Private SYLVESTER BUTLER, Co. K, 86th Illinois
Sylvester Butler was born on __________ __, 18__ (c. 1826) in Maine, most likely in Berkwick, Maine in York County, the third of 5 children known to have been born to Ivory Butler and Sarah (Shaw) Butler. Ivory Butler was born about December 3, 1794 in Standish, Cumberland County, Maine, the son of William G. Butler and Abigail (Cross) Butler. Ivory was married to Sarah Shaw on May 11, 1817. Sarah (Shaw) Butler was born about May 31, 1794 probably in Standish, Cumberland County, Maine as well. The name of her parents are not known at this time. Ivory and Sarah are known to have had five children, there were almost certainly more.
Ivory and Sarah brought their family west, settling in Peoria County sometime in the 1840's. The family is found residing in Peoria Towship, probably near what would become Princeville, Illinois at the time of the 1850 census. There Sylvester is farming the land beside his father and older brother Ivory C. Butler.
12 1453 1503 Butler Ivory 55 M . Farmer 500 Maine . . . . .
13 1453 1503 Butler Sarah 53 F . . . Maine . . . . .
14 1453 1503 Butler Ivory E. 30 M . Farmer . Maine . . . . .
15 1453 1503 Butler Sylvester 23 M . Farmer . Maine . . . . .
16 1453 1503 Butler Augusta 12 F . . . Vt . X . . .
17 1453 1503 Butler Emily C. 24 F . . . Mass . . . . .
18 1453 1503 Butler Wm. C. 7 M . . . Mass
Ivory and Sarah both are buried in the Lawn Ridge Cemetery in the border between Peoria County and Marshall County. Ivory died in 1871. It is not yet certain when Sarah died.
In the early 1850's, Sylvester moved north to Washington Island, Wisconsin, where he went to work as a Fisherman. Washington Island is located in Lake Michigan, about 70 Northeast of Green Bay, Wisconsin. While working and living there, he met a young lady by the name of Celista Maria Pike. Celista was born about April 4, 1828 in New York State, the daughter of Daniel Pike and Sarah (_________) Pike. On December 21, 1853, Sylvester Butler and Celista Maria Pike were united in holy matrimony in West Harbor, on Washington Island, Door County, Wisconsin. For several years, Sylvester and Celista made their home in Wisconsin. However, by 1856, Syvester and Celista moved to Illinois, where they settled in Akron Township, near Princeville, Illinois. Five children are known to have been born to Sylvester and Celista. Their first child was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during a short stay there, possibly while making their way to Illinois. The children are;
1. Sarah Jane "Jennie" Butler, born May 29, 1855 in Green Bay, Wisconsin; believed to have been married to John G. Ayling on February 28, 1878 in Peoria County; John is believed to have died before 1900; Sarah is living with her mother in Princeville in 1900.
2. Mary Augusta "May" Butler; born Nov. 9, 1856 in Illinois; Married to Harry Romig on March 8, 1881; Mary died on January 25, 1927; Buried in the Princeville Cemetery.
3. Frances Butler; born May 16, 1858 near Princeville, Illinois; married James Oscar Edwards on May 22, 1880; Frances died on August 8, 1937; buried in the Princeville Cemetery.
4. Vesta Butler, born April 14, 1860 near Princeville; died March 11, 1866; buried in the Princeville Township Cemetery
5. Emma Sylvester Butler; born January 16, 1862 near Princeville, Illinois; married to Charles H. Coburn on __________ __, 18__ at __________, __________; Charles was the son of Samuel Coburn, who had served beside Emma's father, Sylvester Butler, in Co. K of the 86th Illinois; Emma died on October 25, 1907; buried in the Princeville Cemetery.
