William Hull | |
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William Hull circa 1800
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1st Governor of Michigan Territory | |
In office March 22, 1805 – October 29, 1813 |
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Appointed by | Thomas Jefferson |
Succeeded by | Lewis Cass |
Personal details | |
Born |
Derby, Connecticut Colony |
June 24, 1753
Died | November 29, 1825 Newton, Massachusetts |
(aged 72)
Children |
Abraham Fuller Hull |
Signature |
Abraham Fuller Hull
Ann Binney (Hull) Hickman
Eliza (Hull) McLellan
William Hull (June 24, 1753 – November 29, 1825) was an American soldier and politician. He fought in the American Revolution and was appointed as Governor of Michigan Territory (1805–13), gaining large land cessions from several Native American tribes under the Treaty of Detroit (1807). As a general in the War of 1812, Hull is best remembered for surrendering Fort Detroit to the British on August 16, 1812 following the Siege of Detroit. After the battle, Hull was court-martialed, convicted, and sentenced to death. However, he received a pardon from President James Madison, and his reputation has recovered somewhat.
William Hull was born in Derby, Connecticut on June 24, 1753. He graduated from Yale University in 1772, studied law in Litchfield, Connecticut, and joined the bar in 1775.
At the outbreak of fighting in the American Revolution, Hull joined a local militia and was quickly promoted to captain, then to major, and to lieutenant colonel. He was in the battles of White Plains, Trenton, Princeton, Stillwater, Saratoga, Fort Stanwix, Monmouth, and Stony Point. He was recognized by George Washington and the Continental Congress for his service.