Howard-Decatur County IN Archives Biographies.....Butcher, John B. 1843 - 
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Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com April 6, 2006, 12:00 am

Author: Jackson Morrow

JOHN B. BUTCHER.

   The young boy, as he listened to the recitals of the old soldier, especially
to the hero of the Civil war, could not fail to be fired with zeal and
enthusiasm for the cause as the boys in blue told about their exploits and
exposures for the cause of freedom and the perpetuity of the Union. This old
soldier was not only a hero with, every lad, but lessons of true bravery,
courage arid sacrifice were often indelibly impressed on the mind of the boy.
and such lessens were a part of his patriotic education. Many of these stories
made the very hair stand on end, and the listener was made to wonder if it could
be possible that human bravery could face so much shot and shell for the sake of
country, home and liberty. But the real struggles for these were not confined to
gunpowder alone. True bravery was as often shown in the daily life, in the
battle for bread, home and love's real conquests. The conflict against poverty,
vice and the enemy of the sweets of family life was often more trying than the
shrieks of the mortally wounded on the country's battlefield, and the victor in
the strife, with the banner of peace floating gently to the breezes of
civilization and happiness, is crowned with his heart's craving, life honorable
and home to his liking. Our subject was not only brave in following his
country's .flag, but the truest life was seen in the pleasures of his home
surroundings.

   Our subject is a native of Decatur county, Indiana, the son of William and
Sadona (Brown) Butcher, and born January 20, 1843. His father moved to this
county in 1853 and was the owner of eight hundred acres of land here. He was
from Virginia, and was not only a good manager but thought he saw value in the
future in these lands and bought plentifully while cheap. He died in 1868. He
was twice married, being the father of five sons by his first wife and by his
second wife three sons, five of whom were brave soldiers in the Civil war—George
W., Isaac M., Solomon T., John B. and A. P.

   John B., our subject, enlisted September 22, 1861, in Company H,
Thirty-Fourth Indiana Infantry, and was given the position of sergeant. His
first engagement was at New Madras, Island No. 10. Afterwards in succession he
fought in battles at Port Gibson, Champion Hills, forty-seven days at Vicksburg,
and seven days at Jackson, Mississippi. From here his regiment went to New
Orleans and on December 29, 1863, he went to Texas on the ship Continental,
tossing about for fourteen days in a storm at sea. He then campaigned in Texas,
Missouri, coming back to New Orleans, from whence he was discharged having
served three years, the term of enlistment. He was sick for several months and
was not expected to recover. He served three years and two months. He now
receives a pension of twenty-four dollars per month.

   In 1867 he was married to Sarah J. Thomas, a native of Cass county. The
result of this union was four children, three girls and one boy, one daughter
being deceased.

   After he came home from the war and had recovered somewhat he farmed awhile,
securing a farm of one hundred and twenty acres.

   About eleven years ago he moved to Kokomo and went into the livery business.

   Mr. and Mrs. Butcher belong to the United Brethren church and are faithful
members of this religious body. He is a trustee of his church. In politics he is
a Republican and served one term as township trustee of Ervin township. He is a
member of the Grand Army of the Republic and Past Commander of Kokomo Lodge, No.
30. He has a very large circle of friends and acquaintenances who esteem him
very highly.


Additional Comments:
From:

HISTORY OF HOWARD COUNTY INDIANA
BY
JACKSON MORROW, B. A.
ILLUSTRATED
VOL. II
B. F. BOWEN & COMPANY
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA

(circa 1909)


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