John William North was an American soldier and politician.
Background
John William North was born in 1755 at Fort Frederic, Pemaquid, Maine, United States. He was the son of Captain John North and his second wife, Elizabeth Pitson. After his father's death in 1763, William removed with his mother to Boston.
Education
North was educated in Boston.
Career
North began training for a mercantile career. At the outbreak of the Revolution, he desired to accompany Arnold's expedition to Quebec but illness prevented. On May 9, 1776, he was "engaged" as second lieutenant in Colonel Thomas Crafts's train of artillery. Subsequently he served as an officer in various regiments of Massachusetts infantry, including Colonel Henry Jackson's, the 4th, and the 16th. In May 1779 he was appointed aide-de-camp to the Baron von Steuben. This was the beginning of a romantic friendship terminating only with Steuben's death. North accompanied the baron on his campaigns, assisted him in reorganizing the army, was adopted by him as a son, became one of his heirs and executors, erected a monument over his grave, and wrote a biographical sketch of him which was used by Steuben's biographer Friedrich Kapp. After the war North served for a time as inspector of the army with the rank of major.
In 1794, when war with England seemed imminent, he served on a commission to devise measures for strengthening the defenses of the state. He was several times elected to the assembly as a Federalist. In 1795, 1796, and 1810 he was honored with the speakership. Upon the resignation of John Sloss Hobart as United States senator, he was appointed by Governor Jay, during the recess of the legislature, to fill the vacancy.
His experience as a soldier led to his appointment (sometimes as chairman) upon various committees charged with the consideration of military affairs, such as the arming of the militia and the expense of raising a regiment of artillerists and engineers.
By concurrent resolution of March 13-15, 1810, the New York legislature appointed him member of a commission to report upon the feasibility of a canal between Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Hudson River. He entered upon his duties in July, and after study of the project joined the other commissioners in framing a report which helped to pave the way for the building of the Erie Canal.
Achievements
Politics
North voted for the Alien and Sedition laws (though not for the Naturalization Act), for increases in the military and naval establishments, and for suspension of commercial relations with France.
Personality
North was a man of strong prejudices who combined in rare fashion joviality of temper with zeal in the performance of duty.
Connections
On October 14, 1787 North married Mary, daughter of James Duane, mayor of New York City. He acquired an estate in Duanesburg, New York, and was the father of three sons and three daughters.