The Dan Butler
Family Reunion
Welcome to the Dan Butler Family Reunion! We are thrilled to invite all of our beloved family members to this special event. Our family has always been close-knit, and we are looking forward to seeing each other again and catching up on all that has happened since our last reunion.
We have a fantastic lineup of activities planned for this year's gathering, including Block Party of the Decades, a delicious barbecue, and a worship service.
We can't wait to share new memories, laugh, and celebrate being part of this wonderful family. We hope to see you all there!
Remember to register by July 18th!
History of the Dan Butler Family
Daniel (Dan) Butler, son of the late Alfred and Patsy Butler, was born in 1856 in Decatur, Georgia. In his early twenties, he gained his freedom and decided to journey to Higdon, Grady County, Georgia, eventually relocating to Leon County, Florida. Dan lived in an agricultural area deeply connected with farming. According to census records from 1870 to 1910, Dan worked as a farmer in Attapulgus, Decatur, Baker, and Grady County since the age of eight. He was respected as a progressive farmer, earning an honest and decent livelihood for his family.
Around 1870, Dan married Mrs. Henrietta White. He was the father of seven children: the late John Butler, the late Jim Butler, the late Gilbert Butler, the late Mary Butler Williams, the late Perry Canty Cloud, the late Oscar Butler, and the late Eliza Butler Miller. All of his children were born between 1872 and 1896, primarily in Decatur and Grady County, Georgia, except for Perry Lee and Eliza, who were born in or near Leon County, Florida. Dan loved farming and passed many of his skills in raising livestock and growing potatoes, alfalfa, corn, and cereal grains to his sons. He was a proud father who taught his sons to be real men and his daughters to be humble and patient. Dan instilled in his children a strong foundation in serving Jesus Christ.
Dan Butler lived a full life before his death at the age of 65 in August 1921. At the time of his demise, he was still serving as a laborer on farmland in Clay County, Georgia. Known for his politeness and calm manner, Dan was well-respected as a kind, considerate, and loving husband, father, friend, and citizen in the community. His sons continued their father’s love of farming to make a living, while his daughters remained in the Grady and Leon County areas, marrying farmers or farm workers.
We, the living descendants of Daniel (Dan) Butler, dedicate this reunion to our ancestors, who gave us the heritage of spiritual strength and physical stamina, and to the generations to come, to whom we pass this heritage. The first Dan Butler Family Reunion was held on August 4-6, 2006 in Havana, Florida. There were over 400 family members in attendance.
Much information has been gathered from records found in the Georgia Archives, Ancestry and the Public Library, recorded and preserved by family members since the early sixteen hundreds. The Dan Butler Family Reunion Research Committee acknowledges there may be discrepancies. This collective information is presented as found in genealogical records by those undertaking this work.
Descendants of Daniel "Dan" Butler
Oscar "Cooter" Butler
John Butler
Mary Butler Williams
Gilbert Butler
Eliza Butler Miller
Jim Butler
Perry Canty Cloud
WHAT IS IN THE DNA?
Dan had at least 5 siblings, only names remembered are Mr. Green Butler, and Mr. Prince Butler. One of the important roles we were told Grandpa Dan had was that he was the driver of the wagon train (buggy) on the plantation. He was assigned this role by the plantation owner.The train was pulled by mules that took the free slaves into town and relocated to the Florida border (Gadsden, Leon, and Jefferson counties) where they could have a much better life. The ex-slaves would apparently packed up their personal items and get on the train (remind you of story of the Underground Railroad) to relocated to other parts in Florida. His brothers Green and Prince moved up north (unknown where) and sadly, Dan never knew what became of them once they were emancipated from the Butler Plantation.
Alfred Butler (Dan’s father) was born into slavery on the Millwood Plantation in South Carolina. His parents (names unknown) arrived in Abbeville, SC through the port of the Cargo River, on the Wanderer slave ship. He was sold into slavery at the age of 10 according to census record his family to work on the Butler Island Plantation in Georgia. The plantation owner was Pierce Butler supplier of rice and cotton. And that is how we got the last name Butler.
Our family roots began in Africa in the 1800’s many decades ago. Homeland in West and West Central Africa. Most of our ancestors hailed from Sierra Leone, we are members of the Mbunda tribe and also from Ghana we are members of the Akan tribe yield from paternal male results. We also have ancestry in Nigeria with membership in the Yoruba and Fulani tribes yield from maternal female results.
T-Shirt Information
T-Shirt Order Form
Deadline to for T-shirt orders is July 18th. T-shirt costs are indicated on the attached form.
Family Reunion T-Shirt Design
Schedule
Day 1
“Decades Block Party”
Get Acquainted Night
Dress Your Decade
60's, 70's,80's,90's, & 2000's
6:00 PM- 7:30 PM- Registration
7:00 PM- 11:00 PM-Social/Dance
Location: Havana Magnet School
1210 Kemp Road
Havana, FL
Day 2
Family Fun Day
(Please wear your t-shirt)
11:00 AM until 6:00 PM
Location: Havana Magnet School
1210 Kemp Road
Havana, FL
Day 3
Worship Service
11:00 AM
Location: New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church
311 SE 1st Street
Havana, FL 32333
9am: Breakfast
11am: Family talent show
1pm: Lunch
2pm: Closing ceremony and departure
Accommodations
Make sure to get your booking in soon.
Visit the following website to check for rates or search below.
Family Reunion Events Locations
Get driving directions using the map.
Payment
Checks can be made payable to: Dan Butler Family Reunion
Reunion Costs
The cost to enjoy this three-day historic and fun-filled event is $30 per adult ages 18-69, $15 ages 13-17 and $10 ages 6-12. The reunion is FREE for children ages 5 and under and for adults ages 70 and over. T-Shirt costs are not included in this rate. Please refer to t-shirt order form for pricing.
Mailing Address:
PO Box 565
Havana, FL 32333
Full payment for registration and t-shirt orders must be received by July 18, 2024.
If paid by Paypal, you still are required to mail or email the
registration forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a price for a one day registration?
No. Registration is a set fee.
Are additional t-shirts being ordered for purchase at the door?
No.
What is the color and design of the shirt?
The design of the t-shirt will be placed on the website when it is available.
Can I pay at the door?
Special accommodations would need to be discussed in advance with a committee member.
Is there a room block?
No, please visit hotels.com or google search for hotel options.
Photos
A collection of our favorite family photos from over the years.
Family Reunion Committee Members
Chair
850-524-9067
850-524-0015
850-212-5899
Parish Williams
Bettye Thomas
Chicarla Williams Pye
850-443-2412
850-524-2938
850-443-0719
Pat Wood
Phyllis Thomas
Mary Miller
850-766-5943
850-980-0771
850-228-1874
Sandra Riggins
Bernadette McLaurin
Deborah Garrison
