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Saluda in Saluda County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
 

Butler Family Graves

 
 
Butler Family Graves Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Brian Scott, October 18, 2008
1. Butler Family Graves Marker
Inscription.
At Butler Church, about one mile west, is the burial plot of the Butler family. Among the graves are those of William Butler, Captain in the American Revolution, United States Congressman, and Major General of S.C. Militia; Andrew Pickens Butler, United States Senator; Pierce M. Butler, Governor of South Carolina, who was killed in the Mexican War.
 
Erected 1970 by Saluda County Historical Commission. (Marker Number 41-6.)
 
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial SitesChurches & ReligionGovernment & PoliticsWar, Mexican-American. In addition, it is included in the South Carolina, Saluda County Historical Commission series list.
 
Location. 34° 3.918′ N, 81° 42.85′ W. Marker is in Saluda, South Carolina, in Saluda County. Marker is on Butler Church Road, on the right when traveling east. Marker is located at the intersection of Buther Church Road and Denny Highway. The church is located on the right, about one mile west of the marker on Butler Church Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Saluda SC 29138, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Butler Methodist Church (approx. ¾ mile away); Mitchell Hill Advent Christian Chruch
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(approx. 0.8 miles away); Cane Break (approx. 2.8 miles away); Flat Grove (approx. 4 miles away); Saluda County Stockyard and Livestock Market (approx. 4.7 miles away); Mr. Philemon B. Waters (approx. 5.1 miles away); Colonel William Barrett Travis (approx. 5.1 miles away); Red Bank Church (approx. 5.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Saluda.
 
Also see . . .
1. Butler Family Cemetery. The Butler Family Cemetery is located behind the Butler Methodist Church, built on what was originally the Butler Family home site, land the family donated to the church when they moved away in the 1850s. (Submitted on October 25, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.) 

2. William Butler (1759–1821). William Butler (December 17, 1759 – November 15, 1821) was a United States Representative from South Carolina. (Submitted on October 25, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.) 

3. Andrew Pickens Butler. Andrew Pickens Butler (November 18, 1796 – May 25, 1857) was an American statesman and one of the authors of the Kansas-Nebraska Act. (Submitted on October 25, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
Butler Methodist Church image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Brian Scott, October 18, 2008
2. Butler Methodist Church
 

4. Pierce Mason Butler. Pierce Mason Butler (April 11, 1798 – August 20, 1847) was an American soldier and statesman who served as Governor of South Carolina from 1836 to 1838. (Submitted on October 25, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.) 
 
Additional commentary.
1. Butler Family Cemetery
William Butler and his wife, Behethland Foote Moore, settled in what was now Saluda County and built a home there in the late eighteenth century. Between 1855 and 1857 the family moved from this site and donated a 14 acre tract of land to the nearby Methodist Church; this grant included the home site and the family cemetery. Following donation of the land, a church was built on the original home site, but was replaced in the 1940s by the current structure, Butler Methodist Church. The family cemetery is the area here nominated.

Set in a cleared tree-shaded circle at the edge of a forest area, this old burying ground contains the 20 graves of the Butlers -- a family important in the development of South Carolina and of the Nation.

In both appearance and atmosphere, the old graveyard communicates the sense of being hallowed ground. There is a feeling of tranquility, dignity, and antiquity that effectively separates
Butler Family Plot, Butler Methodist Church image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Brian Scott, October 18, 2008
3. Butler Family Plot, Butler Methodist Church
the historic burial place from the newer cemetery which has grown up between it and what was originally the Butler home site, now occupied by the church.

The Butler Family Cemetery is located behind the church, approximately 200 yards away. The earliest grave marker is dated 1802. The cemetery is a valuable record, not only of the family's history, but also of people who were important in the early development of both South Carolina and the United States. A particular notable fact is that Captain James Butler, father of General William Butler, was killed in the Cloud's Massacre (1780), in which twenty-eight Whigs were overtaken by some 300 Loyalists under the command of Major William Cunningham. A marker was placed at this Lexington County site by the Daughters of the American Revolution to commemorate Butler's efforts during the Revolution. All available information indicates that there is no other property still in existence associated with the Butlers other than the massacre site and the Butler home site on which the 1940 church now stands.

Significance
Members of one of South Carolina's leading families, the Butlers have been prominent in both state and national history; many of its members have been buried in the Butler cemetery.

