Button Gwinnett
Button Gwinnett, most well-known for his expensive autograph, was an influential Savannahian. Not only is he an American founding father, but he was heavily involved in Georgia as well. He even served as governor for a few weeks before his untimely death. He is remembered in Colonial Park Cemetery in Savannah and has a county named after him just outside suburban Atlanta.
Early Life
Gwinnett was born in Gloucestershire, England, around 1735. He married Anne Bourne before immigrating to Savannah, Georgia, around the 1760s. They would have three children together.
Gwinnett wore many hats during his short life. He was a merchant traveling from Newfoundland to Jamaica before attempting to become a planter outside of Savannah. Purchasing St. Catherine’s Island and enslaved people, he tried to make a go of it but was unsuccessful. Once he became involved in politics, he found his niche.
Politics
Button Gwinnett had strong opinions against the prominent Whigs in Savannah, which gave him notoriety. He later had to soften his stance when he became commander of Georgia’s Patriot forces. He was actively involved in Savannah politics and served in many committees championing separation from England. He served in the Georgia state legislature, drafted the state of Georgia’s first State Constitution, became Speaker of the Georgia Assembly, and finally was elevated to Governor of Georgia – the last title he would hold.
His biggest claim to fame was signing the Declaration of Independence. He was one of three Savannahians to claim this honor.
Rivals and Death
Unfortunately, political opponents and military mistakes led to his downfalls. Gwinnett had many public fights with his political opponent, General McIntosh. McIntosh was unsurprisingly a city Whig.
But the problem escalated when he sent McIntosh to secure the southern Georgia border with Flordia. A disagreement had broken out between the two men about the battle plan and who would lead it. Following the death of the previous leader, Gwinnett was elected governor of Georgia and sent McIntosh. The attack was a disaster, and the men blamed each other. McIntosh wrote scathingly of Gwinnett, calling him “a scoundrel and lying rascal.” Gwinnett then challenged the McIntosh to a duel.
During the fight, both men were shot, but Gwinnett suffered more severe injuries. He died three days later, on May 19, 1977, due to gangrene.
Fame
Button Gwinnett was buried in Colonial Part Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia.
The cemetery is well worth a visit on your trip to Savannah. The oldest grave dates to 1750, and many prominent Savannahian historical figures were laid to rest here. In addition to Gwinnett’s historical marker, you’ll find memorials for yellow fever victims as well.
Gwinnett is the most famous person in the cemetery, primarily due to his signature. One of the most expensive signatures in the world and the priciest American one. This is because there are only 51 samples of his autograph. As one of 56 signatures of the Declaration of Independence, his written name is highly sought after by collectors. Its value is upwards of $800,000, just behind the likes of William Shakespeare and Julius Caesar.
