Deacon Richard Butler, [Steven¹] the son of Steven Butler was born in Braintree, Essex County, England.

An undated manuscript at the Philadelphia Historical Society by Mrs. Edna Mary Sears Dunning states that he came to America in 1632 on the Ship Lyon to "Cambridge, Massachusetts." The ship Lyon did arrive from London in Boston as part of Winthrop’s Fleet. However, this researcher has not found Richard Butler on any of the published lists. The ship Lyon made a prior voyage departing London in August 1631 with "about" 60 passengers. That voyage arrived at Nantasket in November 1631. There were a total of 11 ships in Winthrop’s fleet and many of the lists are incomplete. Another source states he sailed on the ship Hector that same year with his brother William. There are no passenger lists for that ship. Richard does appear on the records of Cambridge thus certainly did sail as part of one of Winthrop’s voyages.

In 1635 he and his brother William went with Thomas Hooker and the Braintree "group" to commence the settlement of Hartford, Connecticut. At least one account states that "he came hither, mourning the loss of wife and infant." He married second Elizabeth Bigelow circa 1635. The group along with Samuel Stone named established the community and a church. The town was named for Stone’s birthplace in England and Hooker became their minister and leader.

Richard was active in the community as well. He was on the Grand jury from 1660 through 1662. He was appointed deputy clerk to the General Court in May 1658 and was in the Connecticut legislature through 1660.

Butler’s home was on the south side of Little River. He also had property in Wethersfield. Richard Butler died 06 August 1684 in Hartford, Connecticut. In his will he left meadow lands to sons Thomas, Samuel, Nathaniel and Joseph. He gave his home to son Daniel. Because his will was written in April 1677 it also mentions his wife Elizabeth who died 12 November 1681.

                                                    iv. Nathaniel Butler, born 1642; died 09 February 1697/98 in Wethersfield, Hartford County CT; married (1) Mary --?--;2 Sarah Banbury.                       

                                                     v. Elizabeth Butler, born 1643; married (1) Joseph Olmstead; born 1654; married (2) Obediah Gilbert.

                                                  vi. Joseph Butler, born 1648  Hartford County CT; died 10 December 1732 Wethersfield, Hartford County CT; m (1) Mary Goodrich;  m (2) Margaret --?--; married (3) Elizabeth Goodrich.

                                                   vii. Sgt. Daniel Butler, born 1650; died 22 March 1691/92; married Mabel Olmstead.

                                                  viii. Hannah Butler, born 1659; married John/Joseph Green.