At the time of the 1860 census of Illinois, the Butler family is found in Akron Township, where Sylvester is farming the land for a living;
39 Butler Sylvester 34 M farmhand 3,500 620 ME
39 Butler Celsta 34 F NY
39 Butler Sarah J. 5 F WI
39 Butler Margaret 4 F IL
39 Butler Frances 2 F IL
39 Butler Vesta 1/12 F IL
On August 11, 1862, Sylvester volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Princeville, Illinois by a Princeville area School Teacher by the name of John F. French.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name BUTLER, SYLVESTER
Rank PVT Company K Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence PRINCEVILLE, PEORIA CO, IL Age 36 Height 5' 5 Hair DARK
Eyes GRAY Complexion LIGHT Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity BERWICK, ME
Service Record
Joined When AUG 11, 1862 Joined Where PRINCEVILLE, IL
Joined By Whom CPT FRENCH Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks DIED AT NASHVILLE TENN MAR 5, 1863 OF CHRONIC DIARRHOEA
When French had 100 volunteers he led the Princeville volunteers into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, French and 95 of his volunteers were mustered into service as Co. K of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. French was elected Captain of Co. K.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Three weeks later, the men of the 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, chasing Confederate troops in Kentucky. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the months and years to come. After the Union victory at Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew out of Kentucky and McCook's Brigade marched on toward Nashville, Tennessee where they went into winter camp.
During that first winter in Nashville away from home, thousands of soldiers became ill. Sylvester struggled through the winter and early spring with Chronic Diarrhoea. Sylvester finally succumbed to the disease on March 5, 1863 in the old City Hospital, now recognized as United States General Hospital No. 7 in Nashville, Tennessee. His earthly remains were originally laid to rest in what was known as the Old Nashville City Hospital Cemetery. Shortly after the war, his earthly remains were re-interred in Grave #1302, Section E of the Nashville National Cemetery. His grave is located about 100 yards to the left of the Main Entrance to the Nashville National Cemetery.
Back in Peoria County, Sylvester's passing left Mrs. Butler with five children, all under the age of eight. Celista filed for a widow's pension and was approved, receiving $8.00 a month. In 1866, this was raised an additional $2.00 per child, or another $8.00 a month, Vesta having passed away on March 11, 1866. Celista is believed to have received this pension for the remainder of her life.
At the time of the 1870 census, Celista is found residing in the Village of Princeville, where she is making a living as a Washerwoman.
84 Butler Sister 39 F Washwoman 500 75 New York
84 Butler Sarah J. 15 F Wisconsin
84 Butler Mary A. 13 F Illinois
84 Butler Frances 12 M Illinois
84 Butler Emma S. 7 F Illinois
At the time of the 1880 census, Celista is found residing in Princeville Township with one daughter;
Celista BUTLER, Self Gender: Female Birth: NY
Mary A. BUTLER, Dau Gender: Female Birth: IL
At the time of the 1900 census, Celista is found residing in the Village of Princeville on North Street with one of her daughters. She lives next to Frederick Gladfelter, another member of Co. K;
North Street 206 210 Butler Celista M. Head Apr 1828 72 Wd 5 4 New York New York New Hampshire (Receives Pension)
North Street 206 210 Aylina Sarah J. Daughter May 1855 45 Wd 4 3 Wisconsin New York New York
Celista Maria (Pike) Butler died on October 17, 1905 and her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Princeville Township Cemetery in Princeville, Illinois.
by Baxter B. Fite III (Jeremy Edwards is a great great great grandson of Sylvester Butler and would like to manage his site when I am done adding all that I can. His Contributor # is 47244345,)
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants, who might be able to add to the biography of Private Sylvester Butler, or perhaps provide copies of other photographs of Sylvester from his days in the service.)
Sylvester Butler was born on __________ __, 18__ (c. 1826) in Maine, most likely in Berkwick, Maine in York County, the third of 5 children known to have been born to Ivory Butler and Sarah (Shaw) Butler. Ivory Butler was born about December 3, 1794 in Standish, Cumberland County, Maine, the son of William G. Butler and Abigail (Cross) Butler. Ivory was married to Sarah Shaw on May 11, 1817. Sarah (Shaw) Butler was born about May 31, 1794 probably in Standish, Cumberland County, Maine as well. The name of her parents are not known at this time. Ivory and Sarah are known to have had five children, there were almost certainly more.
Ivory and Sarah brought their family west, settling in Peoria County sometime in the 1840's. The family is found residing in Peoria Towship, probably near what would become Princeville, Illinois at the time of the 1850 census. There Sylvester is farming the land beside his father and older brother Ivory C. Butler.
12 1453 1503 Butler Ivory 55 M . Farmer 500 Maine . . . . .
13 1453 1503 Butler Sarah 53 F . . . Maine . . . . .
