William Floren Butler, Sr.

https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/butler-william

William Butler, farmer and insurgent, was probably born in Virginia before 1730. He was one of at least seven children: brothers Aaron, General John of Revolutionary War rank, and Edmund; half-brother William Watson, Jr.; and two sisters. Sometime previous to 1760 he married a woman named Phebe, by whom he had four children, Thomas, William, Jr., Edmund, and "Sister McConnell." In 1768, while living near Sandy Creek in Orange County, he was appointed a county tax collector; in 1770 he was appointed a deputy sheriff in Orange County.

Butler, described as "an able man of but little property," emerged as a principal leader of the Regulators by the late 1760s. He was central in events at Hillsborough in 1768 and 1770 and at Alamance Creek in 1771. Butler, along with two others, was declared an outlaw by the governor of North Carolina in June 1771. After the events at Alamance Creek, Butler apparently fled North Carolina and, by May 1773, settled at the "headwaters of Walker's Creek" in Fincastle County, Va. In 1772, John Butler of Orange County sought unsuccessfully to obtain a pardon for his brother from Governor Josiah Martin and then warned William against planning to settle in North Carolina again. William's brother Aaron was then living in Cumberland County, while William Watson, Jr., was resident near Charlotte. Nothing is known of the further life of William Butler.

Following Butler's death, his wife, Phebe, left Virginia in 1805 and settled with her son Edmund in Simpson County, Ky., near her nephew, Aaron Butler, Jr., who owned land in Sumner and Madison counties, Tenn. Phebe was still alive in 1826. William Butler, Jr., served in the Revolutionary War, settled in Iredell County, and possibly acquired 311 acres of land in the Ninety Six District of South Carolina in 1788. William's son was Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus Butler.

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magistrate Richard Bibb, Prince Edward County: about thirty yars of age he remembers that he saw joined in martimony Wm Butler and Phebe Childress by Parson Gardner of Prince Edward County, VA. Prince Edward Couty, VA, 22 Sept 1794, before magistrate Richard Bibb: Ann Childress made oath: about thirty years ago her daughter Phebe Childress and Wm Butler set off from her house to go to parson Gardner to be married and they returned and lived together as man & wife for a number of years in this part of the county. --Haydengenealogy.com

http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/b/u/t/Pamela-Butler/GENE...:

William Butler, brother to Aaron, married Phoebe Childers/Childress and they moved to North Carolina, where he became a "Regulator". Many family letters are in from this branch. He fought in the Revoluntionary War. Three books have been written on this branch; "Butler, The Family of John Topham and Susan Elizabeth Redd Butler", printed in 1990 by Karl Butler and "My Best For The Kingdom", History and Autobiography of John Lowe Butler by William G. Hartley published by Aspen books in 1993, also a reference Vol., "The Regulators of North Carolina". Some of the descendants stayed in North Carolina and many went to Tennessee/Kentucky; some further south and many ended up in the western United States. He was a Regulator Leader from Northern Iredell...Capt. James McConnell (1760-December 1830, Carroll Co., TN), who married Elizabeth Butler, the daughter of Regulator leader William Butler of northern Iredell on April 5, 1785. 

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EDMUND "E" BUTLER OF COLONIAL VIRGINIA

5. WILLIAM2 BUTLER, CAPT. (EDMUND "E"1) was born Abt. 1740 in Goochland County/Cumberland County, Virginia, and died November 09, 1790 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. He married PHEBIA CHILDERS OR CHILDRESS (Source: "Progenitors and Kinfolk of Abraham Childers III".) Abt. 1762 in Prince Edward County, Virginia/By Parson Craig Gardner, daughter of HENRY CHILDERS and MARY FARMER.

Notes for WILLIAM BUTLER, CAPT.:

William Butler b abt 1740 married Phoebe Childers or Childress b abt 1752 & she died after 1825 in Simpson, Co., Ky. The family went from Orange Co., N.C. to Rowan Co., N.C. then to Iredell Co., N.C. before going to Edgefield, South Carolina. After being pardoned for his activity with the Regulators, he was given a grant of land in Edgefield County, South Carolina where he died in 1790. His widow, and children, eventually moved on to Tennessee & Kentucky. Phebe was buried in the Lowe burial ground in Simpson Co., Kentucky.

1763: DB 3, p 420, Cumberland County, Virginia. William Butler was living in Cumberland, when he sold the 100 acres inherited from his father...parcel of land bound by Thomas Cole, John Woodson, Charles Cottrell, part of sd tract (blotted so unreadable). The land was sold to Nicholas Johnson; witnessed by John Holmon (Holman), Wm Shapard & Aaron Butler; rec November 28, 1763. The deed was signed "William Butler". Cumberland County, Virginia.

