New York Delegates at the First Meeting
The First Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia on Monday, September 5, 1774. The colonial delegations were introduced in geographical order, from North to South. The New York delegates were the fifth group to introduce themselves and have their letter of introduction read. The delegates who attended the first meeting were:
- James Duane
- John Jay
- Philip Livingston
- Isaac Low
- William Floyd
The New York Letter of Introduction
By duly certifyed polls, taken by proper persons, in seven wards, it appears that James Duane, John Jay, Philip Livingston, Isaac Low, & John Alsop, Esqrs. were elected as Delegates for the City & County of New York, to attend the Congress at Philadelphia, the first day of September next; and at a meeting of the Committees of several districts in the County of West-Chester, the same gentlemen were appointed to represent that County. Also by a Letter from Jacob Lansing, Junr., chairman, in behalf of the Committee for Albany, it appears, that that City & County had adopted the same for their delegates. By another letter,1 it appears, that the Committees from the several districts in the County of Duchess, had likewise adopted the same as delegates to represent that County in Congress, & that Committees of other towns approve of them as their delegates.
By a writing duly attested, it appears, the County of Suffolk, in the Colony of New York, have appointed Colo. William Floyd, to represent them at the Congress.
Biographies
John Alsop
John Alsop was a merchant and politician. As a member of the First Continental Congress, he signed the Articles of Association. He was elected to the Second Continental Congress but resigned because he did not support independence. However, he did support the war effort and returned to Congress.
Simon Boerum
Simon Boerum was a farmer and political. He served in the first Continental Congress and signed the Articles of Association. Boerum returned for the Second Continental Congress but became ill and returned home. He died on July 11, 1775.
James Duane
James Duane was a lawyer, judge, and politician who served in the First Continental Congress, Second Continental Congress, and Confederation Congress. Duane signed the Articles of Confederation and the Articles of Confederation. Although he supported independence, he was not in Philadephia when the document was signed.
William Floyd
William Floyd was a Founding Father and Signer of the Declaration of Independence, as a delegate from New York. He enjoyed a long career in national and local politics and has the distinction of being the only delegate elected by a county to the First Continental Congress.
John Haring
John Haring was a lawyer who served in the First Continental Congress and Confederation Congres. Haring was one of the few members of Congress who did not sign the Articles of Association. He also served in the New York Provincial Congress. In 1780, he attended the execution of John André, the British spy who conspired with Benedict Arnold.
John Jay
John Jay was a Founding Father and the First Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Jay represented New York in the Continental Congress and was an author of the Federalist Papers. He wrote the Constitution of New York and served as Governor from 1795-1801.
Philip Livingston
Philip Livingston was a successful merchant from Albany, New York. He is a Founding Father because he signed the Declaration of Independence and participated in key events that shaped the American Revolution, including the Stamp Act Congress, First Continental Congress, and Second Continental Congress.
Isaac Low
Isaac Low was a merchant and politician. He served in the First Continental Congress and signed the Articles of Association. Afterward, Low opposed the Declaration of Independence and was branded a traitor. He eventually moved to England.
Henry Wisner
Henry Wisner was a miller who served in the First Continental Congress and Second Continental Congress. According to various accounts, Wisner was present when the vote to approve independence and the Declaration of Independence were taken and voted in favor of both. However, he was not present when the delegates signed the Declaration on August 2. Wisner built gunpowder mills to support the Continental Army and also financed defensive works on the Hudson River.
Notes
- John Alsop joined Congress on September 14, 1774.
- Henry Wisner joined Congress on September 14, 1774.
- John Haring joined Congress on September 26, 1774.
- Simon Boerum joined Congress on October 1, 1774.
