Woodhull Grave
Here’s a detailed account of Nathaniel Woodhull's life and legacy:
🧬 Early Life & Family Background
Born December 30, 1722, in Mastic, Suffolk County, Province of New York. He was the son of Nathaniel Woodhull Sr. and Sarah Smith Woodhull, part of a well-established New York family dating back to the mid-17th century
Following family tradition, he managed considerable farmland and inherited substantial landholdings in Mastic
Military Service During the French & Indian War
In 1758, at age 36, Woodhull joined the New York provincial forces as a major, participating in key battles including Carillon (Ticonderoga) under General Abercromby and Fort Frontenac under General Bradstreet
By 1760, he had risen to colonel of the 3rd Regiment of New York Provincials, contributing to the invasion of Canada under General Amherst
Political Career & Colonial Leadership
After the war, he returned to farming but remained active in Suffolk County civic life. In 1761, he married Ruth Floyd, sister of Declaration signer William Floyd
As opposition to British imperial taxation grew, he was elected to the New York Assembly representing Suffolk County, serving from 1769 to 1775, where he vocally opposed Crown policies
Played a key role in selecting delegates for the First Continental Congress and served in the New York Provincial Congress. In August 1775, he was chosen as president of the Provincial Congress, overseeing militia reorganization
Revolutionary War Involvement & Capture
In October 1775, Woodhull was appointed Brigadier General of the Suffolk and Queens County militia
On August 28, 1776, during preparations to drive livestock eastward ahead of the British advance, he sought shelter in a tavern near Jamaica (now Hollis, Queens). He was subsequently captured by Fraser’s Highlanders
When ordered to utter “God save the King,” he famously replied, “God save us all,” only to be assaulted, suffering severe wounds to his head and arm
Imprisonment & Death
Initially held at Old Stone Church in Jamaica and later aboard a prison ship in Wallabout Bay, Woodhull’s wounds became infected
He was eventually transferred to a house in New Utrecht, Brooklyn, where his arm was amputated in a last-ditch effort to save him
His wife Ruth was able to care for him, but he succumbed to gangrene, dying on September 20, 1776, at age 53
Legacy & Memorials
Nathaniel Woodhull remains a celebrated figure of early American patriotism. His leadership—both in militia service and public office—his principled stand against British authority, and his tragic death as a prisoner exemplify the risks and sacrifices of the Revolutionary era. Woodhull's memory continues to be honored across Long Island and the broader New York region.
