Born July 26, 1739 (Little Britain, New York)

Died April 20, 1812 (Washington, D.C.)

Governor, vice president

George Clinton, who presided over New York's government in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, is considered the "father of New York." In the early years of the nation, most politicians relied on the wealthy elite for support in their elections. Clinton was the first U.S. politician to build a power base of staunch support among the common people. He served in the American Revolution (1775–83) and was a member of the Second Continental Congress. He opposed ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1788 because he feared a strong federal government would overpower state governments. After serving seven terms as governor of New York, Clinton went on to become vice president of the United States in 1805.