Butler, Thomas, Jr.
Butler, Thomas, Jr.
BUTLER, THOMAS, JR. (1754–1805). Continental officer. Pennsylvania. One of the five sons of Thomas Butler, and the first to be born on American soil, he was studying law with Judge Wilson in Philadelphia when he joined the Continental army on 5 January 1776 as a first lieutenant in the Second Pennsylvania Battalion. On 4 October 1776 he was promoted to captain in the Third Pennsylvania Batallion. Butler fought in most of the major engagements of General George Washington's main army over the next four years, being congratulated by the commander in chief for rallying retreating soldiers after the battle at Brandywine, and winning thanks from General Anthony Wayne for covering the retreat of Richard Butler's regiment at Monmouth. Retiring from the army on 17 January 1781, he became a farmer in western Pennsylvania. In 1791 he rejoined the army as a major, commanding the Carlisle Battalion of Gibson's Regiment. He was twice wounded in the action of 4 November. The following year he was assigned to the Fourth Sub-Legion. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel on 1 July 1794 and took part in Wayne's western campaigns. He rose to the rank of colonel of the Second Infantry on 1 April 1802. He died on 7 September 1805 in New Orleans.
SEE ALSO Butler Brothers of Pennsylvania.
revised by Michael Bellesiles