In the 1880s, the Town decided to honor its first settler, John Butler.  A group of his descendants made the arrangements and in March, 1886, Pelham appointed a committee to establish a monument to Butler.  The Town Committee included: John Woodbury, Enoch M. Marsh, Daniel Marshall, George H. Currier, Samuel Kelley and Warren Sherburne.

On April 17, 1886, the committee voted "to locate the monument on the spot of land, triangle shape, in front of the First Congregational Church."  An elaborate ceremony was held June 9, 1886 to dedicate the Monument.  

To Deacon John Butler The First Settler In Pelham. This Monument is erected by His Descendants June A.D. 1886

Deacon John Butler Born In Woburn, Mass. July 22 A.D. 1677.
 
Settled in Pelham On What Is Now Called The Mammoth Road Near Gumpus Pond A.D. 1721.

Died A.D. 1759.