Possible year of marriage: To Jean Schneider, Sorry it's has taken so long to get back with you. I found several references to Wm Butler but it seems there may have been two in the area around the same time. One has a wife named Bethethland and then your Wm with his wife Phebe. I did find the following on your Wm:

Edgefield County, South Carolina, Deed BK 17, pg 182-184

Wm Floren, Prince Edward County, VA, Virginia and Phebe Childress to William

Butler. Deposition by Wm Floren before magistrate Richard Bibb, Prince

Edward County: about thirty yars of age he remembers that he saw joined in

martimony Wm Butler and Phebe Childress by Parson Gardner of Prince Edward

County, VA. Prince Edward Couty, VA, 22 Sept 1794, before magistrate Richard Bibb: Ann Childress made oath: about thirty years ago her daughter Phebe Childress and Wm Butler set off from her house to go to parson Gardner to be married and they returned and lived together as man & wife for a number of years in this part of the county. Francis Watkins, clerk of Prince Edward Couty, VA certifies that Richard Bibb who signed within the affidavits was qualified and acting Justice of the Peace for sd county afsd, 14 Oct 1798. Thomas Scott presiding Justice/Peace, Prince Edward County, certifies on 1 Nov 1798 that Francis Watkins was on the date thereof and on the day of within certificate Clerk of the Court of Prince Edward County. Rec 1 July 1799.

Prince Edward Co., Va.: No GARDNER listed at all in the book requested for lookup. The name CRAIG is listed only twice, both as signers of a 1776 petition,

Robert and Thomas. Now the GARDENs,,,, four listings. I'll start with the James you requested and then the others. James pg 38, 62, 63, 71 38 Paraphrased.....Residents contracted with the newly formed county for the

construction and upkeep of bridges deemed necesssary by the county. Quote "It was customary to pay for the building of bridges in cash, rather than in tobacco." .........."Even the minister worked on the bridges. The Rev. James Garden was paid (Pounds) 1:15 for repairing Bush River bridge in 1766." 62 Paraphrased...In 1755 Prince Edward County was made a separate parish, to be called St. Patricks's. 62 " At the second meeting of the vesrty (St. Patrick's) , which was held at Sandy River Church December 3, 1755, the Rev. James Garden was unanimously received as minister of the parish. Garden was recommended by the Hon. Thomas Dawson, commissary of Virginia, and he was also favorably known to the vestry. His salary was set at 17,280 pounds of tobacco annually; and he was paid 2,160 pounds of tobacco at he rate of twopence per pound (this would yield in cash (Pounds) 18) 63 for his services from September 1 until October 15. Garden served as minister of the parish until his death, February 19, 1773." 70 " In December, 1760, the glebe buildings wrere deemed ready for occupancy, and LeGrand was directed to deliver the keys to the 71 wardens and the wardens in turn to deliver them to the Reverend Mr. Garden. Since the parish had not provided a glebe for the minister the first year Garden served, he was given twenty pounds for his board. Through the rest of Garden's ministry after he moved into the glebe, the vestry seems to have assumed that all was well with buildings and that no repairs were needed. How characteristic that is even today of church boards in their management of the minister's home. But the coming of a new minister opens eyes to the need of repairs and refurbishing. Perhaps it is the new minister's wife. At any rate, in June, 1774, following MacCartney's occupancy of the glebe in the preceding December, the vestry authorized extensive repairs and renovation in the glebe buildings......." pg 548 W. S. Garden in 1911 and J. S. Moore were trustees of the "Prospect Presbyterian Church".

I'll get the others to you soon. They are Charles Garden , and Thomas J.

Jane

1766: His mother, Frances Cooke Butler sent William a letter.

1767: William Butler was in North Carolina not long after sale of above land as is shown by the following from the "Regulator Papers', which also gives the background for him being called William Butler, Regulator: The Regulator Papers p 578. William (This is an error, his brother Aaron and brother John, sold John's inherited property in Cumberland County, Virginia, in 1767) to a John Pigg (related to Cooke family by marriage), moved to Orange County, North Carolina by 1768. From the "Regulator Papers, The Regulators in North Carolina a Documentary History 1759-1776". Compiled and edited by William S. Powell, James Huhta, Thomas J. Farham-Raleigh State Department of Archives & History 1971 pg 563.

"William Butler of Orange County, North Carolina was one of the most active leaders of the regulators. he was apparently of a violent temperament and quite outspoken. In September 1768 he was found guilty of 'Rout (riot), Assault etc.,' fined 50 Lbs. and sentenced to 6 months imprisonment. In September 1770 he was one of the mob that assaulted the attorneys at the courthouse in Hillsborough and attempted to strike Judge Richard Henderson. The following March he was listed among those who were 'still continuing their riotous meetings and severaly threatening the Judges, Lawyers, and other officers of the Court.' After the Battle of Alamance a reward of 1,000 acres of land and $100 was offered for the capture of Butler and three other Regulators. Declared an outlaw in June 1771, he was also one of the three men cited by name not to be pardoned.After the departure of Goernor Tryon for New York, Butler petioned Governor Josiah Martin his council for forgiveness. He was, he said, 'full convinced that the principles which (the regulators) had esposed were erroneous and therefore most sincerely promise to never engage in the like again.' His brother, John Butler, also entered a plea on his behalf, and it may have been effective. William served in the Revoluntionary Army, and may have been a member of the Continental Line. His brother, John, apparently not a Regulator, became a Brigadier General of the North Carolina militia."

