Constitution Signer

Pierce Butler

B"H

Pierce Butler - soldier, statesman, businessman and father.

Pierce Butler was born in Ireland in July 11, 1744 and came to America as a teenage British Army office at age 14. He had two older brothers and one younger.

At 28, in 1772 he had become a major officer leading the British troops to suppress the unruly colonials.  By 1779, though, he was now leading and training the SC militia, AGAINST the Brits!!  What a difference 7 years can make! John Rutledge, the then governor of SC and a fellow signer of the Constitution, was much obliged to have his military talents on their side.

He was a slave owner, but the Revolutionary War stripped him of his lands, ships and wealth!   As a businessman he he went to England after the Revolutionary War to rebuild his business and as a devoted Episcopalian, find a new preacher for their church. He was a staunch advocate for the pioneers homesteading the frontier and the common man, yet also called for peace with the Loyalists to the Crown.

In January 1771, age 27, he married Mary, the orphaned daughter of Thomas Middleton. They had 8 children: 4 boys, 4 girls.  Sadly, two of the sons died young.

One of his overriding philosophies is captured in this quote, “Do not trust or place too much power in the executive government."  It was surprising, then, that when considering who should hold the power of declaring war he advocated giving it solely to the President!  

He died at the age of 77 in Philadelphia, PA on February 15, 1822. Butler Street in Madison, WI was named in his honor.    

In Butler's life can be seen transitionary dichotomies, considered an enemy or traitor by either side  - First a British suppressor of the motley colonists to becoming a strong colonial nationalist against the creeping crud of re-occupation of British forces and an attempt to reinstate the Crown rule.  And yet, advocating for peace with the Loyalists. Whew! That's exhausting! 

A man of many conflicts, both political and personal, we are thankful for his input in developing the foundational law of our nation.

POI - The American western novelist, Owen Wister, whose novel "The Virginian" was the inspiration for the TV series of that name, was the great, great grandson of Pierce Butler. Thank you Pierce on both counts.

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Were these men dedicated patriots that found and developed opportunity for others and for future generations?  Or, were they just self-centered, slave-owning "what's-in-it-for-me" opportunists?

What is the context and mindset of these people, especially in regard to owning slaves?