William Livingston Governs New Jersey
William Livingston was perhaps the most powerful man in New Jersey during the American Revolution, Governing the State throughout the Founding Period and signing two Major Documents.
Published 8/3/18 - Updated 10/25/21
William Livingston
William Livingston was born in Albany, New York to the wealthy Livingston Family, received the finest of educations and attend Yale.
After an apprenticeship, he began practicing law in New York City.
William and two friends (John Morin Scott and William Smith, Jr) began a weekly publication known as the Independent Reflector which primarily argued against the creation of King’s College.
His distaste for the new University stemmed from his upbringing. Upstate New York was primarily Presbyterian. Meanwhile, NYC was full of Anglicans. Livingston was afraid the College would be used as an excuse to bring a Bishop to the colony.
First Continental Congress
Although King's College was built (and no Bishop ever arrived), William Livingston was briefly elected to the Provincial Assembly.
After leaving this office, he moved to New Jersey where he later established himself as a leader in another resistance movement...the American Revolution.
William represented New Jersey in the First Continental Congress where he signed the Articles of Association.
Livingston returned the following year for the Second Continental Congress and remained until June of 1776.
Governor
With independence becoming inevitable, Livingston left Congress just before the vote for separation. Although he supported the measure, he knew there was work to be done in his adopted home.
William returned to New Jersey where he was elected Governor, replacing Benjamin Franklin's son William.
Livingston would hold this position for the next 14 years, the entirety of the Revolution.
Constitutional Convention
A decade later, while still Governor, William Livingston was sent as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention.
He supported the the idea of a strong national government and signed the Constitution that September.
Although he was appointed to be Minister to the Netherlands, William declined.
Livingston would remain Governor of New Jersey until he passed away just two years later.
Here are just a few more members of the Livingston Family:
Robert Livingston - The Chancellor
Philip Livingston Attends All The Congresses
Peter Van Brugh Livingston Guides New York Patriots
It is always interesting to me that someone like William Livingston can play such a large role in the Revolution, including signing the Constitution, and be overlooked as he is today.
Fortunately, William Livingston is one of the few 'lost' Founders who has a biography. I suggest you pick it up at your library or through the link below as his role in creating the United States (and specifically New Jersey) should not be overlooked. Our links go through Amazon and the small percentage we receive does not increase your price. Enjoy!
Want to get fun American Revolution articles straight to your inbox every morning?
Subscribe to my email list here.
You can also support this site on Patreon by clicking here.
Thanks for your support!
