North, William (1755-1836)

American army officer and legislator.

Lieutenant of artillery in the Continental Army (1776). Aide-de-camp to Baron von Steuben (1779-83); they became greatly attached, and von Steuben adopted North as a son. Major (1783) and inspector of the army (1784-88). Adjutant general (1798-1800).

Served several terms in the New York legislature and briefly filled a vacancy in the United States Senate (1798). As a state legislator, he helped draft a report that promoted the construction of the Erie Canal.

Son of John and Elizabeth (Pitson) North of Pemaquid, Maine. Married Mary Duane, daughter of New York politician James Duane (1787); six children.