Ezra BUTLER, Congress, VT (1763-1838)

BUTLER, Ezra, a Representative from Vermont; born in Lancaster, Worcester County, Mass., September 24, 1763; moved with his parents to West Windsor, Vt., in 1770; engaged in agricultural pursuits in Claremont, N.H.; served in the Revolutionary War for a short time; moved to Waterbury, Vt., in 1785; studied law; was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Waterbury, Vt., in 1786; town clerk in 1790; one of the first three town selectmen; member of the State house of representatives 1794-1797, 1799-1804, 1807, and 1808; served in the executive council for fifteen years; first judge of the Chittenden County Court 1803-1806; chief justice 1806-1811; when Jefferson County (which has since become Washington County) was formed in 1812 he was elected chief justice and held the position continuously, with the exception of his congressional service, until 1825; elected as a Republican to the Thirteenth Congress (March 4, 1813-March 3, 1815); member of the State constitutional convention in 1822; Governor of Vermont 1826-1828; died in Waterbury, Washington County, Vt., July 12, 1838; interment in Waterbury Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present