William Butler gained fame as the leader of the North Carolina Regulators in Orange County, who protested "dishonest sheriffs, excessive taxes, and extortionate fees." William was among the Regulators that were arrested, freed by outraged citizens, convicted, declared to be outlaws, hunted, fomentors of a riot, and repelled at the Battle of Alamance in May 1771. Britain branded William and the Regulators criminals, but local citizens and later historians called them patriots, much like the Sons of Liberty in Massachusetts. When the War for Independence broke out William and John, his brother, fought against the Crown. The above paragraph's information came from Powell et al., Regulators in North Carolina History, XV-XXI, pg 557-78.

1767: there was a letter from Gov. Wm. Tryon to Wm Butler appointing him colector of the publick, county, and Parrocial Taxes of Orange County for "1767".

Abstracts of Wills, Orange County, North Carolina Reprint 1972, 1979.

Compiled by Ruth Herndon Shields: (No actual wills to copy at our Gen.

library)

p. 18

A-76 Will of Michael Holt. Dated 31 June 1765, proved Nov 1767.

wife: Elizabeth son: Peter

"my children" name and number not stated.

Executors: "my dear son Michael Holt, Junior and Nicholas Holt, Junior."

Witnesses: JOHN BUTLER, William Carlisle.

(my note: on 19 Feb. 1770, Michael Holt (must be Michael Holt, Jr.)

Justice, swore in Wm the Reg as Deputy Sheriff of Orange CO. If the John

Butler who witnessed Holt Senior's will is our John, the date of 1765

puts him in NC about 2 years earlier that we thought.)

1768 September: Found guilty of Rout (Riot), Assault etc. fined 50 pounds and sentenced to 6 months imprisonment.

1770 September: many references to him in the Regulator Papers, he was one of a mob that assaulted the attorneys at the courthouse in Hillsborough & attempted to strike Judge Richard Henderson.

1770-1771: According to James Maiden (affadavit) William lived in Randolph County, North Carolina, on the waters of the Deep River.

November 23, 1770 but published in the PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER on July 11, 177. Written by James Hunter.

To the Hon. Maurice Moore, Esq., at Newbern, Orange County (North Carolina) Nov. 23, 1770:

SIR,

The other day I received an open letter from you, by the hand of Mr. John Butler and observe the contents. You say it is an answer to a letter you received from a person who signs himself; A True Regulator, and suppose it to be from Mr. Husbands and me. As to the letter I know nothing about it, or the author, I having always subscribed my name to all the letters I ever wrote; however, as your answer relates to the regulation, I shall cheerfully undertake to answer it, especially as you have charged us with what we are totally innocent of, and some things we are wholly unacquainted with. You charge Husband and me of being the essence of that regulation which has produced so much irregularity in the province. If you would only turn yourself around, and view the many enormities, extortions, and exactions, daily, practiced on us by Lawyer's clerks, registers, sheriffs, &c. I am sure you could not count us the essence of it.

As to charging you with writing friendly to Col. Fanning, I never charged you or any other man about it, except Col. Fanning himself, for exposing your private letter. However I observe you plead much in his behalf, to excuse his extortion, even to calling of our laws and table of fees intricate and confused, so that no two judges can agree in the construction of them, and then recommend us to use charity on his plea of ignorance. &c. Pray, sir, use that same charity towards us and our ignorance, and I'm sure that you will not wonder the people are confused also under such laws, especially as we have so many similar cases of convulsions and confusions daily published in "every" news paper. But pray, Sir, observe, by the way, Fanning had not one similar case in the whole province, not even his predecessors; and it is observable also that he could not possibly raise such a fortune from nothing in a few years, and maintain such extravagance as he did, but by extortion, and grinding the face of the poor. Besides he endeavored to engage the registers in some other counties to follow his example, but none of their consciences proved large enough. As to Tyrrel's case, I always thought his crime did not deserve to take his life, nor indeed all his fortune. And as to Mr. Husband's case, almost every man in the whole county was eye and ear witness to it themselves; and ever so much scholastic stating of facts, that you or any other can contrive, will not beat us out of a known truth. How were Milner and Nash strangers to them that imprisoned Husbands? You say Husbands, you believe, was imprisoned at the suit of the Crown; but I believe the Crown had commenced no suit against him till after giving them bonds. He was imprisoned by guards procured by lawyers, clerks and other extortinate officers, collected for the purpose; and such officers got his bonds and was there in company with them. How is the case then just as you have stated it? Every body believes there was a joint conferderacy of extortiante officers to cow him from bringing their extortions to light; and I believe had such evidence been allowed, it would have appeared so to the jury. How could it appear otherwise? He was first aken without a warrant, not by any sheriff or civil officer, but by a banditti of lawyers, clerks, tavern-keepers, &c., sent to gaol without a mittimus, then taken out at midnight, put under guard, tied his feet under the horse's belly, a gallows fixed in the gaol, and his trial to be under the mouths of cannon, and could not even walk within the limits assigned him, but bayonets thrusting at him, and other weapons of war; and, after all, not one jott of tittle could be proved against him. You say that Mr. Hooper well knew that no such allegation as duress could be proved against Mr. Milner. It is not possible Mr. Hooper could know any such thing. Husband had several messages before the court that 300 pds. was the sum for him to pay. This first put it into his head that that sum would pacify them, for it was no matter to whom it was paid, so it went among the fraternity; and I verily think, on the whole, it would have appeared duress to every man that had the smallest degree of candour or humanity in their composition. So much for that case; and now I will endeavor to answer in order every question that you have asked, that I am, or so far as concerned. And as to your first question, I can take God to witness that it was for the sake of public justice that we prosecuted every officer, and not for resentment, spite, malice, nor gain; but the motive that stirred me up, was the repeated cries of the poor, oppressed people. 2dly. It was the reformation of the Magistrates

