MORGAN BUTLER
Morgan Butler was born in the town of New Hartford, Oneida county, June 7, 1807, and died in the village of the same name August 3, 1892. He was a lineal descendant of Deacon Richard Butler, who came
from County Essex, England, with the so-called Hooker company in 1632 and settled in Newtown, near Boston, Mass. Before 1639 Richard and William Butler, the latter being a brother of the deacon,
moved with Rev. Thomas Hooker to Hartford, Conn., where William died, leaving no children. From Deacon Richard descended Eli Butler, grandfather of Morgan, who started in the spring of 1789 to visit
his old neighbor, judge Hugh White, the proprietary founder of Whitestown. Before returning to Middletown, Conn., he purchased lands in what is now the town of Paris, Oneida county, on which he
settled three of his sons, Ashbel, John, and Sylvester, in the fall of that year In 1792 Eli Butler, sr., came with his son Eli and settled permanently upon the farm in New Hartford that has ever
since remained and still is in the possession of the family. It is located one mile south of the village, and is one of the most valuable and beautiful farms in Oneida county. The dwelling is located
in the village one-half a mile from the Hill. It was purchased from Solomon Kellogg, the deed being dated April 17, 1795. Eli, sr., was captain of cavalry in the Revolutionary war, and died April 19,
1802. He was born in Middletown, Conn., January 26, 1740, married Rachel Stocking, of the same place, and had four sons and seven daughters, of whom only Sylvester, John, and Eli have descendants
living in Oneida county. Eli, jr., father of Morgan, was born in Middletown, Conn., March 28, 1779, came with his father to New Hartford in 1792, and upon the latter's death in 1802 inherited the
homestead. In 1806 he married Rachel, daughter of Truman Kellogg, and died in 1832, when fifty-three years of age.
Morgan Butler, the eldest son of Eli and Rachel (Kellogg) Butler, was twenty-five years of age when his father died and the farm came into his possession. He re mained on the homestead until 1890, when he came to the village to reside. He was widely known as a progressive farmer and as a public spirited citizen. Nothing new in the line of farming appliances escaped his attention or was refused a trial. He owned the first mowing machine brought into Oneida county, and an unbroken meadow of forty acres lying in front of the house was the scene of many large and wonderful gatherings to witness the then novel method of cutting grass. He became the agent of the machine and sold large numbers of them throughout the country. Other kindred appliances, such as the hay rake, the tedder, the field loader, the barn fork, etc., found in him their first patron in this locality. His chief fancy in farming was for fine cattle, of which he was an expert judge, and in which he dealt largely. So deeply was he interested in agriculture, and so widely was he known in this respect that when the Central New York Farmers' Club was organized in 1870 he was honored with the vice-presidency, and upon the death of its president, Hon. Samuel Campbell, Mr. Butler, succeeded to that office, which by successive re-elections he held until his decease.
Mr. Butler was a man of noble contentment, and one whose active spirit and enterprise led him into numerous spheres of benefaction. From early life until death cut short his usefulness he entered with enthusiasm into the affairs of the com munity. During his youth and young manhood the State militia was an important factor in every neighborhood, and the meadow in front of his father's house was long the favorite parade ground. Here was aroused and developed the military spirit which made him a member of that organization while yet in his teens. When eighteen years old, as bugler of his company, he accompanied the troops to Oriskany and with them formed a part of the escort to General La Fayette on the occasion of that distinguished veteran's visit to this country in 1825. Mr. Butler was always identified with the affairs of the town and liberally encouraged every movement which promised benefit to the community. He was a man of tireless energy, enterprising, progressive, and benevolent, a kind and generous neighbor, a sympathetic friend, and a wise counselor and adviser. Upon his father's death he purchased the interest of the heirs in the homestead and assiduously devoted his life to farming, an occupation he both loved and honored. He was characterized for his integrity, for his sound judgment, and for his progressive methods, and throughout his life he enjoyed universal respect and esteem as well as the entire confidence of all with whom he came in contact. He was content to do the duty he found at his door, and sought no advancement through politics or public station. He did much that was commendable, much that. was worthy of emulation, and set a most excellent exam- ple. He spent his career in New Hartford; he loved the place and its people, and his fortunes were identified with theirs. An enduring illustration of this fact is offered in the Butler Memorial Hall, the erection of which was commenced by him in 1889. The structure, including the lot, represents a cash gift to the town of about $20,000, and was formally presented to New Hartford by him on May 13, 18f 0, less than three years before its honored donor's death. It is a handsome brick building, located on Genesee street in the center of the village, and contains not only a large hall for general assemblies, but offices for the town and village officers and post-master, a reading room, a library, etc. An excellent library was furnished by Mr. Butler's sisters. The remainder of the property constituting this magnificent gift was paid for and donated by Mr. Butler himself. It is governed by a board of seven self-perpetuating trustees created under a special act of the Legislature, and is the only institution of the kind in the county. In a tribute to his memory the board said of him:
"Morgan Butler ended his earthly career on the 3d day of August, 1892, at the patriarchal age of eighty-five years. Born in the town of New Hartford at an early period in its settlement, of parents distinguished for industry and probity, and living all his days at the place of his birth, he was identified with every interest of the town, and his death leaves an open gap in the community like that which would follow the disappearance from the physical landscape of one of our grandest hills. He was a man of tireless energy, enthusiastic in all his pursuits, and looking to the benefit of his fellow men rather than to his own grandizement. A farmer by inheritance and taste, the tillage of the soil was his best recreation, and he always took the lead in improved methods. He had no vague or visionary theories, but with a quick and keen perception of true principles he came readily to right conclusions, and it was always safe to follow where he led. To his intelligent example is due in a great degree the pre-eminence which his town holds in agriculture. The benefits of his work are not confined to home limits. In all things pertaining to his chosen calling he was a recognized authority in county and State. He had no greed for wealth, for power or fame, but was content to keep the even tenor of his way by a life of daily usefulness unmarred by shams or vain show. He was generous in his benefactions to worthy objects, he was charitable in his judgments, and he was just to all men. He was a king and safe counsellor, and one who heeded his advice never had occasion to regret he had sought it."
In politics Mr. Butler was very independent, though he generally voted with the Republicans. He never held any office except that of assessor for one term. He was baptized a Presbyterian, but later was confirmed in St. Stephen''s Episcopal church, New Hartford, and for many years served it as senior warden and treasurer. His interest in the welfare of this body was akin to that manifested in all his work or undertakings.
Mr. Butler was married February 10, 1841, to Miss Marianne Howard, daughter of Rufus and Nancy (Hungerford) Howard, who survives him. They had no children. She was a native of Litchfield, Herkimer county, where her father was an early and prominent settler. She is also a sister of Gen. Rufus Lombard Howard, of Buffalo, N. Y.
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