Robert R. LIVINGSTON, Congress, NY (1746-1813)
LIVINGSTON, Robert R., (brother of Edward Livingston and cousin of Philip Livingston and William Livingston), a Delegate from New York; born in New York City November 27, 1746; was graduated from Kingâs College (now Columbia University), New York City, in 1765; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1773 and commenced practice in New York City; city recorder 1773-1775; member of the provincial convention of 1775; Member of the Continental Congress 1775-1776, 1779-1780 and 1784; one of the committee of five appointed to draw up the Declaration of Independence but returned to duties in the provincial assembly before it was signed; delegate to the State constitutional convention in April 1777; Secretary of Foreign Affairs from August 1781 to August 1783; chancellor of New York State 1777-1801 and administered the oath of office to President Washington April 30, 1789; unsuccessful candidate for Governor of New York in 1798; Minister Plenipotentiary to France 1801-1804; assisted Robert Fulton and was his partner in constructing the first steamboat; died in Clermont, N.Y., February 26, 1813; interment on his estate, âClermont,â near Clermont, N.Y.; reinterment in St. Paulâs Churchyard, Tivoli, N.Y.
Bibliography
Dangerfield, George. Chancellor Robert R. Livingston of New York, 1746-1813. New York: Harcourt, Brace and Co., 1960.Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present
