John Tayler Repeatedly Loses to DeWitt Clinton
John Tayler was a Lieutenant Governor of New York who lost two special elections…to the same person!
John Tayler
While in his late teens, John Tayler ventured into the wilderness to find his calling.
Tayler became successful as a trader in and around Upstate New York, eventually owning several general goods stores and becoming a prominent member of Albany society.
After the United States declared independence, John was elected to the New York State Assembly.
He would serve on and off in this body for over a decade, spend several years as Mayor of Albany, then find a more permanent position in the State Senate.
The Duel
About this time, Tayler had an event in his home at which Alexander Hamilton gave a speech about New York politics.
Tayler’s son-in-law, Charles D. Cooper, was in attendance and wrote a letter to Philip Schuyler regarding the discussion.
His letter, which specified disparaging remarks Hamilton made about Aaron Burr, were intercepted and published in a local paper.
This was the final straw which led to the famous Hamilton-Burr Duel.
Special Election the First
By 1810, John Tayler had become Speaker of the New York Senate.
When Lieutenant Governor John Broome passed away, the State constitution dictated that the Speaker of the Senate take the position until a special election could be held.
Suddenly, Tayler found himself in the second highest office in New York. He decided to run for the job in the special election.
Unfortunately, Tayler was defeated by DeWitt Clinton and returned to the Senate.
Lieutenant Governor
Throughout this ordeal, Governor Daniel D. Tompkins favored Tayler.
When he ran for reelection, Tompkins put Tayler on his ticket.
This time, John successfully became Lieutenant Governor of New York.
Special Election the Second
Four years later, Tompkins became Vice President of the United States on a ticket with James Monroe.
Again, a special election took place, this time for Governor.
Again, Tayler ran against DeWitt Clinton and again he lost.
John spent the next five years serving as Lt. Gov under an opponent he lost to in two separate special elections.
Do you want to read about other early Lieutenant Governors of New York?
You might like some of these stories:
Pierre Van Cortlandt’s Constant Leadership
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer Can’t Help Reclaim Land
Since Tayler does not have a biography, I thought I’d recommend one on DeWitt Clinton.
Shockingly, I am yet to write an article on Clinton, so until then enjoy ‘The Birth of Empire.’
Pick up a copy through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).
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