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Definition: Clinton, George from Chambers Biographical Dictionary

1739-1812

American brigadier and politician

Born in Little Britain, New York, he fought with his father, Charles Clinton (1690-1773), and brother James Clinton in the French and Indian War (1755-63), including the expedition against Fort Frontenac (1758). He was a member of the New York Provincial Assembly (1768-75), and in 1775 attended the second Continental Congress. In the American Revolution (1775-83) he was a brigadier of militia, and in 1777 was chosen first governor of New York, a post he held for six successive terms (1777-95). He conceived the idea of the Erie Canal. In 1804 and again in 1808 he was elected vice-president of the USA.

Clinton, George

From American Government A to Z: The Presidency A to Z
George Clinton (1739–1812) was a powerful New York governor who was elected to two terms as vice president, the first under Thomas Jefferson and the second under James Madison. In 1812 he became the first vice president to die in office. Clinton's father was a poor Irish immigrant who could not afford to send his son to college. George went to sea at age eighteen, returning home after a year. After service in the French and Indian War, he studied law in New York City and was admitted to the bar. In 1765 he became district attorney of his native Ulster County, New York. Three years later he was elected to the New York assembly. He remained in that body until 1775, when he was elected to the Second Continental Congress. During the Revolutionary War Clinton served as a brigadier general in the New York militia and the Continental army until he was chosen governor of New York. He assumed the office on July 30, 1777, and served six successive terms, until 1795. Clinton became known for his…
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Full text Article Clinton, George

From The Great American History Fact-Finder
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Full text Article George Clinton (1739-1812)

From The Encyclopedia of The Continental Congresses
George Clinton (1739-1812)
Few politicians had the power or ability to rise as did George Clinton. He served as a leading commander during the American Revolution, a delegate to Continental Congress, the governor of New York State (1777-95, 1801-04), and as vice president of the United States under Thomas Jefferson. George…
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Full text Article George Clinton (1739-1812) (engraving)

From Bridgeman Images: Peter Newark American Pictures
George Clinton (1739-1812) (engraving)
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Full text Article Portrait of George Clinton (1739-1812) (litho)

From Bridgeman Images: Ken Welsh History Collection
Portrait of George Clinton (1739-1812) (litho)
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Full text Article Clinton, George (1739 to 1812)

From Chambers Dictionary of World History
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Full text Article Clinton

From Merriam-Webster's Collegiate(R) Dictionary Full text Article Biographical Names
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Full text Article Portrait of Governor Clinton (oil on canvas)

From Bridgeman Images: Christies Collection
Portrait of Governor Clinton (oil on canvas)
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Full text Article Clinton, George

From American Biographies: American Political Leaders
After serving seven terms as governor of New...
(b. 1739–d. 1812) New York State governor, U.S. vice president George Clinton is often referred to as the father of New York State because of his efforts early in the state's history to create a strong state government. He may also properly be referred to as one of the founders of the…
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Full text Article Simon Boerum (1724-1775)

From The Encyclopedia of The Continental Congresses
Simon Boerum (1724-1775)
New York delegate Simon Boerum served in the Continental Congress from 1774 to 1775 and held several colonial offices prior to the American Revolution, including as a member of the New York colonial Assembly (1761-75), until his death at age 51. He was born in New Lots (now Brooklyn), New York, on…
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(b. ca. 1724–d. 1802) British-born American publisher James Rivington, the most influential Loyalist editor of the revolutionary period, was born in London around 1724 to Charles and Eleanor Pease Rivington. His father was a bookseller and publisher, and upon Charles's death in 1742, James and his…
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