1771 March: He was listed as among those who continued riotous meetings.

1771: Battle of Almance in North Carolina.

1771 June: Declared an outlaw, a reward of 1000 acres of land & $100 for his capture.

1771: (p374) letter from Rednap Howell telling of Wm's being outlawed; William Butler was one of three men not to be pardoned.

1772: March 11, 1772, Wm on list of Crown Prosecutions;

1772: August 2, 1772 (p536) Maryland; From Regulator papers, Letter from James Hunter to William Butler dated November 6, 1772. Journey to Maryland to see William Butler and Harmon Howell, only saw Howell.

1773 May 30th:-Letter from William Watson, Jr., his b-i-l who was taking care of William Butler's son while he was in hiding; The letter was sent from "Charlotte" to William Butler in Fincastle County, head Waters Creek (Wakers Creek(?). There was a Fincastle County in Virginia previously Botelourt County (now Wythe County.

1775-letter from John Butler, his brother;

1781: December 21, 1781 (p563 Southern Historical Collection) Certification of service of William Butler "I do hereby certify that William Butler has stood his draft and is clear from the tower of duty 21 December 1781 -Alex Autry or Awtry Capt." . SHC Regulator papers..

1783: October 10, 1783-Book 11-125: State grants William Butler 200 acres on Hunting Creek, south side of Archibald McConnell.Land granted William Butler, 311 acres in District 96, on the head of Foxes Creek the waters of the Savannah River; 202 acres in District 96 in Edgefield County, on the ridge between the head of Foxes Creek and the lower Cherokee Pond. Taken from a copy made by Lee Butler.October 10, 1783 Book 11-125 State Grants William Butler 200 acres on Hunting Creek south side of Archibald McConnell. (two of Phobe's brothers and one siser, Sarah Childers Hickman, lived in Edgefield Co., SC. David shows up in 1779 & Thomas was on 1790 Census in Saluda River, SC). Later her brothers moved to Tennessee)

Pierce'S Register

[p.313] VOUCHERS Page 321

No.: Continental

To whom granted and rank: William Butler

No. acres: 83

Service in months: Hillsborough Dist.

1790: Rowan Co., NC Federal Census: Has "a" Butler, William (Head of Household).

1 Free white male of over 16

5 Free white males under 16

2 Free white females including head of household

0 All other free persons

1 Slaves

1790: Death of William Butler in Edgefield County, South Carolina.

October 14, 1798-July 1, 1799 Edgefield County, South Carolina Deed Book 17, pp 182-184:

Wm Floren, Prince Edward County, VA, Virginia and Phebe Childress to William Butler. Deposition by Wm Floren before magistrate Richard Bibb, Prince Edward County, VA.: about 30 yars of age he remembers that he saw joined in matrimony Wm Butler and Phebe Childress by Parson Gardner of Prince Edward County, VA. Prince Edward County, VA, 22nd Sept 1794, before magistrate Richard Bibb: Ann Childress made oath: about 30 years ago her daughter Phebe Childress and Wm Butler set off from her house to go to parson Gardner to be married and they returned and lived together as man & wife for a number of years in this part of the county (country). Francis Watkins, clerk of Prince Edward County, VA certifies that Richard Bibb who signed within the affidavits was qualified and acting Justice of the Peace for sd county afsd, 14 Oct 1798. Thomas Scott presiding Justice/Peace, Prince Edward Couty, certifies on 1 Nov 1798 that Francis watkins was on the date thereof and on the day of within certificate Clerk of the Court of Prince Edward County. Rec 1 July 1799.

1800: Census for Iredell County, North Carolina for his wife, Pheeby Butler: 1 F 45+; 2 M 26-45; 2 M & 1 F 16-26.

1826 April 16: In the papers of L Q C Butler was found a letter from Phoebe Butler (86) who made an oath.....that William Butler (brother of General John Butler) now deceased & who departed this life as well she recollects on the ninth day of Nov. A D 1790 in the State of Carolina, Edgefield County. Leah O'Donal possesses the letter. (Mesa, Arizona).

Phebe Childres wife of William the Regulator. Information on them was recorded in the diary of John Lowe Butler, grandson of William the regulator. The children were verified from John Lowe Butler's diary.

