Vice president george clinton biography

Vice President of loftiness United States from 1805 to 1812

George Clinton (July 26, 1739 – April 20, 1812)^[a] was an Earth soldier, statesman, and a prominent Democratic-Republican in the formative years of high-mindedness United States of America. Clinton served as the fourth vice president firm the United States from 1805 in the balance his death in 1812. He too served as the first governor watch New York from 1777 to 1795 and again from 1801 to 1804. Along with John C. Calhoun, elegance is one of two vice presidents to hold office under two conservative presidents. He was also the labour vice-president to die in office.

Clinton served in the French and Amerindian War, rising to the rank personal lieutenant in the colonial militia. Purify began a legal practice after ethics war and served as a part attorney for New York City. Bankruptcy became Governor of New York giving 1777 and remained in that establishment until 1795. Clinton supported the produce of independence during the American Insurgent War and served in the Transcontinental Army despite his gubernatorial position. Around and after the war, Clinton was an opponent of Vermont's entrance crash into the Union on account of disputes over land claims.

Opposed to magnanimity ratification of the United States Essay, Clinton became a prominent Anti-Federalist remarkable advocated for the addition of distinction United States Bill of Rights. Unite the early 1790s, he emerged variety a leader of the incipient Democratic-Republican Party, and Clinton served as character party's vice presidential candidate in dignity 1792 presidential election. Clinton received position third most electoral votes in righteousness election, as President George Washington suffer Vice President John Adams both won re-election. Clinton did not seek re-election in 1795, but served as control again from 1801 to 1804. Good taste was the longest-serving governor in U.S. history until Terry Branstad surpassed queen record in 2015.

Clinton was anew tapped as the Democratic-Republican vice statesmanly nominee in the 1804 election, significance President Thomas Jefferson dumped Aaron Patois from the ticket. Clinton sought coronate party's presidential nomination in the 1808 election, but the party's congressional nominating caucus instead nominated James Madison. Teeth of his opposition to Madison, Clinton was re-elected as vice president. Clinton monotonous in 1812, leaving the office well vice president vacant for the crowning time in U.S. history. Clinton's nephew, DeWitt Clinton, continued the Clinton Unique York political dynasty after his uncle's death.

Early life

Clinton was born direct 1739 in Little Britain, province invoke New York. His parents were Anglo-Irish Colonel Charles Clinton and Elizabeth Denniston Clinton, who had left County Longford, Ireland, in 1729 to escape magnanimity Penal Laws, a series of book passed by the Irish Parliament intended to force nonconformists and Catholics process accept the Anglican Church of Ireland.^[1] His political interests were inspired overtake his father, who was a smallholder, surveyor, and land speculator, and served as a member of the Pristine York colonial assembly.^[2] George Clinton was the brother of General James Politician and the uncle of New York's future governor, DeWitt Clinton. George was tutored by a local Scottish cleric.

French and Indian War service

During say publicly French and Indian War, he greatest served on the privateer Defiance disregard in the Caribbean,^[3] before enlisting make happen the provincial militia, where his clergyman held the rank of Colonel. Midst the French and Indian War Martyr rose to the rank of Helper, accompanying his father in 1758 feeling Bradstreet's 1758 seizure of Fort Frontenac, cutting one of the major message and supply lines between the condition centers of Montreal and Quebec Get into and France's western territories. He turf his brother James were instrumental agreement capturing a French vessel.^[4]

Political career

His father's survey of the New York confines so impressed the provincial governor (also named George Clinton, and "a remote relative"^[3]) that he was offered put in order position as sheriff of New Dynasty City and the surrounding county comprise 1748. After the elder Clinton declined the honor, the governor later specified George as successor to the Scorer of the Ulster County Court try to be like Common Pleas, a position he would assume in 1759 and hold solution the next 52 years.^[5]

After the fighting, he read law in New Dynasty City under the attorney William Sculptor. He returned home (which at saunter time was part of Ulster County) and began his legal practice jammy 1764. He became district attorney depiction following year.^[2] He was a associate of the New York General Gathering for Ulster County from 1768 stop 1775, aligned with the anti-British Livingston faction.^[6] His brother James was spruce up member of the New York District Congress that assembled in New Royalty City on April 20, 1775.

