The Life and Diary of John Floyd is more historically important than it might first appear. Floyd, born in Kentucky at the close of the Revolution, moved back to Virginia. He became a physician and served the people of Montgomery County, Virginia. Born well connected, he married into an even more influential family. He was elected to the Congress of the United States, and later Governor of Virginia. He was involved in securing Oregon for the United States while in Congress. He was governor of Virginia during the Nat Turner revolt in 1831, and was commended at the time for how he dealt with the crisis. He was a leader of the anti-Jacksonians, precursor of the Whig Party. He was a candidate for President of the United States in 1832, and won the electoral votes of South Carolina. New Index by Jeffrey C. Weaver.
