William Orlando Butler (1791-1880) - Find a Grave Memorial

Mexican War Major General, US Congressman. Born Jessamine County, Kentucky in 1791, he graduated from Transylvania University in 1812 and proceeded to study law until the outbreak of the War of 1812. Subsequently commissioned ensign in the 17th United States Infantry, he fought and was captured at the Battle of the River Raisin near present day Monroe, Michigan. Released, he participated in the capture of Pensacola, Florida and the Battle of New Orleans. He resigned from the army in 1817 with the rank of Major. Returned home to Port William (now Carrollton, Kentucky)and commenced the practice of law. Served in the Kentucky State Legislature from 1817 to 1818, had an unsuccessful Kentucky gubernatorial run against William Owsley, and was elcted to represent Kentucky's 13th District in the United States House of Representatives, serving from 1839 to 1843. At the outbreak of the Mexican War he was appointed a Major General of Volunteers by President James K. Polk. Served as second-in-command to General Zachary Taylor at the Battle of Monterrey, Mexico, where he was wounded. Recovering, he served under General Winfield Scott in Mexico City. In February 1848 after Scott's departure he was given command of all United States forces in Mexico. In 1848 he ran unsuccessfully for Vice-President on the Democratic ticket with Lewis Cass and in 1852 was a contender for that party's presidential nomination. He was a delegate to the 1861 Washington Peace Conference seeking a means of averting civil war. He died at Carrollton, Kentucky. in 1880 and is buried in the family cemetery on his estate, which is now the General Butler State Park in Carrollton.

Bio by: Steve Dunn