GMButler
CALEB BUTLER 1776-1854
Grand Master, 1840-41.
TERM
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BIOGRAPHY
(From 1916 Proceedings)
M.W. Caleb Butler was born in Pelham, N.H., September 13, 1776, and died in Groton, Mass., October 7, 1854, age seventy-eight. He was brought up on a farm and his only preparation for college consisted in attending the academy of Daniel Hardy, in Pelham, less than a year. By studying privately and teaching some he fitted himself mentally and financially to enter Dartmouth from which he graduated in 1800, delivering the salutatory oration in Latin, which was the highest honor conferred by the faculty at that time. He remained in Hanover a year as tutor in an Indian school attached to the college. He was next employed by our Past Grand Master Isaiah Thomas, of Worcester, to correct the proof of a Greek grammar which Thomas was publishing. In 1802 he was appointed a Preceptor of Groton, now Lawrence, Academy, Massachusetts, serving until 1815 when he began the study of law. He became a successful counselor though he did little as an active practitioner in the Courts.
At the same time he became famous as a surveyor, and in 1826 was appointed by the Governor Chairman of the first Board of Highway Commissioners for Middlesex County, in which capacity he served until the creation of the Board of County Commissioners in 1828, becoming the first Chairman of that Board, and serving as such until 1841. He was Town Clerk of Groton 1815 to 1817 and 1823 to 1831; Trustee of Lawrence Academy from 1807 to 1836; elected to the legislature in 1829 but declined to serve; Postmaster for twenty years; Chairman of the Selectmen; and very active in civic life. He delighted in literature and delivered many public addresses. One of his few works which remain is a history of the town of Groton. He was Worshipful Master of Saint Paul's Lodge, Groton, in 1807 and several other years; also High Priest of Saint John's Royal Arch Chapter, of Groton. He delivered many Masonic orations from 1811 to 1816, and was present with the Fraternity when Lafayette laid the Corner-stone of Bunker Hill Monument with Masonic ceremonies, June 17, 1825, and also at its completion June 17, 1843. He served the Grand Lodge as Senior Grand Warden in 1818 and 1819; Deputy Grand Master from 1824 to 1826, and as Grand Master 1841 and 1842.
CHARTERS GRANTED
None.
