| Notes |
- Christy Vandekieft Gibson at WorlConnect writes:
William Floyd was born on December 17, 1734 at [Mastic], Brookhaven, Long Island, New York. His father was Nicoll Floyd, a rich and respectable landholder who was descended from a long line of Welsh farmers that stretched back into the early seventeenth century. His studies were limited to a few of the useful branches of knowledge, and these were left unfinished, due to the death his father while Floyd was young. His father left him heir to a large estate and he rose to the rank of major general in the militia. His wealth enabled him to be hospitable and he opened his doors to an extensive circle of connections and acquaintances, which included many intelligent and distinguished families. Floyd's mind, by the communication which he enjoyed with those who were enlightened, became stored with rich and varied knowledge.
During the early part of his life, he engaged in the cultivation of his estate and took no active part in political affairs. He did however, being a strong Congregationalist, embrace warmly the cause of independence when the Revolution began.He was a friend to the people; and he entered into every measure that seemed calculated to ensure them their just rights. These sentiments on his part motivated a mutual confidence on the part of the people, and led to his appointment as a delegate from New York to the first Continental Congress, which met in Philadelphia on September 5, 1774.
In the following year, he was again elected a delegate to congress, and continued a member of that body until 1782. Floyd assisted in dissolving the political bonds, which had tied the colonies to the British government, recognizing that they had suffered numerous oppressions for years. He served on many important committees, and by his loyalty provided indispensable service to the patriotic cause. Though he was a man who preferred hunting to politics, in his political career, there was much to admire. He was consistent and independent. He displayed great candor and sincerity to those who where different from himself. His integrity was so well known, that his motives were rarely, if ever, questioned. He seldom took part in the public discussion of a subject, his views were his own, and his opinions the result of reason and reflection.
Floyd served in various state positions, including state senator and he had one term in the United States Congress. He continued to participate in public affairs and was an early and warm supporter of Jefferson. He was not a speaker, writer nor a orator, but in the work of the different bodies in which he served, he was noted for his sound advice and unflagging labor and his thorough knowledge of the business before him. He was eminently a practical man and few men were more respected.
Floyd was twice married, first to Hannah Jones of Southampton, and after her death in 1781, to Joanna Strong of Setauket. He had five children altogether and his daughter Catherine, also known as Kitty, was once engaged to James Madison.
Floyd suffered severely, like many of his fellow patriots, the destructive effect of the war upon his property and the serious inconveniences put upon his family. While Floyd was at Philadelphia, the American troops evacuated Long Island and it was taken possession of by the British army. His family was obliged to flee for safety to Connecticut. His house was occupied by a company of British horsemen, which made it their meeting place during the remainder of the war. For nearly seven years, Floyd and his family were refugees from their home and he was often in great straits, having nothing but his pay as a delegate in congress to support himself and his family.
In 1784, he purchased an uninhabited tract of land on the Mohawk River. He devoted several successive summers to its clearing. Under his skilful management, and persistent labors a considerable portion of the tract was converted into a well cultivated farm. He moved his family and made his home there in 1803. Although he was in his fifties when he undertook this project, his bodily strength and activity were much greater than many who were years younger. He enjoyed unusual good health and his mind was unimpaired to the end of his life. A year or two before his death, he appeared to be affected with a general weakness, which continuing to increase, the lamp of his life was at length extinguished. He died on August 4, 1821, and when he had attained to the extraordinary age of eighty-seven years.
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1734 - 1821 (86 years)
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