TRYON, William, colonial governor, born in Ireland about 1725; died in London, England, 27 February, 1788. He received a good education, entered the British army, and served with credit as an officer. He married Miss Wake, a relative of the Earl of Hillsborough, secretary of state for the colonies, through whose influence he was appointed lieu-tenant-governor of North Carolina. He arrived there, 27 June, 1864, and on the death of Governor Arthur Dobbs, 20 July, 1765, he succeeded him, and continued to administer the affairs of the colony till July, 1771, when he was appointed governor of New York. He suppressed the revolt of the "Regulators" in North Carolina, and treated the prisoners with great cruelty. At an expense of £15,000, which was voted by the assembly of that colony, he erected a magnificent residence at New Berne. Tie was detested by the patriots for his rigorous administration of the governments of the colonies over which he presided, and for the inhumanity he displayed on various occasions, especially for the destruction of Danbury, Fairfield, and Norwalk, Connecticut, by expeditions that he conducted in person. He resigned the governorship of New York, 21 March, 1778, and returned to England. He was made a colonel, 25 May, 1772; major-general, 29 August, 1777" lieutenant-general, 20 November, 1782" and colonel of the 29th foot, 15 August, 1783. He received the degree of LL.B. from King's college in 1774.