George Clinton, born in New York State on July 26, 1739, and dead in Washington on April 20, 1811, was a soldier and statesman of the Revolution who was eminent in council and distinguished in war. He served as the first governor of New York State from 1777 to 1804 and as vice president of the United States from 1804 to 1812. He was praised for usefulness, purity, and ability in those offices and others, and for virtue, wisdom, and valor that were held as the pride, ornament, and security of his country.