Robert Livingston the Younger facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Robert Livingston the Younger
14th Mayor of Albany, New York
In office 1710–1719
Preceded by	Johannes Abeel
Succeeded by	Myndert Schuyler
Personal details
Born	1663 Edinburgh, Scotland
Died	April 1725 (aged 61/62) Albany, New York
Citizenship	Great Britain
Spouse	Margarita Schuyler ​ (m. 1697)​
Children	6
Relatives	James Livingston (grandson) Catherine Van Rensselaer (granddaughter) Jeremiah Van Rensselaer (grandson) Robert Van Rensselaer (grandson) Henry van Rensselaer
Nicknames	Robert Livingston, Jr.

Robert Livingston the Younger (1663 – April 1725) was an important merchant and political leader. He lived in Albany, New York when it was a British colony. People sometimes called him Robert Livingston Jr. or The Nephew.

Who Was Robert Livingston the Younger?

Robert Livingston was born in 1663 in Edinburgh, Scotland. His father was James Livingston. Robert's uncle, Robert Livingston the Elder, was already living in Albany. The uncle suggested that young Robert come to America.

Robert the Younger moved to North America in 1687. He first went through London. He then settled in Albany, New York. There, he helped manage his uncle's businesses.

Robert's Early Jobs

When Robert arrived in 1687, he started working for his uncle. His first job was helping as the city and County Clerk. This meant he kept important records for the city and county.

In 1699, he became the Deputy Secretary and Deputy Clerk. He held these jobs until 1707. After that, his cousin Philip Livingston took over. In 1708, Robert was elected Alderman for the First Ward. An Alderman is like a city council member. In 1709, he became the Recorder, which was like a Deputy Mayor.

At the same time, Robert became very successful in business. He used his family connections and experience. He sold supplies to settlers and to the military.

Becoming Mayor of Albany

In 1710, Robert Livingston was chosen to be the mayor of Albany. He took over from Johannes Abeel. He served as mayor until 1719. After him, Myndert Schuyler became mayor.

During Robert's time as mayor, Albany grew a lot. It changed from a small trading post. It became the main center for supplies and services in the area. Robert was also chosen as a Commissioner for Indian Affairs. This meant he helped manage relations between the English colony and Native American tribes.

Robert's Family Life

In 1697, Robert Livingston married Margarita Schuyler. She was born in 1682. Margarita's father was Pieter Schuyler (1657–1724). Pieter was the very first mayor of Albany.

Robert and Margarita had six children together:

• Engeltje "Angelica" Livingston (1698–1747)
• James Livingston (1701–1763)
• Janet Livingston (1703–1724)
• Pieter "Peter" Livingston (born 1706), who was a fur trader
• Johannes "John" Livingston (1709–1791)
• Thomas Livingston, who died when he was young

Robert Livingston the Younger passed away in April 1725. He was buried in the Dutch church in Albany. His wife, Margarita, lived for many more years after him.

Important Descendants

Robert's children and grandchildren became very successful. They married into important families in New York.

• Through his daughter Angelica, he was the grandfather of Catherine Van Rensselaer. She married General Philip Schuyler. Their family line includes many members of the Hamilton family.
• His grandson, James Livingston, became a Captain during the American Revolution.

Learn More

• Livingston family
• History of Albany, New York