14 1453 1503 Butler Ivory E. 30 M . Farmer . Maine . . . . .
15 1453 1503 Butler Sylvester 23 M . Farmer . Maine . . . . .
16 1453 1503 Butler Augusta 12 F . . . Vt . X . . .
17 1453 1503 Butler Emily C. 24 F . . . Mass . . . . .
18 1453 1503 Butler Wm. C. 7 M . . . Mass
Ivory and Sarah both are buried in the Lawn Ridge Cemetery in the border between Peoria County and Marshall County. Ivory died in 1871. It is not yet certain when Sarah died.
In the early 1850's, Sylvester moved north to Washington Island, Wisconsin, where he went to work as a Fisherman. Washington Island is located in Lake Michigan, about 70 Northeast of Green Bay, Wisconsin. While working and living there, he met a young lady by the name of Celista Maria Pike. Celista was born about April 4, 1828 in New York State, the daughter of Daniel Pike and Sarah (_________) Pike. On December 21, 1853, Sylvester Butler and Celista Maria Pike were united in holy matrimony in West Harbor, on Washington Island, Door County, Wisconsin. For several years, Sylvester and Celista made their home in Wisconsin. However, by 1856, Syvester and Celista moved to Illinois, where they settled in Akron Township, near Princeville, Illinois. Five children are known to have been born to Sylvester and Celista. Their first child was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during a short stay there, possibly while making their way to Illinois. The children are;
1. Sarah Jane "Jennie" Butler, born May 29, 1855 in Green Bay, Wisconsin; believed to have been married to John G. Ayling on February 28, 1878 in Peoria County; John is believed to have died before 1900; Sarah is living with her mother in Princeville in 1900.
2. Mary Augusta "May" Butler; born Nov. 9, 1856 in Illinois; Married to Harry Romig on March 8, 1881; Mary died on January 25, 1927; Buried in the Princeville Cemetery.
3. Frances Butler; born May 16, 1858 near Princeville, Illinois; married James Oscar Edwards on May 22, 1880; Frances died on August 8, 1937; buried in the Princeville Cemetery.
4. Vesta Butler, born April 14, 1860 near Princeville; died March 11, 1866; buried in the Princeville Township Cemetery
5. Emma Sylvester Butler; born January 16, 1862 near Princeville, Illinois; married to Charles H. Coburn on __________ __, 18__ at __________, __________; Charles was the son of Samuel Coburn, who had served beside Emma's father, Sylvester Butler, in Co. K of the 86th Illinois; Emma died on October 25, 1907; buried in the Princeville Cemetery.
At the time of the 1860 census of Illinois, the Butler family is found in Akron Township, where Sylvester is farming the land for a living;
39 Butler Sylvester 34 M farmhand 3,500 620 ME
39 Butler Celsta 34 F NY
39 Butler Sarah J. 5 F WI
39 Butler Margaret 4 F IL
39 Butler Frances 2 F IL
39 Butler Vesta 1/12 F IL
On August 11, 1862, Sylvester volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Princeville, Illinois by a Princeville area School Teacher by the name of John F. French.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name BUTLER, SYLVESTER
Rank PVT Company K Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence PRINCEVILLE, PEORIA CO, IL Age 36 Height 5' 5 Hair DARK
Eyes GRAY Complexion LIGHT Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity BERWICK, ME
Service Record
Joined When AUG 11, 1862 Joined Where PRINCEVILLE, IL
Joined By Whom CPT FRENCH Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks DIED AT NASHVILLE TENN MAR 5, 1863 OF CHRONIC DIARRHOEA
When French had 100 volunteers he led the Princeville volunteers into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, French and 95 of his volunteers were mustered into service as Co. K of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. French was elected Captain of Co. K.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Three weeks later, the men of the 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, chasing Confederate troops in Kentucky. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the months and years to come. After the Union victory at Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew out of Kentucky and McCook's Brigade marched on toward Nashville, Tennessee where they went into winter camp.