Persons buried in the cemetery include:

1) William Butler (1759-1821), who had a distinguished
Col. Thomas Pickens Butler Tombstone image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Brian Scott, October 18, 2008
4. Col. Thomas Pickens Butler Tombstone
Sacred
to the memory
of
Col. Thomas Pickens Butler
who died in Richmond, Va.,
on the 21st of February 1864
in the 45th year of his age.
Having been in the service of the Confederate
States from the commencement of the was for
Southern Independence.
He was a Patriot of warm impulses
and devoted fidelity.
He was generous and brave, kind to all,
and had few if any enemies.
He had his failings, who has not.
May God forgive us all.
He sleeps with his Fathers in Carolina soil, and we
will cherish the memory of his nobler qualities.
Requieseat in pace.
As a tribute of love, this marble is placed
over his grave by Widow, Children,
and brother William P. Butler.
political and military career. Serving as a captain, he commanded a company of South Carolina rangers during the Revolution. Butler was a member of the convention; he was also a member of the convention held in Charleston to consider adoption of the federal Constitution; he was also a member of the convention which drew up South Carolina's first constitution after the Revolution. He was elected to Congress and served from 1800 until 1813. as major-general of the South Carolina militia, Butler commanded the state's troops at Charleston in 1814.

2) Pierce Mason Butler (1798-1847), who followed the tradition established by his father, William, and gained national prominence as a political and military leader. Butler began his career as president of the State Bank of South Carolina. He later accepted a commission as lieutenant-colonel in South Carolina's regiment which fought in the Seminole War. Returning to the state, Butler was elected Governor in 1836. Shortly after he left office (1838), he was named agent to the Cherokees and went to Fort Gibson in the Arkansas Territory (until 1846). At the outbreak of the Mexican War, Butler was made commander of the South Carolina Volunteer Regiment known as the Palmetto Regiment, a part of Winfield Scott's army...Butler was killed at the Battle of Churubusco, but his unit was in the vanguard on the final assault on Mexico City.

3)
Emmala Elizabeth Thompson Tombstone image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Brian Scott, October 18, 2008
5. Emmala Elizabeth Thompson Tombstone
To the
memory of
Mrs. Emmala Elizabeth Thompson
Wife of Waddy Thompson
and only daughter of
Gen. Wm. Butler.
Born the 21st of August 1800.
Died the 24th of May 1848.

In this admirable lady
were conspicuous personal beauty,
graceful manners, warm affections,
charity, benevlence, unvarying courtesy,
firmness of character, perfect scencerity,
high intellectual endowments,
and above all a deep
and rervent piety.

This memorial is placed over
her motal remains by
her husband.
Andrew Pickens Butler (1796-1857), fifth child of William butler and his wife Behethland Foote Moore, was admitted to the South Carolina Bar in 1819. He was elected to the state legislature in 1846 and was reelected in 1848 and again in 1854. Butler, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, actively supported the interests of his slave holding constituency; his speech on the Kansas issue drew severe criticisms from Charles Sumner, the astute senator from Massachusetts. Senator Sumner's harsh verbal attacks on Butler and the State of South Carolina brought about the caning of Sumner in the Senate chamber, by Congressman Preston Brooks (nephew of Andrew Pickens Butler).

4) Behethland Foote Moore Butler (1763-1853), who was named by the Daughters of the American Revolution as a South Carolina heroine of the Revolution. As a young girl, she wanted patriotic forces of approaching British troops and prevented their capture.

5) William and Alexander Butler, who were grandsons of William and Behethland Foote Moore Butler and sons of Dr. William Butler (surgeon at the Battle of New Orleans) and Jane Tweedy Perry Butler. Mrs. Butler was the sister of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie, and of Matthew Calbraith Perry, who opened Japan to western trade.

6) Emmala Elizabeth Butler Thompson, who was the wife of Waddy Thompson, United States
Alexander P. and Sarah P. Butler Tombstone image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Brian Scott, October 18, 2008
6. Alexander P. and Sarah P. Butler Tombstone
To
the memory of
Alexander P.
son of
William and Jane T.
Butler.
Born August 24th 1822,
Died June 27th 1823.
----------
Sarah P.
Daughter of
William and Jane T.
Butler.
Born May 12th 1825,
Died October 24th 1825.
Congressman and minister to Mexico from 1835 to 1844.

7) Thomas Pickens Butler, who was a colonel in the Confederate Army and was killed in 1865 when the southern armies were defending Richmond against General Grant's forces.

In addition to those listed, four sons of William and Behethland Foote Moore Butler -- Colonel Frank, Lieutenant-Colonel Leontine, Major James, and Major George -- were officers in American armies. Major William Moore (brother of Behethland Foote Moore Butler) and Colonel Zachariah Smith Brooks (brother-in-law of General William Butler) are also buried here; the Butler Cemetery therefore contains ten soldiers who were veterans of six wars (French and Indian, several Indian wars, Revolution, War of 1812, Mexican War, and the war Between the States). (Source: National Register nomination form.)
    — Submitted March 13, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.