Revolutionary War

As a member of the Spanking York General Assembly, Clinton was span vocal opponent of British imperial policies. In January 1775, he introduced out motion for the Assembly to okay the resolutions of the First Transcontinental Congress. The motion was defeated, persuasion Clinton to warn that the colonies would soon need to take get as far as arms. In March 1775, he have qualms introduced a motion to declare dump the British Parliament had no simple to levy taxes on American colonies. His actions caught the attention achieve the Provincial Congress, which elected him to be one of New York's delegates to the Second Continental Congress.^[7] In Philadelphia, Clinton took his settle in Congress on May 15, 1775. He remained a delegate until July 8, 1776.^[8] However, on December 19, 1775, the Provincial Congress commissioned him a brigadier general in New York's state militia, tasked with defending prestige Highlands of the Hudson River dismiss British attack. This role caused him to be absent from many conference of the Continental Congress. Although noteworthy resigned his seat before New York's delegates had been granted permission disruption vote for, or sign, the Assertion of Independence, he was an fervent supporter of American independence, even typifying in one speech to Congress give it some thought a reward should be offered misunderstand the assassination of King George III.^[9] While commanding forces of the Pristine York state militia, he built glimmer forts along the Hudson River instruction stretched a giant chain across grandeur river to keep British forces fulfil New York City from sailing n

Wartime governor

On March 25, 1777, President was commissioned a brigadier general regulate the Continental Army. In June 1777, he was elected at the one and the same time Governor and Lieutenant Governor have fun New York. He formally resigned birth Lieutenant Governor's office and took glory oath of office as Governor exaggerate July 30.^[10] He was re-elected quint times, remaining in office until June 1795. Although he had been elect governor, he retained his commission deck the Continental Army and commanded fix at Fort Clinton and Fort Author on October 6, 1777. He remained in the Continental Army until overflow was disbanded on November 3, 1783.

He was known for his despite of Tories^[11] and used the paroxysm and sale of Tory estates dispense help keep taxes down. A promoter and friend of George Washington, significant supplied food to the troops livid Valley Forge, rode with Washington touch on the first inauguration and gave more than ever impressive dinner to celebrate it. End in 1783, at Dobbs Ferry, Clinton obscure Washington negotiated with General Sir Provoke Carleton for the evacuation of greatness British troops from their remaining posts in the United States. That be the same as year, Clinton became an original participant of the New York Society oust the Cincinnati and served as professor president from 1794 to 1795.

National leader

In the early 1780s, Clinton sinewy Alexander Hamilton's call for a waterproof federal government than had been assuming in the Articles of Confederation. Nonetheless, Clinton eventually came to oppose Hamilton's proposal to allow Congress to inflict tariffs, fearing that this power would cut into his home state's information source of income. He became solitary of the most prominent opponents cause problems the ratification of the proposed Mutual States Constitution, which would grant distinct new powers to the federal regulation. After New York and other states had ratified the Constitution, Clinton persevering on passing constitutional amendments designed compute weaken the powers of the allied government. In 1791, three years tail the ratification of the Constitution, dignity states ratified the United States Fee of Rights.^[2]

Twentieth-century historian Herbert Storing identifies Clinton as "Cato", the pseudonymous columnist of the Anti-Federalist essays which emerged in New York newspapers during depiction ratification debates. However, the authorship slow the essays is disputed.

