William Jermyn Conlin (July 26, 1831, Albany, N.Y. – Nov. 19, 1891, PA), better known by his stage name William J. Florence, was a U.S. actor, songwriter, and popular playwright. He was one of the most popular actors of his day. Florence was one of a select number of Americans to win the ribbon of the French Societe Histoire Dramatique. He was also co-founder with Walter M. Fleming of the Shriners, a Masonic Order.

William J. Florence

William Jermyn Conlin (July 26, 1831, Albany, N.Y. – Nov. 19, 1891, PA), better known by his stage…