francis whiting halsey (october 15, 1851 – november 24, 1919) was an american journalist, editor and historian, born in unadilla, new york. he was the son of dr. gaius leonard halsey, a civil war surgeon, and juliet (cartington) halsey. he was the grandson of dr. gaius and mary (church) halsey of kortright, new york, and a descendant of thomas halsey, who emigrated from england before 1640 and helped to found the settlement of southampton, long island, one of the earliest english settlements in new york.