George W. Clinton

George William Clinton (April 21, 1807 – September 7, 1885) was an American lawyer, politician, judge, author, and amateur naturalist.

Early life and family Clinton was born on April 21, 1807, in New York City to Maria Franklin (1775–1818) and DeWitt Clinton (1769–1828), while the latter was serving as Mayor of New York City. His father later became a U.S. Senator and the 6th Governor of New York. He was the grandson of Major General James Clinton (1736–1812), grandnephew of George Clinton (1739–1812), the 4th U.S. Vice President, nephew of George Clinton, Jr. (1771–1809), a U.S. Representative, and James G. Clinton (1804–1849), also a member of the House of Representatives. completed his legal studies with Judge Ambrose Spencer (1765–1848), and was admitted to the bar in 1831. by U.S. President Martin Van Buren. Clinton served in this role until 1842 when he was succeeded by Jedediah Hyde Lathrop. In March of that same year, Clinton was elected Mayor of Buffalo. Although a Democrat, his election was unique in that he was not a party candidate. During his term the City Charter was revised. On March 14, 1843, he presided over his last council meeting.

Clinton was appointed as United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York under President James K. Polk, and served from 1847 to 1850. From 1854 to 1878 he was Judge of Buffalo's Superior Court. His legal writings included the three volume Digest of the Decisions of the Law and Equity Courts of the State of New York and Phi Beta Kappa oration Union College in 1857. In 1867, he was a delegate to the New York State Constitutional Convention.

Later career In 1856, he was appointed a Regent of the University of the State of New York. He served until his death, and attained the position of Vice Chancellor of the board. He was chosen its first president, and served for 20 years in that role. He was an amateur naturalist, and published 1882's Catalogue of the Native and Naturalized Plants of the City of Buffalo and its Vicinity.

Personal life On May 15, 1832, he married Laura Catherine Spencer (1810–1891), the daughter of John Canfield Spencer, his former law partner. Spencer Clinton (1839–1914), an attorney in Buffalo, who married Sarah Riley (1851–1880), daughter of William A. Riley and Frances A. Stillman, in 1870. After her death, he married her sister, Carrie Riley (1859–1887), and in 1895, he married a third time to Cora Caldwell (1870–1925). Minnie Natalie Clinton, who married Abram H. Baldwin after a service at St. Paul's Cathedral, still clutching the clover he was holding when he died.

Honors In 1864, Clinton was awarded the honorary degree of LL.D. by Hamilton College.