George Clinton

George Clinton portrait c. 1814 by Ezra Ames, from New York Historical Society

Date of Birth: July 26 [O.S. July 15], 1739

Place of Birth: Little Britain, New York, British America

Date of Death: April 20, 1812

Place of Death: Washington, D.C., U.S.

Ethnicity: English, Scots-Irish/Northern Irish/Scottish

George Clinton was an American soldier and statesman. He was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. As a member of the Democratic-Republican Party, he was the fourth Vice President of the United States, from March 4, 1805 to April 20, 1812, his death. He was elected to the position in 1804 and 1808. He was also the first Governor of New York, from July 30, 1777 to June 30, 1795, later serving again from July 1, 1801 to June 30, 1804.

He was an Anti-Federalist candidate for President of the United States in 1789, and a Democratic-Republican Party candidate for President and/or Vice President in 1792 and 1796, receiving electoral votes in both elections. He was also a candidate for the Democratic-Republican Party’s 1808 presidential nomination.

Vice President Clinton was the son of Elizabeth (Denniston) and Charles Clinton, who was a soldier and politician. His parents were Presbyterians from County Longford, Ireland, and he had English and Scots-Irish/Northern Irish/Scottish ancestry. His nephew, DeWitt Clinton, was also a politician, and a Governor of, and Senator from, New York, and was also a candidate for the Presidency. Vice President Clinton was married to Sarah Tappen, with whom he had six children.

Vice President Clinton’s paternal grandfather was James Clinton (the son of William Fynes/Clinton and Elizabeth Kennedy). James was a soldier and politician. William was born in Lincolnshire, England, the son of Henry Clinton and Elizabeth Hickman. Vice President Clinton’s great-grandmother Elizabeth Kennedy was Scottish.

Vice President Clinton’s paternal grandmother was named Elizabeth Smith (the daughter of William Smith). Elizabeth was born in Dublin. William was born in Farsley, Leeds, Yorkshire, England, the son of John Andrew Smith and Margaret Burnley.

Vice President Clinton’s maternal grandfather was named Alexander Denniston. Alexander was born in Scotland.

Vice President Clinton’s maternal grandmother was named Catherine Montgomery. Catherine was born in County Longford, Ireland.

Sources: Genealogy of Vice President George Clinton – https://www.geni.com

Genealogy of Vice President Clinton (focusing on his father’s side) – https://www.wikitree.com