. To this union were born:

 

Lawson (son) never married - 29th Ark. Inf. CSA

Mollie, married James Jameson.

Francis, married Greenville Boswell.

Tennessee, married William Mack.

Mary Brumelow Butler died in Tennessee.

 

Four years before he came to Arkansas, Thomas C. Butler was married to Margaret Lewis, also of Tennessee. Eight children were born of this union. They were:

 

Josephine, married George Purtle

Theodicia, married Ben Purtle.

Elle, married Jacob Higgason.

Ollie, married Robert Bennett.

Thomas Jr., married Mollie Bennett.

John E. married Elizabeth A. Baker.

Elijah, married Nettie Scott.

Newt, married Linnie Bailey.

 

Thomas C, Butler was a good farmer and had fine orchards. He liked music and played the violin. Mr. Butler and his wife, Margaret, were members of Union Church, one of the first Missionary Baptist organizations founded in this section, having been already in existence before Nevada County was formed.

 

Thomas C. Butler died in 1862 and was buried in Union Church Yard. His wife, Margaret, died in 1902 and was buried beside him.

 

Written in Feb. 1947 by Winnie Haynie Hamilton (Mrs. Joe R.) from data furnished by Hody W. Butler, grandson of Thomas, and son of John E. Butler, Sr.