Butler, Pierce Mason | South Carolina Public Radio

"B" is for Butler, Pierce Mason (1798-1847). Soldier, governor. A native of Edgefield District, Butler graduated from the South Carolina College. From 1819-1829, he was an officer in the United States Army, serving on the western frontier. Returning to South Carolina, Butler purchased a plantation near Columbia. Shortly thereafter, he secured an executive position with the Bank of the State of South Carolina. A dedicated nullifier, he represented Richland District in the Nullification Convention and served on the committee that drafted the Ordinance of Nullification. In 1836, Butler was elected governor. When the Mexican War broke out, he was appointed colonel and commander of the Palmetto Regiment. On August 20, 1847, while leading his troops against a Mexican position at Churubusco, Pierce Mason Butler was killed instantly when a musket ball penetrated his skull.