The New Student's Reference Work/Clinton, De Witt

Clin′ton, De Witt, was born at Little Britain, N. Y., March 2, 1769. He was a son of Gen. James Clinton and a nephew of Gov. George Clinton. He graduated at Columbia College, and after studying law he entered politics as a Republican member of the lower house of the New York legislature in 1797, where he soon became the leader of his party in the state. He was chosen United States senator in 1802, and was at this time regarded as “the most rising man in the Union.” But he left the senate to become mayor of New York city, an office of considerable power in those days, which he held for 11 years. On the question of war with England, he competed for the presidency with Madison, receiving 89 votes. He was elected governor of New York four times. His greatest service to the state was in urging the construction of the Erie Canal, and pushing the measure assiduously till he saw that great enterprise completed and the canal open for traffic. Clinton was dignified in manner, of fine personal appearance, deeply in earnest in all he undertook, energetic, capable and popular. His life-work is identified with the early growth of the state. He died at Albany, N. Y., Feb. 11, 1828.