Most of this above information was compiled by Doris Ann Butler Lucas.

(Research notes from Jean Schneider below):

Affidavit: Edward Kirkpatrick, Bailey Butler and John Kirkpatrick state that they were personally acquainted with James Butler and Fanny Butler in the State of Tennessee, who lived together as husband and wife for over 40 years. Fanny was a widow at the time she made application for Bounty Land under the Act of Mar 8, 1855. (ref).

Nov 6, 1855 Letter: Samuel Harrison sent a letter to Hon L.P. Waldo to obtain bounty land for Fanny Butler. Cannot prove marriage which took place in N.C. about 60 years ago.

More About WILLIAM BUTLER, CAPT.:

Military: December 21, 1781, Revolutionary War in Continental Army? Cert. of Service signed by Capt. Autry

Misc.: 1767, Appointed by Gov. Tryon to collect taxes in Orange Co., North Carolina

Occupation: Farmer

Property transaction: November 28, 1763, Sold property inherited from father in Cumberland, Co., Va.

Religion: Married by Presbyterian minister.

Notes for PHEBIA CHILDERS OR CHILDRESS:

1794-1795 North Carolina: November 10, 1794: According to Jean Schneider, there is a note signed by Samuel Butler and his mother, Feeby Butler, for tallow dated November 10, 1794, "Iredell County, North Carolina", to be paid in corn by the 10th of November 1795 to James Maiden (this James Maiden would later testify to the marriage of William and Phoebe Butler). This is signed by his mark and also by Feeby. (Was he home alone, caring for his mother and the farm at the same time?)

1815: According to letter, she left North Carolina about 1815.

Here is a copy of a letter written by Phoebe to her son William in North Carolina:

Simpson County (Ky) May 10th 1825

Dear Son, son and daughter

I am in good health at present Wm Plumers family and all our family conescions (connections?) are well at this time. as far as we know a great many people have died here this season, me and my people are so many living monuments of the divine goodness and we have great reason to thank that god who is willing to be Lord the preserver of man for his goodness. I long to see you both and I desire very much to have a chance to talk with you both. I may never have an opportunity to see you in this time world. If not my earnest prayer is that we may have a happy meeting hereafter. I am now well stricken in years and may say with the ancient patriarch that few and evil have been the days of the life of my pilgrimage. When I left you about 10 years ago you said that you would come and see me but you have not done so, I think hard of it, be sure to come or write as soon as possible, come this fall if you can. There is a grat prospect of fruit this year, wheat looks well. Remember me to all of your family and all inquireing friends.

You feel near to me altho we are distant. at this time I am your Mother (on the second page is a second paragraph: It appears that you have forgot a tender parent. If you love mewith fraternal affection I wish you to prove your faith by your works, for faith without works is dead being alone. I trust you will make paments for being remiss. My dear son I am with great consideration your very affectioante mother. Signed Phebe Butler This letter was sent to William Butler, Iredell county, To Hustonsville Post office near Hunting Creek N Carolina posted on May 1825, Franklin, Ky.

Jean Schneider furnished me additional information. She said that Phoebe died on a Wednesday about 2:30 A.M. at the home of her son, James but she didn't know when she went to Kentucky to live.

1826 April 16: In the papers of L Q C Butler was found a letter from Phoebe Butler (86) who made an oath.....that William Butler (brother of General John Butler) now deceased & who departed this life as well she recollects on the ninth day of Nov. A D 1790 in the State of Carolina, Edgefield County. Leah O'Donal possesses the letter. (Mesa, Arizona).

She also furnished information from " Kentucky Land Grants", by Willard W. Jillson, Part 1, pg 276 (These are Butlers listed as receiving grants south of Green River in Logan County).

Butler, Jno 200 acres Book 1 pg 275 Date-Survey 9/9/1796 Watercourse Drakes

Cr Butler Jno 200 acres Book 1 pg 276 Date-Survey 9/9/1796

10/6/1796 Tampin Cr

Butler, Thos 200 acres Tampin Creek Book 1 pg 340 Date-Survey 9/9/1796 Watercourse Drakes

2/17/1798 Muddy Creek

Butler, James 200 acres 2 Book 1 pg 82 Date-Survey 9/9/1796 Watercourse Drakes

9/9/1801 200 acres W Fk Drakes Book 1 pg 82 Date-Survey 9/9/1796 Watercourse Drakes

Butler, Jno 200 acres 4 Book 1 pg 284 Date-Survey 9/9/1796 Watercourse Drakes

8/25/1804 200 acres Tarrapin Cr Book 1 pg 484 Date-Survey

Butler, Edmund 200 acres 7 Book 1 pg 578 Date-Survey 9/13/1799 Watercouse Drakes

" W Fk Drakes

Butler, Thomas 150 acres 13 Book 1 pg 489 Date-Survey 6/18/1805 Watercourse Drakes

" Spring Cr

Butler, Thomas 150 acres 14 Book 1 pg 1 Date-Survey 7/19/1805

Butler, Edmund 150 acres 16 Book 1 pg 115 Date-Survey 3/28/1812

Phoebe's brother, John, had a grandson named George Campbell Childress, and this article about him, " A 32 year old lawyer and editor originally from Tennessee, is known as the author of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Considered by many to be the finest leagal mind at the convention, he supposedly had a draft of the Declaration in his saddlebags when he arrived in Washington.

