William Floyd - Born 17th Dec 1734

This road sign signifies the William Floyd Parkway in Suffolk County, New York. William Floyd was one of the signatories of the American Declaration of Independence. He was of Welsh origin. Born on this day in 1734 (Dec 17th), he lived at Mastic Beach now a part of The Fire Island National Seashore.

He was a commander of the militia on Long Island and was elected to represent the State of New York in the Continental congress. His great-grandfather Richard Floyd was born in Breconshire. The family settled in the Province of New York some time in the mid 17th century.

There is some dispute concerning the exact number of persons of Welsh descent who were signatories of the American Declaration of Independence. If one believes the following article the proportion may be as high as 50%. Presidential connection

Here is Charles Goodrich's estimate of his character quoted from "Lives of the Signers to the Declaration of Independence" ( which can be found here and in the Americymru Library here. )

"In his person, General Floyd was of a middle stature. He possessed a natural dignity, which seldom failed to impress those into whose company he was thrown. He appeared to enjoy the pleasures of private life, yet in his manners he was less familiar, and in his disposition less affable, than most men. Few men, however, were more respected. He was eminently a practical man. The projects to which he gave his sanction, or which he attempted, were those which judgment could approve. When his purposes were once formed, he seldom found reason to alter them. His firmness and resolution were not often equaled.

In his political character, there was much to admire. He was uniform and independent. He manifested great candor and sincerity towards those from whom he happened to differ; and such was his well known integrity, that his motives were rarely, if ever, impeached."