2. William Butler (1759-1821)
William Butler, (father of William Butler [1790-1850] and Andrew Pickens Butler and grandfather of Matthew Calbraith Butler), a Representative from South Carolina; born in Prince William County, Va., December 17, 1759; attended grammar schools; moved to South Carolina; served in the Snow campaign under General Richardson in 1775 and in Gen. Andrew
Behethland Foot Butler Tombstone image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Brian Scott, October 18, 2008
7. Behethland Foot Butler Tombstone
The Grave
of
Mrs. Behethland Foot Butler
Consort of Genl. William Butler.
Born December 28th 1761,
Died December 2nd 1853.
In the time of the Revolutionary War she
signalized the fact that firm and active
patriotism can be blended with the gentle
nature of her sex. As a woman her
character was marked by fortitude under
all the calamities of life; sternness in
the discharge of every duty; a temper social
and cheerful and abandoning benelovance.
In her domestic relations she was a
shining example. As a mother she was the
affectionate parent and controlling
guardian of her children in their youth
and their truthful advisor and wise
counselling in afterlife. As a wife she
enjoyed during a ling life the
unbounded confidence and affection
of a husband whom she regarded with
pride and loved with devotion. Her death
was calm and peaceful. With perfect
self possession, she closed her eyes with
her own hands, and then folding them on
her chest, breathed out her spirit in humble
hope of her place with God, and a
resurrection to Eternal happiness.
Williamson’s expedition against the Cherokee Indians in 1776; lieutenant in Pulaski’s legion, under Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, in 1779; served under Gen. Andrew Pickens at the siege of Augusta in 1780, as captain under General Henderson in 1781, and as captain of Mounted Rangers under General Pickens in 1782; member of the State convention which adopted the Federal Constitution; member of the State house of representatives in 1787-1795; sheriff of the Ninety-sixth District in 1791; elected major general of the upper division of State militia in 1796; elected as a Republican to the Seventh and to the five succeeding Congresses (March 4, 1801-March 3, 1813); was not a candidate for reelection; major general commanding the troops raised for the defense of South Carolina during the War of 1812; retired to his plantation on the Saluda River, near Mount Willing, Edgefield County, S.C., and died there November 15, 1821; interment in the family burial ground at Butler Methodist Church, near Saluda, Edgefield (now Saluda) County, S.C. (Source: Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress.)
    — Submitted December 26, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.

3. Andrew Pickens Butler (1796-1857)
Andrew Pickens Butler, (son of William Butler and uncle of Matthew Calbraith Butler), a Senator
Behethland Foot Butler Revolutionary War Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Brian Scott, October 18, 2008
8. Behethland Foot Butler Revolutionary War Marker
Revolutionary Heroine
Born 1764 Died 1852
Behethland Butler
Erected by
Behethland Butler Chapter
Daughters of the American
Revolution
from South Carolina; born in Edgefield, S.C., November 18, 1796; attended Doctor Waddell’s Academy at Willington, Abbeville County, S.C., and graduated from South Carolina College (now the University of South Carolina) at Columbia in 1817; studied law; admitted to the bar in 1818 and practiced in Columbia, Edgefield, Lexington, Barnwell, and Newberry; member, State house of representatives; member, State senate 1824-1833; aide on the staff of the Governor 1824; appointed judge of the session court in 1833; judge of the State court of common pleas 1835-1846; appointed and subsequently elected as a States Rights Democrat to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of George McDuffie; reelected in 1848 and again in 1854 as a Democrat and served from December 4, 1846, until his death near Edgefield, S.C., May 25, 1857; chairman, Committee on Judiciary (Thirtieth through Thirty-fifth Congress); interment in Big Creek Butler Churchyard, Edgefield, S.C. (Source: Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress.)
    — Submitted December 26, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.
 
