William Orlando Butler

William Orlando Butler
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Kentucky's 13th district
In office March 4, 1839 – March 3, 1843
Preceded by	William W. Southgate
Succeeded by	District eliminated
Member of the Kentucky House of Representatives
In office 1817-1818
Personal details
Born	April 19, 1791 Jessamine County, Kentucky, U.S.
Died	August 6, 1880 (aged 89) Carrollton, Kentucky, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Profession	Politician, Lawyer

William Orlando Butler (April 19, 1791 – August 6, 1880) was a U.S. political figure and U.S. Army major general from Kentucky. He served as a Democratic congressman from Kentucky from 1839 to 1843, and was the Democratic vice-presidential nominee under Lewis Cass in 1848.

Butler was born in Jessamine County, Kentucky (then Fayette County), and graduated from Transylvania University in 1812. He began the study of with Robert Wickliffe, but his education was interrupted by the War of 1812.

When the War of 1812 began, Butler volunteered as a private to fight the British and the Indians. He took part in the Battle of the River Raisin. During the battle, Butler and fellow soldiers defended themselves behind a fencerow. The Indians poured such an intense fire on the fencerow that when it was over Butler found that his clothes were riddled with bullets.

The Indians captured Butler and sent him to Fort Niagara where he remained until the British freed him on parole. He returned to Kentucky only to join the American forces that met the British and Indians at the Battle of the Thames in 1813. During the battle, Butler volunteered to set a barn on fire where the enemy had taken shelter. He successfully did so and received the rank of colonel for his bravery. Butler and his men were sent to New Orleans to assist Andrew Jackson in the city's defense. He distinguished himself during the Battle of New Orleans. Among the men under his command was future Florida governor Richard Keith Call, who would remain lifelong friends with Butler.

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