During that first winter in Nashville away from home, thousands of soldiers became ill. Sylvester struggled through the winter and early spring with Chronic Diarrhoea. Sylvester finally succumbed to the disease on March 5, 1863 in the old City Hospital, now recognized as United States General Hospital No. 7 in Nashville, Tennessee. His earthly remains were originally laid to rest in what was known as the Old Nashville City Hospital Cemetery. Shortly after the war, his earthly remains were re-interred in Grave #1302, Section E of the Nashville National Cemetery. His grave is located about 100 yards to the left of the Main Entrance to the Nashville National Cemetery.
Back in Peoria County, Sylvester's passing left Mrs. Butler with five children, all under the age of eight. Celista filed for a widow's pension and was approved, receiving $8.00 a month. In 1866, this was raised an additional $2.00 per child, or another $8.00 a month, Vesta having passed away on March 11, 1866. Celista is believed to have received this pension for the remainder of her life.
At the time of the 1870 census, Celista is found residing in the Village of Princeville, where she is making a living as a Washerwoman.
84 Butler Sister 39 F Washwoman 500 75 New York
84 Butler Sarah J. 15 F Wisconsin
84 Butler Mary A. 13 F Illinois
84 Butler Frances 12 M Illinois
84 Butler Emma S. 7 F Illinois
At the time of the 1880 census, Celista is found residing in Princeville Township with one daughter;
Celista BUTLER, Self Gender: Female Birth: NY
Mary A. BUTLER, Dau Gender: Female Birth: IL
At the time of the 1900 census, Celista is found residing in the Village of Princeville on North Street with one of her daughters. She lives next to Frederick Gladfelter, another member of Co. K;
North Street 206 210 Butler Celista M. Head Apr 1828 72 Wd 5 4 New York New York New Hampshire (Receives Pension)
North Street 206 210 Aylina Sarah J. Daughter May 1855 45 Wd 4 3 Wisconsin New York New York
Celista Maria (Pike) Butler died on October 17, 1905 and her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Princeville Township Cemetery in Princeville, Illinois.
by Baxter B. Fite III (Jeremy Edwards is a great great great grandson of Sylvester Butler and would like to manage his site when I am done adding all that I can. His Contributor # is 47244345,)
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants, who might be able to add to the biography of Private Sylvester Butler, or perhaps provide copies of other photographs of Sylvester from his days in the service.)
Private SYLVESTER BUTLER, Co. K, 86th Illinois
Sylvester Butler was born on __________ __, 18__ (c. 1826) in Maine, most likely in Berkwick, Maine in York County, the third of 5 children known to have been born to Ivory Butler and Sarah (Shaw) Butler. Ivory Butler was born about December 3, 1794 in Standish, Cumberland County, Maine, the son of William G. Butler and Abigail (Cross) Butler. Ivory was married to Sarah Shaw on May 11, 1817. Sarah (Shaw) Butler was born about May 31, 1794 probably in Standish, Cumberland County, Maine as well. The name of her parents are not known at this time. Ivory and Sarah are known to have had five children, there were almost certainly more.
Ivory and Sarah brought their family west, settling in Peoria County sometime in the 1840's. The family is found residing in Peoria Towship, probably near what would become Princeville, Illinois at the time of the 1850 census. There Sylvester is farming the land beside his father and older brother Ivory C. Butler.
12 1453 1503 Butler Ivory 55 M . Farmer 500 Maine . . . . .
13 1453 1503 Butler Sarah 53 F . . . Maine . . . . .
14 1453 1503 Butler Ivory E. 30 M . Farmer . Maine . . . . .
15 1453 1503 Butler Sylvester 23 M . Farmer . Maine . . . . .
16 1453 1503 Butler Augusta 12 F . . . Vt . X . . .
17 1453 1503 Butler Emily C. 24 F . . . Mass . . . . .
18 1453 1503 Butler Wm. C. 7 M . . . Mass
Ivory and Sarah both are buried in the Lawn Ridge Cemetery in the border between Peoria County and Marshall County. Ivory died in 1871. It is not yet certain when Sarah died.
