John J. Pettus

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John J. Pettus (October 9, 1813-1867) was a United States politician. A member of the Democratic party, he was Governor of the state of Mississippi from January 5, 1854 to January 10, 1854, and later was elected to a full term, from 21 November 1859 - 16 November 1863. He was known as "the Mississippi Fire-eater" because he once said that he would rather eat fire than sit down with Yankees.

Preceded by
Henry S. Foote
Governor of Mississippi
1854
Succeeded by
John J. McRae
Preceded by
William McWillie
Governor of Mississippi
1859-1863
Succeeded by
Charles Clark