There are actually two notable, but not related, Pierce Butlers in South Carolina's history. Pierce Mason Butler, the governor, whom this page is about and Pierce Butler Revolutionary War hero, US Senator and signer of the Constitution of the United States. To learn more about the Revolutionary period Pierce Butler click here.

Biographical Overview

• Born: April 11, 1798
  
• Died: December 22, 1846 in Mexico
  
• Buried: Edgefield, SC
  
• Religion:
  
• Political Party: Democratic
  

Education

• Moses Waddel's Academy in Abbeville, SC
  

Occupation

• Captain, United States Army
• Lieutenant Colonel, South Carolina Militia
• Banker

Major Events and Accomplishments, 1836–1838

• Governor Butler appointed a commission to survey South Carolina's public schools in an effort to find areas of possible improvement
• 1837 – The Panic of 1837 damaged South Carolina banks, causing periodic suspensions of specie payment over the next few years
  

Other Government Positions

• US Agent to the Cherokee and Comanche Indians
  

Other Accomplishments, Honors, Distinctions

• 1846 – Butler died in the Mexican War at the Battle of Churubusco
  

Election Results

• On December 10, 1836, the South Carolina General Assembly elected Butler for governor by secret ballot.
  

Web Resources

• Portrait - SC General Assembly