Butlers in American History [Quiz]

Explanation: Richard Butler is believed to be the first Butler family member to step foot on American soil in 1584​​.

Explanation: Thomas Ambrose Butler, dubbed “The Poet Priest of the West,” was renowned for his writings on Irish immigration and his efforts to support Irish immigrants in America. He played a significant role in establishing an Irish colony in Butler City, Kansas, to provide a safe haven for Irish immigrants facing hardships.

Explanation: In 1621, Captain Nathaniel Butler introduced the potato to North America during his time in Jamestown, Virginia​​.

Explanation: Pierce Butler, born in County Carlow, Ireland, signed the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787, representing the state of South Carolina​​.

Explanation: Thomas Butler was known for his attachment to his hair, which he wore in a fashionable queue. Despite orders banning the queue as an acceptable military hairstyle, Thomas refused to cut his hair, leading to a court-martial for insubordination and mutinous conduct.

Explanation: Captain James Butler and his son, James Butler Jr., were killed at Cloud’s Creek, South Carolina, in an encounter with a band of Tories led by William “Bloody Bill” Cunningham.

Explanation: Richard Butler, an avid art collector and founder of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, played a significant role in the museum’s growth and success. As a trustee, he helped the Met become the largest art museum in the Western Hemisphere. Additionally, Butler was instrumental in the fundraising efforts for the Statue of Liberty’s pedestal, serving as secretary of the American Committee for the Statue of Liberty. 

Explanation: New York had the highest number of Union Butlers during the Civil War, with a total of 549 individuals from the Butler family enlisting to fight for the Union.

Explanation: The highest-ranking Confederate Butler during the Civil War was Major General Matthew Calbraith Butler. Serving in the Confederate Army, he was noted for his leadership and bravery, despite losing his right foot at the Battle of Brandy Station. After the war, he continued to serve his country, becoming a U.S. Senator and later a major general in the United States Army during the Spanish-American War​​.

Explanation: In 1848, William Orlando Butler ran for vice president of the United States as a Democrat, alongside presidential candidate Lewis Cass. They lost to Whig candidates Zachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore. Butler is associated with several geographic locations named after him, including Butler County, Iowa, and Butler, Kentucky.

Explanation: John Butler, an American Loyalist, led Butler’s Rangers during the American Revolutionary War. The Rangers operated primarily in New York and Pennsylvania, extending their campaigns as far west as Ohio and Michigan, and as far south as Virginia and Kentucky. Butler’s Rangers were based at Fort Niagara, with additional units stationed at Detroit.

Explanation: Marquis de Lafayette made the statement, “When I wanted a thing done well, I had a Butler do it,” in reference to the Butler family, known as “The Fighting Butlers.” Thomas Butler, a gunsmith from Ireland, had five sons—Richard, William, Thomas, Percival, and Edward—who served as senior officers in the Continental Army.

Explanation: In 1854, Andrew Butler co-authored the Kansas-Nebraska Act with Stephen Douglas, allowing the creation of the territories of Kansas and Nebraska and influencing the debate over slavery​​.

Explanation: In South Carolina, multiple generations of the Butler family established a prominent political dynasty. The family’s political influence began with Captain James Butler, who moved to the Ninety-Six District before the Revolutionary War.

Explanation: Frank Butler, husband of famed sharpshooter Annie Oakley, was a wild west variety show performer. When his shooting partner fell ill before a show, Frank asked Annie to assist him, leading to her becoming a shooting sensation. Frank managed Annie’s career as her fame grew, stepping out of the spotlight to support her success. Their partnership lasted over 50 years, with Frank playing a crucial role in promoting Annie and handling logistics and finances for their performances.

Explanation: Asteroid 13543 Butler was named by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to honor John Christopher (“Chris”) Butler. Chris Butler is an artist, educator, and performer specializing in astronomy and maritime subjects. Known as the “stand-up comedian of the scientific world,” his contributions include scientific illustrations, museum exhibits, and live planetarium lectures, reflecting his unique blend of humor and scientific knowledge.

Explanation: Dr. John O. Butler, a dentist and periodontist, founded the John O. Butler Company and revolutionized the dental industry with innovative products. He created the first colored toothbrush handles, which were important because they allowed each family member to easily identify their own toothbrush, promoting better oral hygiene and reducing the risk of sharing toothbrushes​​.

Explanation: Smedley Butler, known as “Old Gimlet Eye,” was the most decorated Marine in U.S. history by the time of his death in 1940. He received 16 medals, including two Medals of Honor for separate acts of heroism, making him one of only 19 men to receive this prestigious award twice.

Explanation: Major General Benjamin Franklin Butler, a Union Army officer during the Civil War, played a pivotal role in leading the impeachment of President Andrew Johnson. As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Reconstruction, he was instrumental in passing significant civil rights legislation, including the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871 and the Civil Rights Act of 1875​​.

Explanation: Ovid Butler founded Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, originally established as North Western Christian University in 1855. As an attorney, newspaper publisher, and abolitionist, Ovid Butler envisioned a university that would reflect his Christian values and commitment to education. The institution was renamed Butler University in 1877 in his honor, becoming one of the first universities in the United States to admit both men and women​​.