Matthew Clarkson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Matthew Clarkson
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Portrait of Clarkson by Gilbert Stuart (ca. 1794)
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| 6th President of the Bank of New York | |
| In office 1804–1825 |
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| Preceded by | Herman Le Roy |
| Succeeded by | Charles Wilkes |
| Member of the New York State Senate for the Southern District | |
| In office July 1, 1793 – June 30, 1795 |
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| Preceded by | Philip Van Cortlandt |
| Succeeded by | Philip Livingston |
| Member of the New York State Assembly for New York County | |
| In office July 1, 1789 – June 30, 1790 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | October 17, 1758 New York City, Province of New York, British America |
| Died | April 25, 1825 (aged 66) New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Federalist |
| Spouses |
Mary Rutherfurd
(m. 1785; Sally Cornell
(m. 1792; |
| Relations | John Clarkson Jay (grandson) |
| Children | 8 |
| Parents | David Clarkson Elisabeth French Clarkson |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America New York |
| Branch/service |  New York State Militia |
| Rank | Brigadier general |
| Battles/wars | Revolutionary War: • Battle of Long Island • Battles of Saratoga |
Matthew Clarkson (born October 17, 1758 – died April 25, 1825) was an important figure in early American history. He was a soldier during the American Revolutionary War and later became a politician. A street in Greenwich Village and the town of Clarkson in Western New York are both named after him.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Matthew Clarkson was born in New York City on October 17, 1758. At that time, New York was part of British North America. His parents were David and Elisabeth Clarkson. His brother, Thomas Streatfeild Clarkson, was the grandfather of Thomas S. Clarkson, who inspired the name of Clarkson University.
Matthew Clarkson came from a family with a long history in New York. His great-great-grandfather, Rev. David Clarkson, was a famous English clergyman. Through his mother's side, he was related to Phillip French, who served as the 27th Mayor of New York City.
A Hero in the Revolutionary War
When Matthew Clarkson was just 17 years old, he joined the army to fight in the American Revolutionary War. He fought in several important battles, including the Battle of Long Island and the Battle of Saratoga. He also served under General Benjamin Lincoln.
Clarkson was present at the surrender of British General John Burgoyne at Saratoga. He was also at the defense of Savannah in 1779 and Charleston in 1780. Later, he witnessed the surrender of General Cornwallis, which was a major moment in the war.
Life After the War
After the Revolutionary War, Clarkson continued his military service. He became a brigadier general in the militia for Kings and Queens Counties in 1786. Later, in 1798, he was promoted to major general for the Southern District of New York.
He also worked in business as a merchant. He first had a company called Vanderbilt & Clarkson. Later, he worked with his brother at a firm called S. & L. Clarkson & Co.
Serving the Public
Matthew Clarkson was very involved in politics and public service. After the war, he became an assistant to Benjamin Lincoln, who was then the United States Secretary of War.
From 1789 to 1790, Clarkson served in the New York State Assembly. During this time, he introduced a bill that aimed to gradually end slavery in New York State. This shows his commitment to important social issues.
He also served as a Regent of the University of the State of New York. This role even led him to meet King Louis XVI of France! From 1791 to 1792, he worked as a U.S. Marshal.
In 1793, Clarkson was elected to the New York State Senate, representing a large area that included Kings, New York, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk, and Westchester counties. He served until 1795. He also helped with a commission to build a new prison and was President of the New York (City) Hospital in 1799.
From 1804 until his death in 1825, Matthew Clarkson was the President of the Bank of New York. This was a very important position in the financial world of his time.
Helping Others: Philanthropy
Matthew Clarkson cared about helping people. He was one of the first trustees of The Bank for Savings in the City of New-York. This was one of New York's first savings banks, created to help working people and those in need save their money. His son-in-law, Peter Augustus Jay, was one of the people who started this bank.
Personal Life
Matthew Clarkson was married twice. His first wife was Mary Rutherfurd. They had one child together, Mary Rutherfurd Clarkson. After Mary's death, he married Sally Cornell. They had eight children together.
His children included:
- Mary Rutherfurd Clarkson (1786–1838), who married Peter Augustus Jay, the son of Chief Justice John Jay.
- David Clarkson (1795–1867), who later became President of the New York Stock Exchange.
- William Bayard Clarkson (1798–1875).
A Lasting Legacy
On April 2, 1819, the New York State Legislature established the town of Clarkson. It was named in honor of General Matthew Clarkson. Even though he never lived there, he owned a large amount of land in the area. He generously gave 100 acres to the town, and the rest of his land was set aside for his children.
Family Connections
Through his eldest daughter, Mary, Matthew Clarkson was the grandfather of John Clarkson Jay (1808–1891), who became a doctor and a famous expert on seashells. Many of his descendants continued to be important figures in society.
