Ezra Butler was an American congressman and governor of Vermont.
Background
Ezra Butler was born in Lancaster, Massachusetts on September 24, 1763. He was the fifth of seven children born to Asaph and Jane (McAllister) Butler in the town of Lancaster, Massachusetts. When he was a child of seven years the family emigrated to West Windsor, Vermont. The mother died and the lad was bound out to service.
Education
Ezra Butler had only six months' schooling, and in his youth was a hunter and trapper.
Career
For six months Ezra was a soldier in the American Revolution. He settled in Weathersfield, Vermont, and with a brother removed to Waterbury, Vermont, when there was only one family in the new township. He married Tryphena Diggins of Weathersfield, built a log cabin, and later erected the first frame house in Waterbury.
Active in organizing the town, he was elected its first town clerk. He served as town representative from 1794 to 1807 with the exception of the years 1798 and 1805. Ordained to the Baptist ministry in 1801, in his subsequent political activity he continued his church duties when he was not absent from home.
He delivered a speech in opposition to Webster's resolution calling for information from the President concerning Napoleon's revocation of decrees against American shipping. Elected governor in 1826, he was reelected in 1827, declining to be again a candidate. While governor he was active in curbing the lottery and in promoting a more liberal system of education.
He was a presidential elector in 1804, 1820, 1828, and 1832. In the last-named year, Vermont was the only state to cast its electoral vote for the candidates of the Anti-Masonic party. Butler also served on committees to locate the first state house, the state arsenal, and the state prison. His public career included service on the bench, as a member of the governor's council, the council of censors, and the constitutional convention of 1822.
Achievements
Politics
Ezra Butler was an active Republican in politics, was elected a member of Congress in 1812, and entered that body in 1813 with Daniel Webster.
Personality
In personal appearance he was slightly stooping, and had a dark and sallow complexion and penetrating black eyes.
Connections
Ezra Butler married Tryphena Diggins of Weathersfield, built a log cabin, and later erected the first frame house in Waterbury.