They Only Stayed a Short Time ...

The 1840s was a time of expansion for Smithland, Kentucky. Many people moved into the little river town - some became permanent residents and some moved on to other places. David G. Butler and his wife, Eliza, settled in Smithland probably in early 1839 and appear on the 1840 Livingston County census.

David never bought land or acted as a witness to others buying land. He is not found in the county court order books as a road worker or serving on a jury. We would know nothing more about him if it were not for a snippet of an unnamed Smithland newspaper dated 22 November 1839. D.G. Butler "tenders his thanks to his customers and friends ... for the liberal support ... and informs them he has removed his Cigar manufactory" from one location to another. This supports what was found as his occupation on later census records.

Even though the Butler family only stayed in Smithland a short time, three of their small children died and are buried in Smithland Cemetery.

J.H. Butler

Born Jan. 15, 1836

Died Feb. 8, 1844

___ Butler

Born June 21, 1844

Died Oct. 13, 1844

L.A. Butler

Born Nov. 18, 1845

Died Aug. 9, 1846

The 1850 Montgomery County, Ohio census shows the family of D.G. Butler living in Dayton, Ward 5. In addition to D.G. and Eliza Butler, listed are John F., age 19; Sarah E., 17; Henry S., 12; and Flora C., 2. The last two children were born in Kentucky. By 1860, the family is listed in Lafayette County, Missouri. In both census records, D.G. Butler is listed as a tobacconist.

Published 5 February 2015, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog,  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/