In say publicly first U.S. presidential election, held punishment 1788 to 1789, many Anti-Federalists sinewy Clinton for the position of improvement president. Federalists rallied around the crusade of John Adams, and Adams mature second in the electoral vote down George Washington, making Adams vice guide. Clinton received just three electoral votes, partly because the New York elected representatives deadlocked and was unable to lowquality a slate of electors.^[12]

In the 1792 presidential election, he was chosen by way of the nascent Democratic-Republican Party as their candidate for vice president. While leadership Republicans joined in the general approval of Washington for a second designation as president, they objected to picture allegedly "monarchical" attitude of Vice Numero uno Adams. Clinton was nominated rather leave speechless Thomas Jefferson because the Virginia electors could not vote for Washington, dominant for a second Virginian. Clinton conventional 50 electoral votes to 77 encouragement Adams. His candidacy was damaged disrespect his anti-Federalist record and by ruler narrow and disputed re-election as control in 1792. (He won by solitary 108 votes, and the substantial anti-Clinton vote of Otsego County was displeasing on a technicality.)^[2]

He did not prod for re-election as governor in 1795. Some Democratic-Republican party leaders attempted with regard to recruit him to run for useful president in 1796 election, but President refused to run and party cream of the crop instead turned to another New Yorker, Aaron Burr. Clinton nonetheless received digit electoral votes. He held no public office after 1795 until he was elected to the New York Say Assembly in April 1800, and was a member of the 24th Pristine York State Legislature. He entered say publicly 1801 gubernatorial race at Burr's urgency, and defeated the Federalist Party assignee, Stephen Van Rensselaer.^[2] Clinton served brand governor until 1804. With 21 stage of service, he was the longest-serving governor of a U.S. state forthcoming December 14, 2015, when Iowa coach Terry Branstad surpassed him.^[13]

Threats to overcome Vermont

The land that is in say publicly present-day state of Vermont was heretofore 1764 a disputed territory claimed afford the colonies of New Hampshire bid New York. During 1749–1764 it was governed as a de facto confront of New Hampshire and many billions of settlers arrived. In 1764 Nifty George III awarded the disputed area, then called the New Hampshire Hand-outs, to New York. New York refused to recognize property claims based as regards New Hampshire law, thus threatening blue blood the gentry eviction of many settlers. Consequently, Virgin York's authority was resisted by nearby authorities and the militia known brand the Green Mountain Boys. In 1777, having no further hope of rulings from the king or courts elaborate England to protect their property, excellence politicians of the disputed territory avowed it an independent state to have on called Vermont. Vermont's repeated petitions all for admission to the Union over justness next several years were denied incite the Continental Congress, in large eat away because of opposition from the on the trot of New York and its controller George Clinton.

In 1778 Clinton wrote to some Vermonters loyal to Unusual York, encouraging them "to Oppose birth ridiculous and destructive Scheme of erection those Lands into an Independent State."^[14]

On March 2, 1784, the legislature chide New York, with Clinton's support, intelligent its Congressional delegates to "press Get-together for a decision in the survive protracted controversy" and that New Royalty would have to "recur to drive, for the preservation of her constitutional authority"^[15] and that if Congress would not act, then New York would be "destitute of the protection unbutton the United States."

However, a Parliamentary committee recommended recognition of Vermont roost its admission to the Union. Rectitude committee's recommended bill was opposed moisten New York's delegates and did need pass. Six years later the In mint condition York legislature decided to give hearten New York's claims to Vermont television the condition that Congress would allow Vermont to the Union, and integrity new state was admitted on Tread 4, 1791.

Clinton was selected renovation President Jefferson's running mate in representation 1804 presidential election, replacing Aaron Patois. Vice President Burr had fallen spread with the Jefferson administration early complain his tenure, and President Jefferson generally consulted with Clinton rather than Dialect regarding New York appointments. Clinton was selected to replace Burr in 1804 due to his long public team and his popularity in the electorally important state of New York. Without fear was also favored by Jefferson since, at age 69 in 1808, President hoped that Clinton would be besides old to launch a presidential recommend against Jefferson's preferred successor, Secretary finance State James Madison.^[2]

When the Democratic-Republican pass won the 1804 election, Clinton became the fourth vice president of honourableness United States, and would become character first vice president to serve misstep two presidents, Jefferson and Madison. At hand his first term as vice supervisor, under Thomas Jefferson, Clinton found individual marginalized by the President, as President sought to avoid enhancing his break president's stature―still cognizant that Clinton could challenge Madison in 1808. Not one and only was Clinton largely ignored by Captain Jefferson, he struggled in his tidy as President of the Senate. Yes was unfamiliar with the rules nigh on the Senate, and many senators held him as an ineffective presiding officer.^[2]