In the early 1850's, Sylvester moved north to Washington Island, Wisconsin, where he went to work as a Fisherman. Washington Island is located in Lake Michigan, about 70 Northeast of Green Bay, Wisconsin. While working and living there, he met a young lady by the name of Celista Maria Pike. Celista was born about April 4, 1828 in New York State, the daughter of Daniel Pike and Sarah (_________) Pike. On December 21, 1853, Sylvester Butler and Celista Maria Pike were united in holy matrimony in West Harbor, on Washington Island, Door County, Wisconsin. For several years, Sylvester and Celista made their home in Wisconsin. However, by 1856, Syvester and Celista moved to Illinois, where they settled in Akron Township, near Princeville, Illinois. Five children are known to have been born to Sylvester and Celista. Their first child was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during a short stay there, possibly while making their way to Illinois. The children are;
1. Sarah Jane "Jennie" Butler, born May 29, 1855 in Green Bay, Wisconsin; believed to have been married to John G. Ayling on February 28, 1878 in Peoria County; John is believed to have died before 1900; Sarah is living with her mother in Princeville in 1900.
2. Mary Augusta "May" Butler; born Nov. 9, 1856 in Illinois; Married to Harry Romig on March 8, 1881; Mary died on January 25, 1927; Buried in the Princeville Cemetery.
3. Frances Butler; born May 16, 1858 near Princeville, Illinois; married James Oscar Edwards on May 22, 1880; Frances died on August 8, 1937; buried in the Princeville Cemetery.
4. Vesta Butler, born April 14, 1860 near Princeville; died March 11, 1866; buried in the Princeville Township Cemetery
5. Emma Sylvester Butler; born January 16, 1862 near Princeville, Illinois; married to Charles H. Coburn on __________ __, 18__ at __________, __________; Charles was the son of Samuel Coburn, who had served beside Emma's father, Sylvester Butler, in Co. K of the 86th Illinois; Emma died on October 25, 1907; buried in the Princeville Cemetery.
At the time of the 1860 census of Illinois, the Butler family is found in Akron Township, where Sylvester is farming the land for a living;
39 Butler Sylvester 34 M farmhand 3,500 620 ME
39 Butler Celsta 34 F NY
39 Butler Sarah J. 5 F WI
39 Butler Margaret 4 F IL
39 Butler Frances 2 F IL
39 Butler Vesta 1/12 F IL
On August 11, 1862, Sylvester volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Princeville, Illinois by a Princeville area School Teacher by the name of John F. French.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name BUTLER, SYLVESTER
Rank PVT Company K Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence PRINCEVILLE, PEORIA CO, IL Age 36 Height 5' 5 Hair DARK
Eyes GRAY Complexion LIGHT Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity BERWICK, ME
Service Record
Joined When AUG 11, 1862 Joined Where PRINCEVILLE, IL
Joined By Whom CPT FRENCH Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks DIED AT NASHVILLE TENN MAR 5, 1863 OF CHRONIC DIARRHOEA
When French had 100 volunteers he led the Princeville volunteers into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, French and 95 of his volunteers were mustered into service as Co. K of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. French was elected Captain of Co. K.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Three weeks later, the men of the 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, chasing Confederate troops in Kentucky. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the months and years to come. After the Union victory at Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew out of Kentucky and McCook's Brigade marched on toward Nashville, Tennessee where they went into winter camp.
During that first winter in Nashville away from home, thousands of soldiers became ill. Sylvester struggled through the winter and early spring with Chronic Diarrhoea. Sylvester finally succumbed to the disease on March 5, 1863 in the old City Hospital, now recognized as United States General Hospital No. 7 in Nashville, Tennessee. His earthly remains were originally laid to rest in what was known as the Old Nashville City Hospital Cemetery. Shortly after the war, his earthly remains were re-interred in Grave #1302, Section E of the Nashville National Cemetery. His grave is located about 100 yards to the left of the Main Entrance to the Nashville National Cemetery.
Back in Peoria County, Sylvester's passing left Mrs. Butler with five children, all under the age of eight. Celista filed for a widow's pension and was approved, receiving $8.00 a month. In 1866, this was raised an additional $2.00 per child, or another $8.00 a month, Vesta having passed away on March 11, 1866. Celista is believed to have received this pension for the remainder of her life.
At the time of the 1870 census, Celista is found residing in the Village of Princeville, where she is making a living as a Washerwoman.
