DeLancey Floyd-Jones facts for kids

DeLancey Floyd-Jones (born January 20, 1826 – died January 19, 1902) was a dedicated officer in the United States Army. He served in two major conflicts: the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War. He also spent time working on the frontier in the Old West.

Becoming a Soldier

DeLancey Floyd-Jones was born in South Oyster Bay, New York. He went to the United States Military Academy at West Point, a famous school for training army officers. He graduated in 1846.

Right after he graduated, the Mexican–American War began. He joined the 7th U.S. Infantry as a second lieutenant. Later, he moved to the 4th U.S. Infantry. He fought in important battles like the Siege of Veracruz, the Battle of Molino del Rey, and the Battle for Mexico City. For his brave actions at Molino del Rey, he was given a special honor and promoted to first lieutenant in 1847.

After the war, Floyd-Jones was stationed in Detroit, Michigan, and then helped recruit new soldiers. He also served in California and Oregon. During the Yakima War, he was at Fort Vancouver and Fort Steilacoom in the Washington Territory. In 1854, he was promoted to captain.

Fighting in the Civil War

When the American Civil War started, Floyd-Jones was promoted to major in the 11th U.S. Infantry in 1861. He was sent to the Eastern part of the war.

In 1862, he led the 11th Infantry during the Peninsula Campaign in Virginia. His unit fought in battles like Yorktown, Gaines Mill, and Battle of Malvern Hill. He was honored again and promoted to lieutenant colonel for his brave service during this campaign.

He also served in the Northern Virginia campaign and the Maryland Campaign. His regiment was involved in the Second Battle of Bull Run and the Battle of Antietam.

Floyd-Jones continued to fight in the Rappahannock Campaign and the Mud March. He then saw action at the Battle of Chancellorsville. At the famous Battle of Gettysburg, he led his soldiers into a tough fight near the Wheatfield, where his unit faced many losses. For his bravery at Gettysburg, he was promoted to colonel in July 1863.

Later in 1863, he became a lieutenant colonel of the 19th U.S. Infantry. He helped oversee recruitment at Fort Independence in Massachusetts. He then took command of the defenses around Boston Harbor until 1865. In March 1865, he was given the rank of brigadier general.

After the War

After the Civil War ended, Floyd-Jones held various important positions. He commanded Newport Barracks in Kentucky and the occupation forces in Little Rock, Arkansas. He also served as an Inspector General and Judge Advocate.

He commanded Fort Smith, Arkansas and Fort Gibson in the Indian Territory. In 1867, he was promoted to colonel and assigned to the 6th U.S. Infantry. He also worked as the Superintendent of Indian Affairs in Idaho Territory. Later, he commanded several other forts and garrisons across the country, including Fort Dodge and Jackson Barracks in New Orleans, Louisiana. In 1871, he was assigned to the 3rd U.S. Infantry. He retired from the army in 1879.

Personal Life and Travels

DeLancey Floyd-Jones was one of several children of State Senator Henry Floyd-Jones. He was married twice. His first wife, Laura Jane Whitney, passed away shortly after their wedding. He later married Minnie Oglesby.

After retiring from the army, Floyd-Jones loved to travel the world. He wrote many letters home about his journeys. These letters were often published in local newspapers in New York. He even wrote a book about his travels to India, China, and Japan called Letters From The Far East.

In 1896, he founded and built the first free library on the south shore of Long Island, called the Delancey Floyd-Jones Free Library. He even donated his own books to start it.

He was also very active in several social and military groups. He helped establish The Aztec Club of 1847 and later became its president. He was also a member of the South Side Sportsman's Club and the Sons of the Revolution.

His last name, Floyd-Jones, has an interesting history. It came from a family agreement in 1757 to combine the names "Floyd" and "Jones."

DeLancey Floyd-Jones was related to several famous historical figures. These included William Floyd and Philip Livingston, who both signed the Declaration of Independence. He was also related to writer James Fenimore Cooper, inventor John Loudon McAdam, politician Daniel Webster, Governor DeWitt Clinton of New York, and author Edith Wharton.