Benjamin Butler was born about 1819 probably in New York State. He died in the 1880s in Vernon County, Missouri. He was married twice and the mother of his “first batch” of children was named Margaret.  I descend from a child of that “first batch” of children. Some things I’ve learned about research from Benjamin:

• some people are movers. Benjamin is in a different state in every federal census enumeration.
• tax records can be helpful. Tax records in St. Clair and St. Joseph counties in Michigan helped pinpoint when Benjamin moved. They also helped establish one of his probable brothers.
• land records can help determine spouses. Deeds of sale for Benjamin’s property in Michigan provided the first name of Benjamin’s wife.

My ancestor table can be viewed on my site. Benjamin is my 3rd great-grandfather.