Abraham Yates Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Abraham Yates Jr.
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| Mayor of Albany, New York | |
| In office 1790 – June 30, 1796 |
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| Preceded by | John Lansing Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Abraham Ten Broeck |
| Member of the New York State Senate from the Western District | |
| In office September 9, 1777 – June 30, 1790 |
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| Preceded by | Inaugural holder |
| Succeeded by | Stephen Van Rensselaer |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 23, 1724 Albany, Province of New York, British America |
| Died | June 30, 1796 (aged 71) Albany, New York, United States |
| Political party | Anti-Federalist |
| Spouse |
Antje De Ridder
(m. 1746; |
| Relations | Robert Yates (nephew) Peter Waldron Yates (nephew) Gerrit Y. Lansing (grandson) |
| Children | 5 |
| Occupation | Lawyer, politician |
Abraham Yates Jr. (born August 23, 1724 – died June 30, 1796) was an important American lawyer and politician from Albany, New York. He played a big role during the time when the United States was becoming an independent country. Yates served as the Mayor of Albany and was also a member of the New York State Senate. He was known for his strong opinions and for speaking up for ordinary people.
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Early Life and Family
Abraham Yates Jr. was born in Albany, New York, on August 23, 1724. He was one of nine children born to Christoffel Yates, who was a successful farmer and blacksmith, and Catelyntje Winne.
His family was involved in politics. His nephew, Robert Yates, helped represent New York at the meeting where the United States Constitution was created. Another nephew, Peter Waldron Yates, was also a member of the Continental Congress, which was the first government of the United States.
A Career in Public Service
Abraham Yates Jr. started his working life as a shoemaker's apprentice. Even though some people later made fun of him for this, he was very ambitious. He learned to be a surveyor, which meant he measured land. He also invested in land himself. Later, he studied law and became a successful lawyer.
From 1754 to 1759, Yates served as the Sheriff of Albany. This was an important job in the community.
Serving on the City Council
Yates was elected to the Albany City Council and served there for many years, from 1754 to 1773. Most people on the council were rich merchants, but Yates was the only lawyer. He was known for speaking out against wealthy landowners and supporting small farmers. He also strongly opposed the British government's control over the colonies.
Leading During the Revolution
As the American Revolution began, Yates took on important leadership roles:
- From 1774 to 1776, he was the chairman of the Albany Committee of Correspondence. These committees helped different colonies communicate and organize against British rule.
- He was a member of the New York Provincial Congress from 1775 to 1777. This was New York's own government during the Revolution. He even served as its temporary president and chairman.
A Voice in the New Nation
Yates was a delegate for New York to the Congress of the Confederation in 1787 and 1788. This was the government of the United States before the Constitution was written. He was known for often being the only person to vote "nay" (no) on certain issues.
One important example was his vote against the Northwest Ordinance. This law was about how new territories would be governed. Yates argued that it was wrong to take land from Native Americans. He spoke out against "driving out or massacring the innocent and defenceless natives."
He also served on the Council of Appointment in New York, which helped choose people for government jobs.
New York State Senator
On September 9, 1777, Yates became a member of the New York State Senate. He represented the Western District, which included Albany and Tryon counties. He was re-elected many times and served for thirteen years. He decided not to run again because he disagreed with the U.S. Constitution and refused to sign an oath to it.
Abraham Yates Jr. was an Anti-Federalist. This meant he was against a strong central (federal) government. He believed that states should have more power. He and his nephew, Robert Yates, often wrote articles together using the pen-name "Rough Hewer." They wrote about their concerns that the new federal government would take too much power from New York State. They were strong opponents of Alexander Hamilton, who was a leading Federalist.
Mayor of Albany
After leaving the State Senate, Yates became the Mayor of Albany in 1790. His friend, George Clinton, who was then the Governor of New York, appointed him to this role. Yates served as mayor until he died in 1796.
As mayor, Yates continued to speak his mind. He was a strong critic of the Jay Treaty, which was an agreement between the U.S. and Great Britain in 1795. This treaty helped avoid another war but was very unpopular with many Americans. Yates's opposition to the treaty helped lead to the creation of the Democratic-Republican party in New York. During his time as mayor, oil street lamps were installed in Albany, making the city safer at night.
In 1792, Yates was a presidential elector. He voted for George Washington to be president and George Clinton to be vice president. In 1795, he also helped found Union College, an important school in New York.
Personal Life
In 1746, Abraham Yates Jr. married Antje De Ridder. They had five children together, but only one survived to adulthood:
- Susanna Yates (1762–1840), who married Abraham G. Lansing. He was the New York State Treasurer.
Abraham Yates Jr. passed away in Albany on June 30, 1796. He was buried at Albany Rural Cemetery.
Descendants
Through his daughter Susanna, Abraham Yates Jr. had many grandchildren. One of his grandsons was Gerrit Y. Lansing, who later became a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
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Abraham Yates Jr.