On the morning of March 2, 1836, Childress read the Declaration to the men assembled in Washington. The group adopted the document without amendment within an hour an half. Then a slight snag developed, the hastily written document was found to be riddled with grammatical errors; it was decided that five new handwritten copies needed to be produced. Consequently, the originals of the Declaration were actually signed the following day, March 3, by the 52 members present. The remaining seven delegates added their signatures as they arrived.

The Texas Declaration of Independence was loosely patterned after that of the United States. The document contains statements on the responsibility of the governement followed by a long list of grievances that included denial of freedom to worship and the oppressive tyranny of military commandants stationed in the colony. Finally, it concluded by declaring Texas a"...free, Sovereign, and independent Republic."

Childress, George Campbell 1804-1841, born January 8, 1804. Signer, Texas Declaration of Independence, 1836; delegate to Texas Republic constitutional convention, 1836.

Committed suicide at Galvaston, Texas, October 6, 1841. Interment at Episcopal Cemetery, Galvaston, Texas. Childress County, Texas is named for him. George's uncle, Stewart C. Robertson, was VERY influential in Texas and promoted the emigration of around 600 people to Texas. Robertson was also a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence and held several offices in Texas. Jean Schneider's thought was that a number of Childress families may have moved from Tennessee to Texas at this time.

For future research: Benjamin Butler b 1795 in SC and d 1860 in Tippah County, Mississippi m Rachel Childers on July 19, 1816 in Madison County, Alabama she was b 1796 in Elbert County, Georgia and d August 5, 1855 in Tippah County, Mississippi.

Letter from Gloria Butler Angel (from Childers Fam. Assoc.) in 1980, regarding a Daniel P. Butler, b abt 1806/1808 who married Amelia Childers b 1805 in South Carolina, married in 1831(possiblly in Newberry or Edgefield Co., SC. The letter also states that "a" Francis Childers was in Edgefield Co., SC on Jan. 28, 1823, as he was a witness to the will of a Daniel Butler as he died that year. The writer was not sure if this was the same Daniel Butler as above.

Also, William Lowe (son of Nancy Butler and John Lowe) m Margaret Farr, then had a son, Barnabas Farr Lowe in Saluda River, SC. Barnabus married February 3, 1806 in Logan Co., Kentucky a Margaret Carlock/Carelock, Margaret died in 1840 in Jasper, Texas. Barnabus married 2) Pamela Childers on February 2, 1843 in Nacogdoches Co., Texas. Any relationship to the other Childers?

President James Madison Polk was married to a Sarah Childress, her father was Joel Childress, they lived in Knox County, Tennessee. Lots of Childress' in the area. Sarah was well educated for her time. She and her sister, went to the Moravian Academy for Females in Salem, North Carolina. She was quite beautiful, a Presbyterian & wouldn't dance. (Note from Jean Schneider Jan. 1999): here is also an article re George Campbell Childress there

- it states that his sister Sarah was mrd to Pres. James Polk, but that

is incorrect, her parents were Capt. Joel Childress and Elizabeth

Winslett of Rutherford CO, TN - I don't believe I ever told you I found

that out. So unless we can somehow connect Joel to our Childresses, she

is not of our line. (I emailed and informed them of the error).

More About PHEBIA CHILDERS OR CHILDRESS:

Census: 1800, Census in Iredell County, N.C. shows Pheeby 1 F 45+ 2 M 26-45 2 M & 1 F 16-26.

Misc.: April 16, 1826, When she was 86 gave oath to William Butler's date of death.

Children of WILLIAM BUTLER and PHEBIA CHILDRESS are:

24. i. JOHN L.3 BUTLER, b. 1763, Virginia; d. Bef. 1820, Wayne County, Mississippi.

25. ii. ELIZABETH BUTLER, b. 1766, Cumberland County, Virginia?; d. September 1825, Moury County, Tennessee.

26. iii. WILLIAM BUTLER, b. October 02, 1770, Rowan County, North Carolina; d. Abt. March 15, 1833, Iredell County, North Carolina/Butler farm near Houston-Ville Community Hwy 2..

27. iv. JAMES BUTLER, b. 1772, Maryland?; d. 1835, Simpson County, Kentucky.

28. v. EDMUND BUTLER, b. Abt. 1774, Virginia; d. May 1850, Simpson County, Kentucky.

29. vi. SAMUEL LEWIS BUTLER, b. Abt. 1776, Rowan County, North Carolina; d. January 26, 1828, Lincoln County, Tennessee.

30. vii. THOMAS BUTLER, b. 1778, Orange or Iredell County, North Carolina(?); d. Abt. 1810.

31. viii. AARON BUTLER, b. Abt. 1782, Edgefield County, South Carolina; d. April 26, 1848, Lived at Fountainhead.Died in Sumner Co., Tennessee.

