James Clinton (soldier) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Clinton
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Coat of Arms of James Clinton
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| Born | c. 1667 |
| Died | 24 January 1718 |
| Occupation | Soldier and Politician |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Smith |
| Children | 3, including Charles |
| Parent(s) | William Clinton Elizabeth Kennedy |
| Relatives | James Clinton (grandson) George Clinton (grandson) |
James Clinton (born around 1667 – died January 24, 1718) was an important person in the history of the Clinton family. This family later became very well-known in America.
James Clinton was the ancestor of famous Americans. These include George Clinton, who was the 4th Vice President of the United States. He was also the grandfather of James Clinton, a Major General in the American Revolutionary War.
Family stories say that James Clinton was a soldier and politician in Ireland. However, we don't have many official records to confirm this. The details of his life as a soldier or politician are still a bit of a mystery.
Early Life in Ireland
James Clinton was born in Ireland around the year 1667. His mother was Elizabeth Kennedy and his father was William Clinton. William Clinton lived from 1614 to 1684.
People say James's father, William, was an officer in the army of Charles I of England. Charles I was the King of England. However, we haven't found any official army papers for William Clinton yet.
After King Charles I died in 1649, James's father William had to leave England. He went to other countries in Europe for a while. Then he went to Scotland, possibly to support Charles II, who was the next king.
While in Scotland, William Clinton married Elizabeth Kennedy. Later, James's parents moved to the northern part of Ireland. That's where their only son, James, was born.
His Family and Legacy
James Clinton reportedly tried to get back his family's old lands in England. The exact location of these lands and when he tried to get them back are not known. We also haven't found any documents to prove this story.
While in England, James is said to have married Elizabeth Smith. She passed away in 1728. Elizabeth was the daughter of a captain in Cromwell's New Model Army.
James and Elizabeth returned to Ireland. They had three children there: two daughters and one son.
- Christiana Clinton (1685–1776), who married John Beatty.
- Mary Clinton
- Charles Clinton (1690–1773), who married Elizabeth Denniston. They had seven children together.
In May 1729, James's son Charles was forty years old. Charles left Dublin, Ireland, and sailed to America. He went to a place called New Ulster, which is now Ulster County in New York. Charles paid for 94 people to travel with him on the ship called the George and Anne.
Famous Descendants
Through his daughter Christiana, James Clinton had many important descendants. His grandson was Rev. Charles Clinton Beatty. His great-grandson was Dr. John Beatty.
Dr. John Beatty was a very important person. He served in the Continental Congress, which was the government during the American Revolution. He was also the Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly. This is like the leader of the state's law-making group. He also served as the Secretary of State of New Jersey and a U.S. Representative from New Jersey.
James Clinton's only son, Charles, had seven children. Two of James's grandsons became very famous.
- James Clinton (1736-1812) became a Major General in the American Revolutionary War.
- George Clinton (1739-1812) became the Governor of New York. He also served as the 4th Vice President of the United States.
