Elias Dayton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elias Dayton
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Brigadier General Elias Dayton (Ellen Sharples, c.1809)
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| Born | May 1, 1737 |
| Died | October 22, 1807 (aged 70) |
| Known for | Served in the French and Indian War, Pontiac's War and the American Revolution. Served on the New Jersey General Assembly. |
| Children | Jonathan Dayton, Elias Bayley Dayton |
Elias Dayton (born May 1, 1737 – died October 22, 1807) was an important person from New Jersey. He was a merchant and a brave soldier. Elias Dayton started as a captain and colonel in the local army, called the militia. By 1783, he became a brigadier general during the American Revolutionary War. After the war, he served as the Mayor of Elizabethtown, New Jersey. He also worked in the New Jersey General Assembly. Elias Dayton was the father of Jonathan Dayton, who signed the U.S. Constitution.
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Elias Dayton's Early Life and Family
Elias Dayton was born in Elizabeth, Union County, New Jersey. This was on May 1, 1737. In 1757, he married Hannah Rolfe. They had two sons. Their first son was Jonathan Dayton (1760-1824). Jonathan later became the youngest person to sign the U.S. Constitution. Their second son was Elias Bayley Dayton (1764-1846).
Elias Dayton's Military and Political Career
Elias Dayton had a long and active career. He was a soldier, a merchant, and a leader in his community.
Serving in Early American Wars
During the French and Indian War, Elias Dayton was a soldier. He first served as a lieutenant. Later, he became a captain in the New Jersey militia. The militia was a group of citizens trained as soldiers.
In 1760, he served as a commander during Pontiac's War. This war involved Native American tribes. He was in charge of troops in the Detroit area. After these wars, Dayton went back to Elizabethtown, New Jersey. There, he worked as a mechanic and a merchant. He also became a colonial official.
Joining the American Revolution
In 1774, the First Continental Congress asked the colonies to resist new taxes. These taxes came from the British Parliament. The colonies were asked to join an association. This group would stop buying goods from Britain. Elias Dayton supported this revolutionary movement. He joined Elizabethtown's committee to make sure people followed the boycott.
When New Jersey turned against the British Royal Governor, William Franklin, in 1775, Dayton was chosen as a leader. The New Jersey's Provincial Congress picked him to lead the 3rd New Jersey Regiment. In July 1775, he and William Alexander, Lord Stirling, led militia forces. They captured a British transport ship near Elizabethtown.
In the spring of 1776, Colonel Dayton and his 3rd New Jersey troops were sent to support an invasion of Canada. His young son, Jonathan, was also with him. Jonathan became the regiment's paymaster later that year. However, their mission changed. They were sent to New York's Mohawk Valley. There, Colonel Dayton built forts to protect colonists. These forts guarded against British Loyalists and Native American uprisings. He built Fort Dayton in what is now Herkimer, New York. He also helped rebuild Fort Schuyler. This fort was once Fort Stanwix.
Spy Network and Key Battles
In 1777, Elias Dayton set up a spy network for George Washington. This network operated on Staten Island. It worked alongside another American intelligence agent, John Mersereau.
In December 1778, New Jersey chose Dayton as a delegate. He was to go to the Continental Congress. However, he stayed with the army instead. He helped stop a mutiny (a rebellion by soldiers) of the New Jersey line in 1781. In 1783, he was promoted to brigadier general in the Continental Army. Later, he became a major general of the militia.
Dayton played a big part in several important battles. These included the battles of Springfield, Monmouth, Brandywine, and Yorktown. He was so close to the fighting that horses were shot from under him. This happened at Germantown (near Philadelphia), at Springfield, and at Crosswick's Bridge.
Post-War Leadership
After the war, Dayton helped create The Society of the Cincinnati in New Jersey. This was a group for officers who fought in the Revolution. He was the President of the New Jersey Society until he died. He also served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 1791–1792 and again from 1794–1796. From 1796 to 1805, he was the mayor of Elizabethtown.
Death and Legacy
Elias Dayton passed away at the age of 70. He was buried at the First Presbyterian Churchyard in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The city of Dayton, Ohio was later named after his son, Jonathan Dayton.
