William Floyd

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William Floyd in a 1792 portrait
William Floyd in a 1792 portrait
Floyd's signature
Floyd's signature

William Floyd (December 17, 1734 - August 4, 1821), was a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence as a representative of New York.

He was born in Brookhaven, Long Island, New York, and took over the family farm when his father died. He was a member of the Suffolk County Militia in the early stages of the American Revolutionary War, becoming Major General. He was chosen to represent New York in the First Continental Congress in 1774 - 1776. In 1789 he was elected to the U.S. Congress under the new Constitution as an Anti-Administration candidate and served from March 4, 1789 to March 3, 1791. He returned to the New York State Senate in 1808.

[edit] In honor

There are several places and institutions named after William Floyd, they include:

  • the town of Floyd in Oneida County. General Floyd moved into the present day hamlet of Westernville, Oneida County before his death. His final resting place in the Westernville cemetery is marked with a simple stone plaque.

Among his descendants are cinematographer Floyd Crosby and rock singer David Crosby. A second cousin twice removed was Abraham Lincoln.

[edit] External links


Preceded by
(none)
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New York's 1st congressional district

1789 – 1791
Succeeded by
Thomas Tredwell


Persondata
NAME Floyd, William
ALTERNATIVE NAMES
SHORT DESCRIPTION American statesman
DATE OF BIRTH December 17, 1734
PLACE OF BIRTH Brookhaven, New York
DATE OF DEATH August 4, 1821
PLACE OF DEATH Westernville, New York