Anthony Butler

Anthony Butler was the Second MEGHP of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the Republic of Texas 1843 to 1844.

Anthony Butler (1787 to April 19, 1849) was a member of Milam Lodge No. 11 in Independence, Texas. Butler was made a Mason in St. Johns Lodge No. 37 at Santee in South Carolina (Lodge and town no longer in existence), his degree dates are unknown, and he later transferred to Russellville Lodge No. 17 in Russellville, Kentucky in January 1809. Butler served as the Grand Master of Kentucky Masons for two full elected terms in 1812, and 1813.

Butler received his Royal Arch Degrees in Cincinnati, Ohio sometime in 1813. He was a signer of a petition presented to the Grand Lodge of Kentucky in 1814, requesting to form a Royal Arch Chapter in Lexington, Kentucky, and would later serve a the first High Priest of Russellville Chapter No. 8. Butler served as the fourth Grand Master of Texas Masons in 1841.

Butler died in a fire that sank the riverboat "General Pike," his body was never recovered. The location of the sinking was difficult to locate due to a miss spelling of the owners name of the plantation where the General Pike was docked.

The original reporting was that the fire occurred at the plantation of Pleasant Harbour in Point Coupee Parish, Louisiana. The correct information was that the fire and sinking occurred at the plantation of the Morgan family off what was known as Morgan's point near the town of Morganza, Louisiana. Pleasant Harper married into the Morgan family, but the land remained in the Morgan family name.

The original town site of Morganza, Louisiana and the Morgan plantation have been taken over by the Mississippi River, and are now under water. Photos of the old river landing and of Morgan's point have been taken by this Committee.

There is no photo, drawing or other image of Butler known to exist in Texas or in Kentucky, however in an article by D.D. Tidwell entitled "Our Flamboyant Grand Master", Butler in 1829 was described as being 6' ft. tall, with a high forehead, grey eyes, small chin, dark complexion and hair, and having an oval face.

Butler has an entry listed in the Handbook of Texas Online.