Andrew Butler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Andrew Butler
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| United States Senator from South Carolina |
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| In office December 4, 1846 – May 25, 1857 |
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| Preceded by | George McDuffie |
| Succeeded by | James H. Hammond |
| Judge of the South Carolina Court of Common Pleas | |
| In office December 6, 1833 – December 3, 1846 |
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| Member of the South Carolina Senate from Edgefield District | |
| In office November 22, 1824 – December 5, 1833 |
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Andrew Pickens Butler
November 18, 1796 Edgefield, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | May 25, 1857 (aged 60) Edgefield, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouses | Susan Ann Simkins Rebecca Harriett Hayne |
| Profession | Politician, lawyer, judge |
| Signature |  |
Andrew Pickens Butler (November 18, 1796 – May 25, 1857) was an important U.S. Senator from South Carolina. He is known for helping to write the Kansas–Nebraska Act with Senator Stephen A. Douglas. This act was a big part of the debates about slavery in the United States before the Civil War.
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About Andrew Pickens Butler
Andrew Pickens Butler was born in Edgefield, South Carolina. His father was William Butler and his mother was Behethland Butler. He went to school at Moses Waddel's Willington Academy. Later, he graduated from South Carolina College, which is now the University of South Carolina. In 1818, he became a lawyer in South Carolina.
Butler's Political Journey
As a young man, Butler was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives. In 1824, he became a member of the South Carolina Senate. He served there for several years. In 1833, he was appointed as a judge for the session court. Two years later, in 1835, he became a judge for the South Carolina Court of Common Pleas.
Serving in the U.S. Senate
In 1846, Andrew Pickens Butler was chosen to serve in the United States Senate. He was a Democrat who believed in states' rights. He was re-elected twice by the South Carolina legislature. He served in the Senate until he passed away. During much of his time there, he led the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary.
Butler strongly supported the practice of slavery. He worked with Senator Stephen A. Douglas to create the Kansas–Nebraska Act in 1854. This act allowed new territories in the west to decide for themselves if they would allow slavery. This decision went against an older agreement called the Missouri Compromise of 1820. The Kansas-Nebraska Act caused a lot of conflict and debate across the country.
His Later Years and Passing
Andrew Pickens Butler passed away at the age of 60. His death was caused by a condition known as dropsy, which is an old term for edema. This means he had swelling in his body. He was buried in the Butler Family Cemetery near Saluda, South Carolina.
Butler's Legacy
Butler County, Kansas was named after him. His brother, William Butler, and his nephew, Matthew Calbraith Butler, also served in the United States Congress.
Images for kids
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Andrew Pickens Butler's signature
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Portrait of Andrew Pickens Butler
