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Birth: December 17, 1734
Death: August 4, 1821 (age 86)
Colony: New York
Occupation: Farmer, Soldier, Politician
Significance: Signed The Declaration of Independence (at the age of 41); served as a Congressman
William Floyd was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Born in New York, Floyd managed his family's farm before getting involved in the dispute between Great Britain and the American Colonies. Floyd was selected to represent New York in 1774 in the First Continental Congress which met in Philadelphia. The following year, Floyd was once again selected to represent New York and served in the Second Continental Congress. Floyd did not vote for Independence since the New York delegation was unsure of their instructions from their home state. But when the confusion was resolved, Floyd signed The Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776.
Floyd left the Continental Congress in late 1776 and served in the New York Militia during the Revolutionary War, attaining the rank of Major General. Floyd also served in the New York Senate during the Revolutionary War. After the United States Constitution went into effect, Floyd was elected to the 1st United States Congress where he served one term in office.
William Floyd in Philadelphia
Floyd arrived in Philadelphia as a Delegate to the First Continental Congress which met at Carpenters' Hall in September 1774. Floyd returned to Philadelphia the following year in 1775 as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress. While serving as a member of the Second Continental Congress, Floyd worked at Independence Hall, and he signed The Declaration of Independence.
A plaque commemorating Floyd for signing The Declaration of Independence can be found on Signers' Walk on the 600 block of Chestnut Street (between 5th and 6th Streets). When the United States Capital moved to Philadelphia in 1790, Floyd moved to Philadelphia again to serve in Congress. During this time, Floyd worked in Congress Hall until he finished his term in 1791.
