CLINTON, GEORGE

born July 26, 1739, Little Britain, N.Y.

died April 20, 1812, Washington, D.C., U.S.

U.S. politician, fourth vice president of the U.S. (1805–12).

A veteran of the French and Indian War, he was a leading member of the New York assembly (1768–75) and a delegate to the Continental Congress (1775). As governor of New York (1777–95, 1801–04), he was a forceful leader and able administrator; he led the opposition to the state's adoption of the U.S. Constitution. A supporter of Thomas Jefferson , he was twice elected vice president (with Jefferson and James Madison ); he died in office.