Button Gwinnett
Button Gwinnett (b. circa 1732-1735 [1] - d. May 19, 1777) was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Gwinnett was president of Georgia's Revolutionary Council of Safety, developed Georgia's Constitution which was ratified. He led a failed invasion of British East Florida. He was killed in a duel with his arch-enemy Colonel Lachlan McIntosh.
| Founding Fathers | |
|---|---|
| |
| Button Gwinnett | |
| State | Georgia |
| Religion | Christian- Episcopalian; Congregationalist [2] |
| Founding Documents | Declaration of Independence Georgia's Constitution |
Early Life
Button Gwinnett was born in England. Not much was said of his childhood though as a young man he became a merchant. Some time after his marriage in England, he moved to Charleston, South Carolina and became a landowner in Georgia. Gwinnett staked his personal fortune in the welfare of the colonies.
Politics
Button Gwinnett's first foray into government was his election victory for Commons House of Assembly in 1769. In 1776, he was elected by the general assembly congress in Savannah, Georgia. [3] Also in 1776, he was appointed commander of Georgia's continental militia. This action was hotly contested by Colonel Lackland M'Intosh, brigadier general of the continental brigade. Subsequently, Gwinnett resigned and represented the Continental Congress, signing the Declaration. When he returned home, Gwinnett was elected president in Georgia. Once again, he took control of the continental militia and the rivalry with M'Intosh ensued. With the assumption of great power, he relieved General M'Intosh of his troops. Gwinnett led an expedition force against British East Florida. His actions failed miserably and it was thwarted by none Lachlan McIntosh and his brother George. Gwinnett was charged with malfeasance but acquitted. Subsequently the public soured on him, Gwinnett would lose election for Governor.
Death
As fate would have it, a dual over personal honor was proposed outside of Savanna. On May 16, 1777, both men were shot in the dual, only Gwinnett failed recover and he would die three days later.