History of Jefferson County West Virginia United States of America

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John Floyd, governor of Virginia, was born in Jefferson county, Va., April 24, 1783; son of Col. John Floyd. He attended Dickinson college and studied medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 1804-06, receiving his M.D. degree in 1806. He settled in Blacksburg, Montgomery county, Va., was made justice of the peace, 1807; major in the state militia, 1808; surgeon in the Virginia line, 1812, and a member of the house of delegates the same year. He was promoted brigadier-general in the state militia and represented his district in the 15th-20th congresses inclusive, 1817-29. He was an advocate of states rights; opposed the administration of John Quincy Adams; advocated the occupation of Oregon in 1820; and the election of Andrew Jackson in 1828. He was governor of Virginia, 1830-34. During his administration he opposed the policy of President Jackson in the threatened nullification measures of South Carolina in 1832 and recommended a convention of the states, but did not justify nullification. He was the same year named by the delegation from South Carolina at the national Democratic convention as the choice of that state for the presidency. He put down the insurrection of 1832 among the slaves led by Gabriel Turner, and caused the execution of the leader. He was married to Letitia, daughter of Col. William Preston, an officer in the Revolutionary army, who was wounded at Guilford Court House, N.C. Governor Floyd died at Sweet Water Springs, Va., Aug. 15, 1837.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

History of Jefferson County West Virginia

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