Family:
Marriage:
Bibliography
-
Helm, Emily Todd, "TODD Family, based on the manuscript of Emily Todd Helm", series of magazine articles in Kittochtinny Magazine, vol 1ff, 1905, p69-383 (with gaps). LDS FILM#0176612#1 (installments 1-3). Available at https://familysearch.org/search/film/008703194 images 6-55. Information from this source tagged as [Ref: Helm TODD p[0-9-]*].
- date:
- [Ref: Helm TODD p86],
- parents:
- Percival BUTLER & ___ HAWKINS [Ref: Helm TODD p86]
Sources for death Information
- date:
- [Ref: Helm TODD p86],
- place:
- [Ref: Helm TODD p86]
Sources with Information about marriage to Eliza TODD
- date:
- [Ref: Helm TODD p86]
Research Notes:
He was graduated at Transylvania University in 1812, and had begun the study
of law under Robert Wickliffe, at Lexington, when the second war with England
called him to the front. He enlisted as a private for the relief of Fort
Wayne, but was soon promoted to ensign in the 17th infantry, and was in the
disastrous battles of the river Raisin. In the second action, Jan 22 1813, he
distinguished himself by burning a barn from which the Indians were pouring a
galling fire into the American ranks. he was afterward wounded and taken
prisoner, enduring many hardships on the march to Fort Niagara, to which he
was carried, and on the return journey to Kentucky after he was paroled.
Later, being commissioned a captain, he raised a company and did good work at
Pensacola, and at New Orleans he checked Pakenham's advance with four
companies long enough to permit the construction of the defensive works at
Chalmette. He afterward served as aide-de-damp to General Jackson, and in
1817 entered upon the practice of the law. He was a member of the Kentucky
Legislature, 1818-20, and a member of Congress, 1839-43. At the outbreak of
the Mexican War he was appointed Major General of Volunteers, and was voted a
sword for bravery at Monterey, where he was wounded. Being senior major
general he succeeded General Scott in the chief command, in Feb 1848, and held
that position when the treaty of peace was signed, May 29 1848. He was the
Democratic candidate for Vice-President, on the ticket with General Cass, in
1848. He declined the governorship of Nebraska territory in 1855. In 1861 he
was a member of the Peace Congress. He was the author of "The Boatman's Horn"
and other popular lyrics. [Ref: Helm TODD p86]
Pedigree of William Orlando BUTLER
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Thomas BUTLER
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Percival BUTLER
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Eleanor (BUTLER)
William Orlando BUTLER
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(Unk) HAWKINS
Descendants of William Orlando BUTLER