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William Valk

1806 – 1879

American Civil War surgeon and politician

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About William Valk

Lived 1806 – 1879 (aged 72). William Valk was an American politician.

William Weightman Valk (October 12, 1806 – September 20, 1879) was a soldier in the American Civil War and a U.S. Congressman.

Valk earned a degree in medicine, graduating from the University of South Carolina at Columbia in 1830. He opened a practice in Connecticut. He joined the Navy during the Mexican–American War and became chief surgeon on the USS Constellation. Valk joined the California Gold Rush in 1849 and, upon failure, opened a practice on Long Island. From March 4, 1855, to March 3, 1857, Valk served in New York's 1st District in the United States House of Representatives.

Finally settled in Flushing, New York, and continued the practice of medicine until elected to Congress. He was elected as a candidate serving in New York's 1st District, as a member of the American Party to the Thirty-fourth Congress (March 4, 1855 – March 3, 1857). He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection. Upon the breakout of Civil War, he volunteered as chief surgeon of the 2nd Maryland Infantry Regiment of the Union Army. He later became a pension office clerk in Washington, D.C. He was interred in Flushing Cemetery.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Education
University of South Carolina
Positions held
United States representative
Also known as
William Weightman Valk

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped William Valk's

Frequently asked questions

Who was William Valk?

American Civil War surgeon and politician (1806-1879)

When was William Valk born?

William Valk was born on 12 October 1806 in Charleston.

When did William Valk die?

William Valk died on 20 September 1879 in Washington, D.C..

What was William Valk's occupation?

William Valk was a politician.

What nationality was William Valk?

William Valk was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: William Valk

· Wikidata: Q129719

· DBpedia: William Valk

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Valk. https://biography.guide/william-valk/

MLA: "William Valk." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-valk/.

Chicago: "William Valk." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-valk/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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