About a month ago, I received a request for information about an old family cemetery over by the site of the Balmville Tree. I was able to provide some basic facts about this tiny, but well-kept little parcel. I was intrigued and had to do some digging to learn more about the family resting there.
The classic wrought iron fence looks freshly painted and the interior of the small plot tidy and neatly manicured. The first thing which caught my attention was the signage on the gate which reads “THIS FENCE WAS ERECTED IN MEMORY OF ALICE G. BUTTERWORTH WHO DIED JULY 12, 1948.” Obviously someone cared deeply to do this and speaks well of the family.
Walking inside, there are a number of ancient grave markers, but what immediately caught my eye was a newer stone. Attracted to it, I thought at first it was a more recent member of the family. Imagine my surprise when I read the inscription “James Butterworth, New York, Capt. Consolidated Regt NY Mil, War of 1812, Aug 20 1792, Aug 23 1826”.
Nearby, another newer stone marker shouted out to me! Looking to see who was calling, I was again amazed with what I was reading “Henry Butterworth, New York, Capt 5 Arty & Inf NY Mil, War of 1812, Oct 29 1784 Jan 8 1831”. Now my interest was really captured. Time to do some digging.
Going back through the records, the artillery company was organized on November 2, 1804, with its headquarters at the McIntosh house on Liberty Street. The first commander was William Ross, who served as captain until 1810 or 1811. He was succeeded by Henry Butterworth. While under Henry’s command, the artillery company was stationed on Staten Island during the War of 1812.

Henry Butterworth was also quite the entrepreneur and businessman. In 1810, he also was one of the main members of the Newburgh and Plattekill Turnpike Company. The company ran lines north from Newburgh to Plattekill, and was also connected to the New Paltz and Marlborough Turnpikes.
Henry’s wife was Charlotte Fowler, who he married on January 24, 1805. She was born 2-24-1787, and died on 3-5-1848. She was the daughter of John (b. 6-9-1749, d. 4-12-1822) and Glorianna Fowler (b. 8-22-1754, d. 5-28-1803).
Henry also served as a commissioner and helped set up and build the poor house and other community institutions. The more I read, the more I was getting tired out just thinking of all he accomplished.
This distinguished gentleman was born in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England to James Butterworth and Sarah Brewster. James remarried at some point to a Mary Hill, who was James’ mother. Also, James was a twin!
Reading through different histories of our Town, mention is made of James and his businesses and how he made Balmville a successful location to live and conduct their affairs in. This family was one of the founding families of our community. I find it quite satisfying they are being remembered in such a proud fashion.
Kudos to who is maintaining this little piece of hallowed ground. One can see from the care being given to these ancestors of ours, there is much love and sentiment here. And, our local veteran groups continue to place flags on these distinguished men every year. Well done!