32. ix. FRANCES BUTLER, b. November 11, 1784, North or South Carolina?; d. November 09, 1855, Simpson Co., Kentucky.

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At an unfortunate moment with feeling between the two opposing sides at a peak, officials in Hillsborough seized a Regulator's horse, saddle, and bridle and sold them for taxes. Outraged, a band of Regulators rode into Hillsborough, rescued the horse, and before leaving town, fired several shots into Edmund Fanning's house. Fanning, who was in court in Halifax, immediately ordered the arrest of three Regulators who played a big role in the Hillsborough horse incident, William Butler, Peter Craven, and Ninian Bell Hamilton. Citizens of Orange County were very sympathetic with the Regulators. Hermon Husband was chosen as one of two delegates to meet with officials to discuss the incident. Before the meeting could be held, Fanning gathered a handful of armed men and assisted the sheriff in arresting William Butler and Hermon Husband. The two men were charged with inciting the people to rebellion and were confined in the Hillsborough jail. Enraged by the officers, the following morning seven hundred men, some of whom were not Regulators, went to Hillsborough to rescue the prisoners. County officials, becoming alarmed, released the prisoners in time to speed them away to meet the approaching mob of men. The governor's secretary informed the protestors that Governor Tryon would receive their petition to investigate conditions in Orange County and would see that they received fair treatment at the hands of county officials. Due to this incident, support for the Regulation movement spread (6). The Regulators pursued their purpose with tremendous force. They often broke into courts of justice, drove judges from the bench and set up mock trials. They dragged unoffending attorneys through the streets almost until death and publicly assaulted peaceful citizens who refused to express public sympathy for the Regulation. In September, 1770, Judge Richard Henderson was presiding over the superior court in Hillsborough when a mob of one hundred fifty Regulators, led by Husband, armed with sticks and switches, broke into the courthouse, attempted to strike the judge, and forced him to leave the bench. They next attacked and severely whippped John Williams, a practicing attorney. William Hooper, who later would be a signer of the Declaration of Independence and an assistant attorney general was dragged through the streets to be humiliated and violently abused. Edmund Fanning was pulled from the courthouse by his heels and dragged from the courthouse before being brutally whipped. The mob then broke into Fanning's house, burned his papers, destroyed his furniture, and demolished and burned the building. Many others were whipped as the Regulators rioted through the streets of Hillsborough. Windows of private homes were broken and the inhabitants of the town were terrorized. Court was adjourned when Judge Henderson was unable to keep order (7). The assembly of Governor Tryon set about at once to draw up a series of reform measures. Acts were passed dealing with the appointment of sheriffs and their duties, fixing attorneys' fees, regulating officers' fees, providing for more speedy collection of small debts, and the creation of the counties of Wake, Guilford, Chatham, and Surry in the areas of the region where the Regulators were the most numerous. These laws were designed to meet the demands of the Regulators, but while the assembly was vigorously passing these laws word arrived that the Regulators had assembled in Cumberland County and were preparing to march to New Bern, the current capital of North Carolina and residence of Royal Governor William Tryon. A complete change came over the assembly and thoughts turned toward punishing measures (8). The assembly adopted the "Johnston Act" introduced by Samuel Johnston, who would later be a member of the Continental Congress and a senator from North Carolina in the First Congress of the United States. This act was to be enforced for one year only. It stated that the attorney general could prosecute charges of riot in any superior court in the province. All who avoided the summons for court for sixty days were declared and liable to be killed for treason. In addition to these drastic steps, the governor was allowed to call the militia out to enforce the law. The Regulators, as anticipated by the governingauthorities in North Carolina, reacted with defiance. To promote and strengthen their organization they sent messengers to nearly every county to encourage supporters and organize those who would join them. The people of Rowan County were extremely cooperative due to their hatred of the Johnston Act (9). Governor Tryon, in March 1771, ordered a term of superior court to be held in Hillsborough, but judges filed a protest with the council. Under the riotous conditions existing in that part of the province, they felt that they could not hold court with any hope of prosecution. They also feared for their personal safety because of what previously occurred in Hillsborough in the case of Judge Richard Henderson. After this appeal had been made, the council decided that it was time to take a stand against the lawlessness of the citizens (10). Protest from the Regulators came strongly, but Tryon paid no attention. On March 19, 1771 he called for volunteers for the militia and when enlistments began slowly he offered a payment of forty shillings. The offer helped tremendously, and on April 23 the troops got under way. Guns, ammunition, and other equipment for these troops had been sent at Tryon's request from Fort Johnston on the Cape Fear River. General Hugh Waddell had already been ordered to march to Salisbury to halt the advances of the Rowan Regulators, to retrieve the western militia, and march to Hillsborough from the west. At the Johnston County Courthouse troops from Craven, Cateret, Orange, Beau- fort, New Hanover, Onslow, Dobbs, and Johnston were joined by the Wake militia. They made their way to Smith's Ferry beside the Neuse River where Tryon reviewed the troops on May 3, 1771. There were 1,068 men; 151 were officers. Pleased with his recruitment, he broke camp and advanced toward Hillsborough. General Waddell and his 284 officers and men were approaching Salisbury from the Cape Fear River. Governor Tryon and the militia reached Hillsborough on May 9. General Waddell left Salisbury that same day, but while crossing the Yadkin River he was met and stopped by a large group of Regulators. Waddell retreated back to Salisbury. Intending to help General Waddell, Tryon left Hillsborough on May 11 leading the militia through the heart of "Regulator country." On the fourteenth day they reached the banks of Alamance Creek where they rested for a day. On May 16, 1771, Tryon ordered his army into battle formation. The companies from Cateret, Orange, Beaufort, New Hanover, and Dobbs counties, plus the artillery, were in the lead, followed by companies from Onslow and Johnston. With these troops Tryon set out to destroy a large body of Regulators reported assembled five miles ahead. The Regulators, estimated at about 2,000, were waiting for Tryon's confrontation. They lacked adequate leadership, a clear purpose, efficient organization, and even sufficient arms and ammunition for battle. The Regulators must have felt that simply by making a display of force they could frighten the governor into granting their demands. Among their number were many noisy and restless individuals and many who seemed not to realize the seriousness of the situation lying ahead. Earlier that week, some of the Regulators captured Colonel John Ashe and Captain John Walker of Tryon's militia while they were scouting, severly beat them, and made them prisoners. So careless were the Regulators and so unaware of the situation most of them were wrestling and playing around when an older soldier who happened to be among them warned them to expect an attack at any minute. Shortly after, the firing began. Before the shooting began, the Regulators were given a choice to retreat and dissolve their group or be fired upon. In the one hour they had to decide few were considering their lives. The Regulators gave no response and thus the Battle of Alamance began. Tryon's well-equipped troops soon put the Regulators to flight. The Regulators had no officer higher than captain and each individual company fought independently. Tryon's artillery fire was very effective in the beginning, but many Regulators later found refuge behind trees and rocks. The Regulators were deserted by many of their own comrades and took early leave of the battlefield. The Battle of Alamance lasted two hours. Tryon's forces lost nine to death and sixty-one wounded, while the Regulators lost the same number killed and had a large, but undetermined number of people wounded. Tryon took about fifteen prisoners and executed one on the spot with the idea of striking terror into the hearts of the Regulators. This action, I believe, was uncalled for because of the decisive military defeat. Despite his evil display of character during the battle, Tryon had his own surgeons treat the wounded Regulators (the entire battle has been summarized from source #11). The Regulators attempt to secure reform in local government by force apparently failed completely. The Regulators were compelled to retreat from society and live life in the wilderness. Many migrated, some going to Tennessee and down into the Mississippi River Valley. Others followed Daniel Boone's trail into Kentucky. In fact, by 1772, just one year later, about 1,500 of the former Regulators left North Carolina (12). The importance of the Battle of Alamance and its proper place in American history have been topics of discussion not only in North Carolina, but across the country. I gathered this fact from the area from which my sources came. I noticed that the efforts of the Regulators is very similar to that of the colonists efforts to gain independence, only on a much smaller scale. The War of Regulation should be regarded as one of the primary thrusts of North Carolina's role in the Revolutionary War. Because of the research I have done I am encouraged to find out more about the history of North Carolina. The Battle of Alamance should be covered in every American history course simply because it illustrates the desire for independence many colonists had during this time period.   -- Studyworld.com