84 Butler Sister 39 F Washwoman 500 75 New York
84 Butler Sarah J. 15 F Wisconsin
84 Butler Mary A. 13 F Illinois
84 Butler Frances 12 M Illinois
84 Butler Emma S. 7 F Illinois
At the time of the 1880 census, Celista is found residing in Princeville Township with one daughter;
Celista BUTLER, Self Gender: Female Birth: NY
Mary A. BUTLER, Dau Gender: Female Birth: IL
At the time of the 1900 census, Celista is found residing in the Village of Princeville on North Street with one of her daughters. She lives next to Frederick Gladfelter, another member of Co. K;
North Street 206 210 Butler Celista M. Head Apr 1828 72 Wd 5 4 New York New York New Hampshire (Receives Pension)
North Street 206 210 Aylina Sarah J. Daughter May 1855 45 Wd 4 3 Wisconsin New York New York
Celista Maria (Pike) Butler died on October 17, 1905 and her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Princeville Township Cemetery in Princeville, Illinois.
by Baxter B. Fite III (Jeremy Edwards is a great great great grandson of Sylvester Butler and would like to manage his site when I am done adding all that I can. His Contributor # is 47244345,)
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants, who might be able to add to the biography of Private Sylvester Butler, or perhaps provide copies of other photographs of Sylvester from his days in the service.)
Sylvester Butler was born on __________ __, 18__ (c. 1826) in Maine, most likely in Berkwick, Maine in York County, the third of 5 children known to have been born to Ivory Butler and Sarah (Shaw) Butler. Ivory Butler was born about December 3, 1794 in Standish, Cumberland County, Maine, the son of William G. Butler and Abigail (Cross) Butler. Ivory was married to Sarah Shaw on May 11, 1817. Sarah (Shaw) Butler was born about May 31, 1794 probably in Standish, Cumberland County, Maine as well. The name of her parents are not known at this time. Ivory and Sarah are known to have had five children, there were almost certainly more.
Ivory and Sarah brought their family west, settling in Peoria County sometime in the 1840's. The family is found residing in Peoria Towship, probably near what would become Princeville, Illinois at the time of the 1850 census. There Sylvester is farming the land beside his father and older brother Ivory C. Butler.
12 1453 1503 Butler Ivory 55 M . Farmer 500 Maine . . . . .
13 1453 1503 Butler Sarah 53 F . . . Maine . . . . .
14 1453 1503 Butler Ivory E. 30 M . Farmer . Maine . . . . .
15 1453 1503 Butler Sylvester 23 M . Farmer . Maine . . . . .
16 1453 1503 Butler Augusta 12 F . . . Vt . X . . .
17 1453 1503 Butler Emily C. 24 F . . . Mass . . . . .
18 1453 1503 Butler Wm. C. 7 M . . . Mass
Ivory and Sarah both are buried in the Lawn Ridge Cemetery in the border between Peoria County and Marshall County. Ivory died in 1871. It is not yet certain when Sarah died.
In the early 1850's, Sylvester moved north to Washington Island, Wisconsin, where he went to work as a Fisherman. Washington Island is located in Lake Michigan, about 70 Northeast of Green Bay, Wisconsin. While working and living there, he met a young lady by the name of Celista Maria Pike. Celista was born about April 4, 1828 in New York State, the daughter of Daniel Pike and Sarah (_________) Pike. On December 21, 1853, Sylvester Butler and Celista Maria Pike were united in holy matrimony in West Harbor, on Washington Island, Door County, Wisconsin. For several years, Sylvester and Celista made their home in Wisconsin. However, by 1856, Syvester and Celista moved to Illinois, where they settled in Akron Township, near Princeville, Illinois. Five children are known to have been born to Sylvester and Celista. Their first child was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during a short stay there, possibly while making their way to Illinois. The children are;
1. Sarah Jane "Jennie" Butler, born May 29, 1855 in Green Bay, Wisconsin; believed to have been married to John G. Ayling on February 28, 1878 in Peoria County; John is believed to have died before 1900; Sarah is living with her mother in Princeville in 1900.
2. Mary Augusta "May" Butler; born Nov. 9, 1856 in Illinois; Married to Harry Romig on March 8, 1881; Mary died on January 25, 1927; Buried in the Princeville Cemetery.
3. Frances Butler; born May 16, 1858 near Princeville, Illinois; married James Oscar Edwards on May 22, 1880; Frances died on August 8, 1937; buried in the Princeville Cemetery.
