george clinton
fourth vice-president
biography
George Clinton was an American public official, influential in the politics of the Revolutionary and early national periods. Clinton served seven times as governor of New York (1777-1795 and 1800-1804) and was twice elected vice president (1805-1812), serving under Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.
Clinton was born in Little Britain, N.Y., on July 26, 1739. Following his service in the French and Indian War, then studied and practiced law and entered the New York Assembly. He entered politics and was elected to the provincial assembly of New York, becoming known as a fiery radical. Clinton was elected to the Second Continental Congress, but, having been commissioned a brigadier general in the militia in December 1775, he was absent for the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The outbreak of the Revolution saw Clinton entrusted with the defense of the Hudson River valley. By his own admission, however, he was an ineffectual military strategist, and his lack of tactical skill led to the loss of Fort Montgomery and the burning of Esopus in the fall of 1777.
He returned to New York politics in 1777, becoming the state's first governor, and built a powerful political machine. He was respected for his management of finances, astute handling of a dangerous Indian problem, and severe treatment of Loyalists. He held the office until 1795 and again from 1801 to 1804. Perceiving that a strong national government would shift power from state sovereignty, Clinton opposed the U.S. Constitution. He presided over New York's ratifying convention in order to block ratification. However, when the Constitution had been approved by the necessary nine states, he acquiesced in New York's ratification.
In the 1790s Clinton cast his lot with the Democratic Republicans. He retired from the governorship in 1795 but was reelected in 1801. In 1804 he was elected vice president under Thomas Jefferson. Failing in his presidential ambitions in 1808, he accepted the second spot again under James Madison, whom he openly despised. He died in Washington, D.C., on April 20, 1812, shortly before the completion of his second term, the first vice-president to die in office.
