Robert Butler

Background

Robert Butler was born in 1786.

Career

He was a graduate of West Point and later served with distinction in the War of 1812. He served in the Battle of New Orleans as Jackson"s adjutant. Later, as the representative of Jackson, he received the surrender of East Florida at Saint Augustine, from the Spanish governor, José María Coppinger.

He was named acting Governor of East Florida on 10 July 1821.

But he was in charge for only two days, until the arrival of John R. Bell. He was later appointed as the first surveyor general of the territory of Florida and settled on a plantation near Lake Jackson located to the north of Tallahassee.

Robert Butler died in 1860. He is the namesake of the city of Lake Butler, Florida.

Achievements

• In his youth, he joined the United States. Army, attaining the ranks of colonel and commander.