Andrew Pickens Butler (1796–1857) image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Brian Scott
9. Andrew Pickens Butler (1796–1857)
SC House of Rep 1818-1824
SC Senate 1824-1836
US Senator from SC 1846–1857
Andrew Pickens Butler Tombstone image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Brian Scott, October 18, 2008
10. Andrew Pickens Butler Tombstone
Here Lies Buried
The budy of
Andrew Pickens Butler
He was of very noble nature,
of high endowments
of lofty moral qualities.
As a judge, the Judicial Records
of the State show his abilities.
In the Senate of the United States
that illustrious body was
illustrated by his career.
In all that he said and did
there was a dash of genius
and heroism.
His fire seemed to be passed on
a high stage pf Public Dalies,
but his heart was always
amidst tender and gentle affections.
He was prompt to weep with
those who wept, he was equally
ready to rejoice with those
who were in joy.
His death, elicited lamentations
made of Public Expression
to the of his intimacies.
It spread the deepest of affections. Born 18th Nov 1796.
Died 25th May 1857.
Pierce Mason Butler (1798 – August 20, 1847 image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Brian Scott, circa 1840
11. Pierce Mason Butler (1798 – August 20, 1847
Governor of South Carolina
1842-1844
He was killed while seving as Colonel of the Palmetto Regiment at the Battle of Churubusco during the Mexican-American War.
Pierce Mason Butler Tombstone image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Brian Scott, October 18, 2008
12. Pierce Mason Butler Tombstone
Lieut. Col. Leontine Butler image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Brian Scott, October 18, 2008
13. Lieut. Col. Leontine Butler
Here
lie the remains of
Lieut. Col. Leontine Butler
Yougest Son of
Gen. Wm. Butler
who died Sept. 9th 1827, in the 26th year of
his age.
He was a warm hearted and
affectional man.
----------
As a testimony of love,
this piece of marble is placed
over his remains
by his Mother.
Col. Frank Butler Tombstone image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Brian Scott, October 18, 2008
14. Col. Frank Butler Tombstone
Sacred
To
the memory of
Colonel Frank Butler
who died the 9th of August
A.D. 1827
in the 34th year of his age.
He was a man of strong
and enthusiastic feelings;
an ardent and devoted friend;
an open and fearless enemy;
an active and zealous officer;
public spirited and useful citizen.
He loved and respected his wife
and was an affectionate and
attentive father to his children;
for whose welfare and honour
be felt and expressed in honorable
solicitude.
This piece of marble is placed
over the remains by his
children.
William M. Butler Tombstone image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Brian Scott, October 18, 2008
15. William M. Butler Tombstone
Sacred
to
the Memory of
William M. Butler
Son of William and
Jane T. Butler,
who died February 26th
1822,
aged ten months and
six days. In love for their dear
child, his parents place this
piece of marble over him.
Major General William Butler Tombstone image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Brian Scott, October 18, 2008
16. Major General William Butler Tombstone
Here
is deposited the body of
Major General William Butler
who died November 15th 1821, in
the 63rd year of his age;
loved and venerated by his family,
respected by his family,
and honoured by his countrymen.
As a tribute of love, veneration, and
gratitude this marble is placed
over him by his family.
Major James Butler image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Brian Scott, October 18, 2008
17. Major James Butler
Sacred
to the memory of
Major James Butler
who died the 14th day of October 1821 in
the 57th year of his age.
He was a warm hearted man, a public
spirited citizen and a loving husband.
In his intercourse with society,
he was artless and unguarded;
"conscious of no design himself,
he suspected none in others."
As a testimony of respect to his memory
this piece of marble is placed over his remains
by his widow, his mother,
brothers and sister.
George Butler Tombstone image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Brian Scott, October 18, 2008
18. George Butler Tombstone
Here
is deposited
the body of
George Butler
Attorney of Law, who died
September 19th 1821 in the 35th
year of his age.
He was the fond son, the affectionate
brother, sincere friend, independent
man, and firm soldier. As a tribute of
love, affection, and respect to his memory
this marble is placed over him by his
mother, brothers and sisters.
Major William Moore Tombstone image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Brian Scott, October 18, 2008
19. Major William Moore Tombstone
Sacred
To the Memory of
Major William Moore
who died the 23rd day of
November 1818, in the 53rd
year of his age. He was a frank
and independent man, an
unostentatious and sincere friend,
a fond and devoted brother, and
a kind and kind and generous uncle.
He lived much respected, and
died without reproach. This is
placed over his remains as a
tribute of respect to his memory,
by his sister Behethland Butler
and her children.
Louise Adeline Butler Tombstone image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Brian Scott, October 18, 2008
20. Louise Adeline Butler Tombstone
Sacred
To
the memory of
Mrs. Louisa Adaline Butler
wife of
Colonel Frank Butler,
who died the 6th of May
A.D. 1826
in the 29th year of her age.
Esteemed by her friends
and loved by her family,
she was an intelligent woman
of amiable manner
and gentle disposition.
She understood and properly
appreciated the duties of
the serious relations
in which she was placed.
As a neighbor she was kind & sociable;
as a mother fond and attentive to the
instruction of her children,
and devoted to her husband.
As a tribute of love
that is placed over her remains
by her husband.
Butler Methodist Church Cemetery image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Brian Scott, October 18, 2008
21. Butler Methodist Church Cemetery
From the National Register nomination form: "In both appearance and atmosphere, the old graveyard communicates the sense of being hallowed ground. There is a feeling of tranquility, dignity, and antiquity that effectively separates the historic burial place from the newer cemetery which has grown up between it and what was originally the Butler home site, now occupied by the church."
Butler Methodist Church Cemetery image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Brian Scott, October 18, 2008
22. Butler Methodist Church Cemetery
Surrounded on three sides by dairy farms, the Butler cemetery is one of the most picturesque I've ever seen. From atop the hill where it sits, one can see the rolling pasture lands to the north, dotted by herds of grazing cattle.
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 25, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 4,273 times since then and 32 times this year. Last updated on March 18, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. Photos:   1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22. submitted on October 25, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.

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Mar. 19, 2024