David Butler (politician)
David Christy Butler (born December 16, 1829 in Bloomington , Indiana , † May 25, 1891 in Pawnee City , Nebraska ) was an American politician and between 1867 and 1871 the first governor of Nebraska. To date, he is the only governor of this state who has been removed from office.
Early years and political advancement
David Butler attended local schools in his home country. In 1859, he moved to Pawnee City, Nebraska , where he was involved in ranching and handicrafts. From 1861 he was politically active. That year he was elected to the territory's parliament. In 1864 he was a member of the government council. After the territory's accession to the United States became apparent in 1866 and a constitution had been drawn up, the first regular gubernatorial elections were held.
Governor of Nebraska
David Butler was nominated by the Republican Party for this office and prevailed with 50:49 percent of the vote against the Territorial Governor Julius Sterling Morton . In the years 1868 and 1870 he was confirmed in his office. Railroad construction was promoted in Nebraska during his reign. Other measures to improve the infrastructure have also been taken. The first state university in the new state and an agricultural school were established. In addition, the capital was moved from Omaha to Lincoln . Shortly after the start of his third term in office in the spring of 1871, voices were heard accusing the governor of misappropriating state funds. The Supreme Court then suspended the governor from office until the case was resolved. After he was found guilty on this point, Butler had to finally give up his office on June 2, 1871.
Another résumé
In 1882 he served in the Nebraska Senate for a term . That only became possible after his offense was deleted from the files in 1877. After that, Butler withdrew into private life. He died on May 25, 1891 and was buried in Pawnee City. David Butler was married twice and had a total of eight children.
The Butler County , Nebraska is named after him.
Web links
- Butler in the National Governors Association (English)
- David Butler in the database of Find a Grave (English)
personal data | |
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SURNAME | Butler, David |
ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Butler, David Christy (full name) |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American politician |
DATE OF BIRTH | December 16, 1829 |
PLACE OF BIRTH | near Bloomington , Indiana |
DATE OF DEATH | May 25, 1891 |
Place of death | Pawnee City , Nebraska |