Harper's Encyclopedia of United States History
Benson Lossing, Ed.

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Wyllys, Samuel 1739-1823

Military officer; born at Hartford, Jan. 15, 1739; graduated at Yale College in 1758, and in 1775 became lieutenant-colonel of Spencer's regiment. He commanded a regiment at the siege of Boston, was appointed colonel in the Continental army in January, 1776, and served with much reputation throughout the war. He succeeded his father as secretary of State of Connecticut, which post he resigned in 1809. His grandfather had also been secretary of State. The three held that office ninety-eight years in succession. He became a general of militia, and was a member of the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences. He died in Hartford, Conn., June 9, 1823.