1901 Census for Killerby there is the family of Jeffrey and Margaret Butterfield, with sons Peter, age 5, born Sheraton, William T., age 2, born Killerby, and John J., age 1, born Killerby, but no Thomas, who would be about 6 years old. Jeffrey Butterfield was born in Old Shildon, as was Thomas, according to information from "Solders Who Died in the Great War".

Living with Jeffrey in 1901 was his mother-in- law, Jane Wright, age 77, born in Ireland. Jane was a widow. There is also John Wright, stepson, age 10, born Brandon, Durham. Jeffrey's job as a hind took him to work all over Co. Durham, and by 1911 he was living in Etherley Dene, Bishop Auckland. His wife Margaret had died. He had had 7 children, 2 of whom had died. There was another child, Mary Alice Butterfield, age 6, born Denton. There is also a housekeeper, Meggie Pattinson, age 30, born Usher Moor.

Thomas was 19 years, 149 days old when he enlisted September 21, 1914 at Darlington. He was a farm labourer. Thomas was 5'7" tall, weighed 132 lbs, chest 38", had brown eyes and light brown hair.

Thomas was posted September 21, 1914, awarded 7 days F.P.2, November 6, 1915. He was part of the Expeditionary Force in France from 11/09/1915 to 01/07/1916. Thomas was reported missing July 1, 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme. Thomas had served for 1 year 285 days.

War Medals: 1914-18 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Thomas's half brother, John H. Wright was living at The Hall Farm, School Aycliffe, and his father at Killerby. John signed the Army Form W. 5080, dated May 22, 19?0 (1920?). Thomas had 2 full brothers, William Butterfield, age 22, c/o Mr Wise, Preston le Skerne, Joseph Butterfield, age 20, School Aycliffe, Heighington, a half brother John H. Wright, age 30, School Aycliffe, Heighington, a full sister, Mary Butterfield, age 16, Alms Houses, Staindrop, and 2 nieces, Elsie and Gladys Wright, age 8 & 10, of School Aycliffe.

John had written to the Army Record Office December 21, 1916 stating that he had received a notice from them September 21 reporting that his brother was missing. John was seeking further news.

July 12, 1921 there is a War Office form stating that any articles of personal property should be sent to Mr William Butterfield of 35, Southside, Middridge. William received Thomas's 1914-15 Star and Victory Medal September 2, 1921.

Thomas's metal disc and chain were sent to Mrs K. Wright of Railway Cottages, Aycliffe March 2, 1921.

Thomas's mother, Margaret Butterfield died age 38, in 1910, and fatherJeffrey Butterfield, age 47, in 1919, both in Teesdale.