4. Vesta Butler, born April 14, 1860 near Princeville; died March 11, 1866; buried in the Princeville Township Cemetery
5. Emma Sylvester Butler; born January 16, 1862 near Princeville, Illinois; married to Charles H. Coburn on __________ __, 18__ at __________, __________; Charles was the son of Samuel Coburn, who had served beside Emma's father, Sylvester Butler, in Co. K of the 86th Illinois; Emma died on October 25, 1907; buried in the Princeville Cemetery.
At the time of the 1860 census of Illinois, the Butler family is found in Akron Township, where Sylvester is farming the land for a living;
39 Butler Sylvester 34 M farmhand 3,500 620 ME
39 Butler Celsta 34 F NY
39 Butler Sarah J. 5 F WI
39 Butler Margaret 4 F IL
39 Butler Frances 2 F IL
39 Butler Vesta 1/12 F IL
On August 11, 1862, Sylvester volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Princeville, Illinois by a Princeville area School Teacher by the name of John F. French.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name BUTLER, SYLVESTER
Rank PVT Company K Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence PRINCEVILLE, PEORIA CO, IL Age 36 Height 5' 5 Hair DARK
Eyes GRAY Complexion LIGHT Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity BERWICK, ME
Service Record
Joined When AUG 11, 1862 Joined Where PRINCEVILLE, IL
Joined By Whom CPT FRENCH Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks DIED AT NASHVILLE TENN MAR 5, 1863 OF CHRONIC DIARRHOEA
When French had 100 volunteers he led the Princeville volunteers into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, French and 95 of his volunteers were mustered into service as Co. K of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. French was elected Captain of Co. K.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Three weeks later, the men of the 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, chasing Confederate troops in Kentucky. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the months and years to come. After the Union victory at Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew out of Kentucky and McCook's Brigade marched on toward Nashville, Tennessee where they went into winter camp.
During that first winter in Nashville away from home, thousands of soldiers became ill. Sylvester struggled through the winter and early spring with Chronic Diarrhoea. Sylvester finally succumbed to the disease on March 5, 1863 in the old City Hospital, now recognized as United States General Hospital No. 7 in Nashville, Tennessee. His earthly remains were originally laid to rest in what was known as the Old Nashville City Hospital Cemetery. Shortly after the war, his earthly remains were re-interred in Grave #1302, Section E of the Nashville National Cemetery. His grave is located about 100 yards to the left of the Main Entrance to the Nashville National Cemetery.
Back in Peoria County, Sylvester's passing left Mrs. Butler with five children, all under the age of eight. Celista filed for a widow's pension and was approved, receiving $8.00 a month. In 1866, this was raised an additional $2.00 per child, or another $8.00 a month, Vesta having passed away on March 11, 1866. Celista is believed to have received this pension for the remainder of her life.
At the time of the 1870 census, Celista is found residing in the Village of Princeville, where she is making a living as a Washerwoman.
84 Butler Sister 39 F Washwoman 500 75 New York
84 Butler Sarah J. 15 F Wisconsin
84 Butler Mary A. 13 F Illinois
84 Butler Frances 12 M Illinois
84 Butler Emma S. 7 F Illinois
At the time of the 1880 census, Celista is found residing in Princeville Township with one daughter;
Celista BUTLER, Self Gender: Female Birth: NY
Mary A. BUTLER, Dau Gender: Female Birth: IL
At the time of the 1900 census, Celista is found residing in the Village of Princeville on North Street with one of her daughters. She lives next to Frederick Gladfelter, another member of Co. K;
North Street 206 210 Butler Celista M. Head Apr 1828 72 Wd 5 4 New York New York New Hampshire (Receives Pension)
North Street 206 210 Aylina Sarah J. Daughter May 1855 45 Wd 4 3 Wisconsin New York New York
Celista Maria (Pike) Butler died on October 17, 1905 and her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Princeville Township Cemetery in Princeville, Illinois.
by Baxter B. Fite III (Jeremy Edwards is a great great great grandson of Sylvester Butler and would like to manage his site when I am done adding all that I can. His Contributor # is 47244345,)
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants, who might be able to add to the biography of Private Sylvester Butler, or perhaps provide copies of other photographs of Sylvester from his days in the service.)
Family Members
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