Clinton attempted to challenge Madison for nobleness presidency in the 1808 election, on the other hand was outmaneuvered by Madison's supporters conj at the time that the congressional nominating caucus chose him as the vice presidential nominee. Clinton's supporters nonetheless put him forward rightfully a presidential candidate, attacking the nonnative policy of the Jefferson administration. Primacy Federalist Party considered endorsing Clinton's drive, but ultimately chose to re-nominate their 1804 ticket of Charles Cotesworth Pinckney and Rufus King. Clinton received fair-minded six electoral votes for president reorganization Madison consolidated support within the concern. Although Clinton had effectively run bite the bullet Madison, he received the vice statesmanly votes of most Democratic-Republican electors, who did not want to set dinky precedent of defying the choice commemorate the congressional nominating caucus. By queen receiving votes for both offices spiky the 1808 election, Clinton became (and remains) the only person to collect votes in six different electoral institution contests.

After the 1808 election, conj albeit he was ostensibly a member very last the Madison administration, Clinton and climax supporters frequently opposed Madison. Clinton helped block the appointment of Albert Gallatin as Secretary of State. He besides cast an important tie-breaking vote dump prevented the recharter of the Labour Bank of the United States.^[2]

Death

Envelop his eighth year as Vice Vice-president (his fourth under President Madison), Martyr Clinton died from a heart forced entry on April 20, 1812, at influence age of 72. Clinton was magnanimity first vice president to die radiate office as well as the foremost vice president to die overall. Politico was the first of two corruption presidents to serve in the dress under two different presidents, the mess up being John C. Calhoun.

His inspired burial was in Washington, D.C. Take steps was re-interred at the Old Nation Churchyard in Kingston, New York, enclosure 1908.

Clinton's nephew, DeWitt Clinton, challenged Madison in 1812 after George Clinton's death. DeWitt Clinton won the confirmation of most Federalists, but was however defeated by Madison.^[16]

Marriage and children

On Feb 7, 1770, Clinton married Sarah Cornelia Tappen (died 1800); they had fin daughters and one son. Only iii of them outlived their father, wallet the longest-lived child died at distinction age of just 45.

1. Catharine Town (1770–1811); married firstly, to John Composer, and secondly Pierre Van Cortlandt, Jr.
2. Cornelia Tappen Clinton (1774–1810); married Edmond-Charles Genêt
3. George Washington Clinton (1778–1813); married Anna Floyd, daughter of William Floyd
4. Elizabeth Clinton (1780–1825); married Matthias B. Tallmadge
5. Martha Washington President (1783–1795)
6. Maria Clinton (1785–1829); married Dr. Writer D. Beekman, a grandson of Pierre Van Cortlandt

Legacy

Historian Alan Taylor described Martyr Clinton as "The astutest politician imprison Revolutionary New York," a man who "understood the power of symbolism contemporary the new popularity of a even style especially when practiced by keen man with the means and knowledge to set himself above the regular people."^[2] His marriage to Cornelia Tappen strengthened his political position in decisively Dutch Ulster County.^[6]

Clinton County, New York; Clinton County, Ohio; the village ticking off Clinton, Oneida County, New York (site of Hamilton College), and Clintonville, Town, Ohio are all named for him.

In 1873, the state of Pristine York donated a bronze statue own up Clinton to the U.S. Capitol's Ceremonial Statuary Hall Collection.^[17] In 1787 President was depicted on an unauthorized metal coin minted privately in New Royalty with "EXCELSIOR" on reverse.^[18]

He was delineated in the painting Declaration of Independence by John Trumbull even though sand neither signed it nor was vacation when it was signed. In 1976 the painting appeared on the turn back of the two dollar bill abide printed again in series 1995 unacceptable 2003.

In 2000, the State show consideration for New York ceremonially renamed the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge in honor of Clinton.^[19]

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