William Butler, farmer and insurgent, was probably born in Virginia before 1730 He was one of at least seven children: brothers Aaron, General John of Revolutionary War rank, and Edmund; half-brother William Watson, Jr.; and two sisters. Sometime previous to 1760 he married a woman named Phebe, by whom he had four children, Thomas, William, Jr., Edmund, and "Sister McConnell." In 1768, while living near Sandy Creek in Orange County, he was appointed a county tax collector; in 1770 he was appointed a deputy sheriff in Orange County.

Butler, described as "an able man of but little property," emerged as a principal leader of the Regulators by the late 1760s. He was central in events at Hillsborough in 1768 and 1770 and at Alamance Creek in 1771. Butler, along with two others, was declared an outlaw by the governor of North Carolina in June 1771. After the events at Alamance Creek, Butler apparently fled North Carolina and, by May 1773, settled at the "headwaters of Walker's Creek" in Fincastle County, Va. In 1772, John Butler of Orange County sought unsuccessfully to obtain a pardon for his brother from Governor Josiah Martin and then warned William against planning to settle in North Carolina again. William's brother Aaron was then living in Cumberland County, while William Watson, Jr., was resident near Charlotte. Nothing is known of the further life of William Butler.

Following Butler's death, his wife, Phebe, left Virginia in 1805 and settled with her son Edmund in Simpson County, Ky., near her nephew, Aaron Butler, Jr., who owned land in Sumner and Madison counties, Tenn. Phebe was still alive in 1826. William Butler, Jr., served in the Revolutionary War, settled in Iredell County, and possibly acquired 311 acres of land in the Ninety Six District of South Carolina in 1788. William's son was Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus Butler.