Love Story of Revolutionary War Figures Tallmadge and Floyd Endures

Benjamin Tallmadge and Mary Floyd's marriage overcame the turmoil of the American Revolution

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The love story between Mary Floyd and Benjamin Tallmadge is an American tale of romance amidst the uncertainty of the Revolutionary War. Tallmadge, a major in George Washington's army and the leader of the Culper Spy Ring, married Mary Floyd, the daughter of William Floyd, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, in 1784. Their union connected two prominent patriot families and allowed them to build a new life together away from the destruction left by the British occupation of Long Island.

Why it matters

The marriage of Tallmadge and Floyd represents the personal stories and resilience of Americans during the Revolutionary War era. Their love story highlights how individuals navigated the political upheaval to find happiness, even as their hometowns were ravaged by conflict. The Tallmadge-Floyd union also symbolizes the transition from British colonial rule to the establishment of the new American republic.

The details

Benjamin Tallmadge, a major in George Washington's army, used his connections in Setauket and nearby communities to establish the Culper Spy Ring, which provided crucial intelligence to the Continental Army. Meanwhile, Mary Floyd's father, William Floyd, was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. After the British occupied Long Island, the Floyd family fled to Connecticut as fugitives. It was during this time that Mary met Tallmadge, and the two fell in love. They married in 1784, with Tallmadge's father, Reverend Benjamin Tallmadge Sr., presiding over the ceremony. The newlyweds then left Long Island behind to start a new life together in Litchfield, Connecticut.

  • In 1774, William Floyd represented New York at the First Continental Congress.
  • In 1775, Floyd took part in the Second Continental Congress.
  • In 1776, Floyd was one of four New Yorkers who signed the Declaration of Independence.
  • In late August 1776, the Floyd family fled Long Island and lived as fugitives in Connecticut.
  • On March 18, 1784, Benjamin Tallmadge and Mary Floyd were married.

The players

Benjamin Tallmadge

A major in George Washington's army and the leader of the Culper Spy Ring, which provided crucial intelligence to the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.

Mary Floyd

The daughter of William Floyd, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

William Floyd

One of the four New Yorkers who signed the Declaration of Independence and a prominent patriot leader during the Revolutionary War.

Reverend Benjamin Tallmadge Sr.

The father of Benjamin Tallmadge who presided over the marriage ceremony of his son and Mary Floyd.

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What they’re saying

“We must all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.”

— Benjamin Franklin (Second Continental Congress)

“This was a period of great dismay. The campaign of 1776 was now drawing to a close. The enemy, victorious and flushed with success, were insolent and cruel both to the inhabitants and to their prisoners. In fact, all was confusion and dismay, seemed as if we were on the eve of despair and ruin.”

— Benjamin Tallmadge, Major, Continental Army (Tallmadge's memoir)

“Indeed, I had not made it my place of residence [Long Island] since I entered college, and as for my beloved partner, she had never seen her father's house since the family left when the British troops took possession of it and New York.”

— Benjamin Tallmadge, Major, Continental Army (Tallmadge's memoir)

The takeaway

The love story of Benjamin Tallmadge and Mary Floyd serves as a poignant reminder of the personal sacrifices and resilience of Americans during the Revolutionary War. Their union, which connected two prominent patriot families, allowed them to build a new life together away from the destruction left by the British occupation, symbolizing the transition from colonial rule to the establishment of the new American republic.