Thomas Butler, a ship carpenter, arrived from Redcliffe (southwest London) to Charleston, South Carolina in 1672. He brought with him five servants. Later, in September of 1675, his wife, Sarah (Baldridge), son, Shem and daughter, Ann, arrived in Charleston. He later had a son, Richard, because Shem named his brother, Richard, in his last will and testament.
Issue:
- Richard Butler, born ca 1675 in Charleston, South Carolina.
- Ann Butler, born near London.
- Shem Butler, born ca 1672 near London, was married to Esther West 1690 in London, a sister of Samuel West. He built Butler's town on the southside of the Ashley River and established a ferry which was later known as Bees Ferry.
“Laying out a road through the land of Mr. Shem Butler on the southside of the river to be the road and landing place for a ferry on the northside of the river the road and landing place near the plantation of Landgrave...Edmund Bellinger.”
His last will and testament, dated 9 Oct 1718, probated 9 May 1723, Berkeley County, South Carolina named his brother, Richard, as executor. Also named his brother-in-law, Samuel West and his son-in-law, Edmund Bellinger. His estate on the north side of the Ashley River consisted of 24 slaves, about 4,000 feet of timber boards, hogs, and household furnishings. On the south side of the Ashley River his estate revealed 17 slaves. Several of these slaves appear to have have gone to his son, Shem, viz: Prince and Barnick. Inventory of estate appraised at 11,323.08 pounds which meant that this family owned thousands of acres and were wealthy rice planters. After his death, Esther married William Elliott and conveyed to her son-in-law, Daniel Cartwright twelve of the town lots at the Ashley River Ferry. On 14 June 1745 Joseph Butler, son of Shem Butler, conveyed to Benjamin Whitaker eleven lots in Butler's Town on the southside of the Ashley River.
Issue:
- Rebecca Butler.
- Joseph Butler. (ca 1700-1775)first resided in Charleston, South Carolina where he was married to Mary LaRoche on 23 December 1723, St. Phillips Parish. Mary was a daughter of James LaRoche of Charleston and his wife, Christian. LaRoche died in 1721 and named his children as James, John (Mary under 21). These children were bequeathed lots 195 and 278 in Charleston where LaRoche resided. Witness: William Elliott. The lineage of Joseph Butler is detailed several generations further back.
- Sarah Butler married Daniel Cartwright of Berkeley County.
- Elizabeth Butler married (1)Edmund Bellinger (d. 1739) and (2)Thomas Elliott on 30 Jan 1744.
- Thomas Butler died 1747 in Charleston and named his brother, Joseph in his last will and testament. He directed that his Island near Ashepool and 1,920 acres of land, be sold. 200 acres were bequeathed to his son, Thomas.
He also named his daughters, Mary Wright, Elizabeth Butler, Sarah Butler. Granddaughter, Ann Miles. Son: William Butler. Nephew, Edmund Bellinger. Wife, Elizabeth.
- Elliott, Stephen, LWT
