Oct 15

Oct 15 Peter Van Brugh Livingston Guides New York Patriots

In the same vein as yesterday’s article about Richard Morris, today’s subject also tends to be historically overshadowed by his siblings.

Peter Van Brugh Livingston’s contribution to the American Founding was as an elder statesman during the early days of rebellion in New York State.

The Livingston’s

Peter Van Brugh Livingston was born into the large and wealthy Livingston Family.

In addition to his brothers, Philip (who signed the Declaration of Independence) and William (who signed the Constitution), Peter had several uncles and cousins who participated in the American Founding in their own right.

Peter Van Brugh Livingston

By the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, Peter Van Brugh Livingston had established himself as a successful merchant, partnering with William Alexander to dominate the shipping industry in the greater New York/New Jersey area.

When the time came to choose sides regarding the troubles with the Mother Country, Peter firmly stood with the Patriots.

Livingston was a part of the Committee of One Hundred which controlled the militia in New York.

Directing Rebellion

During this time, Livingston was already a member of New York’s Colonial Assembly.

In the aftermath of Lexington and Concord, Peter was appointed President of the body, making him crucial in his colony’s preparation for war.

Furthermore, he was elected Chairman of the Committee of Safety, which took the place of the Committee of One Hundred as the acting Executive Branch of New York.

Head of State

As if running the government and the militia were not enough, Peter was also appointed the State Treasurer during this time.

From September of 1776 (when the British first took over NYC) through March 1777, if you needed money, men or a law passed, Peter Livingston was the man to see.

Finally, in 1778, approaching 70-years-old and seeing the first State Constitution put into service, Livingston stepped aside to allow the next generation take over the American Founding.

If you enjoyed this article, you might like these about Peter’s extended family:

Making Cases - The Rise of Henry Brockholst Livingston

Robert Livingston - The Chancellor

Sarah Livingston Jay Takes Washington by the Hair

Though Peter does not have a biography of his own, his family does.

‘Traders and Gentlefolk’ is several decades old but it is a nice recap of this important family.

If you’d like a copy you can get one through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).