Richard H. Butler (October 24, 1847 - March 19, 1929) served as a private in Company D, 13th Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry.
Personal life[]
Richard Butler was born October 24, 1847 in Johnson County, Tennessee to Roderick Random and Emeline Jane (Donnelly) Butler. He married Nancy Anna Ingram (1849-1938) with whom he had eight children.[1]
Before enlisting, Butler was persuaded into joining Confederate Army by some officers of a rebel company which was posted near his home. He was promised a horse if he brought his own saddle and bridle. With his father away on business, Butler rode off with the company. When he arrived home, Roderick Butler immediately rode out to find his son. Finding them--and being extremely angry with Richard--Roderick took him and made him walk the six miles home, the saddle on his back, while whipping him all the way. Roderick continued to whip Richard after they arrived home and said that he would want to see his son's "neck cut from ear to ear rather than for him to join the rebel army."[2]
Civil War service[]
Butler enlisted as a private in Company D on September 24, 1863 in Greeneville, Tennessee for a period of three years and mustered in November 8, 1863 at Strawberry Plains, Tennessee.
He is described as 18 years old, 5' 7" tall, dark complexion, dark eyes, black hair, and by occupation a laborer. Butler was only 15 when he enlisted; because his father was a major in the regiment, the age requirement was obviously overlooked.
Butler is listed as present for duty for which muster roll records have survived.
Butler was discharged November 7, 1864 by Special Order No. 387 from the Adjutant General's Office, U.S. War Department. He was obligated to forfeit any bounty he had received, but allowed to keep any pay he had received.[3]
Post-war life[]
Butler applied for an invalid's pension on September 17, 1891.
He died March 19, 1929 in Johnson County and is buried at Mountain View Cemetery in Mountain City, Tennessee. His wife applied for a widow's pension on April 29, 1929.