was elected to the United States Senate in 1808, and served from March 4, 1809 to March 3, 1815. He was known as a critic of the lack of military preparations made in advance of the War of 1812, and voted against the declaration of war. In 1812 he was one of the founding trustees of Hamilton College. After leaving the Senate, he was judge of Chenango County from 1815 to 1819. As a DeWitt Clinton supporter, he also played a role in the construction of the Erie Canal after being appointed state commissioner of public works in 1817. He returned to the Assembly in 1819, and served as speaker. He was also a militia officer, eventually becoming a major general. After leaving the Assembly, he returned to the practice of law. He became a Whig when that party was organized. The town of German, New York is named for him.
was elected to the United States Senate in 1808, and served from March 4, 1809 to March 3, 1815. He was known as a critic of the lack of military preparations made in advance of the War of 1812, and voted against the declaration of war. In 1812 he was one of the founding trustees of Hamilton College. After leaving the Senate, he was judge of Chenango County from 1815 to 1819. As a DeWitt Clinton supporter, he also played a role in the construction of the Erie Canal after being appointed state commissioner of public works in 1817. He returned to the Assembly in 1819, and served as speaker. He was also a militia officer, eventually becoming a major general. After leaving the Assembly, he returned to the practice of law. He became a Whig when that party was organized. The town of German, New York is named for him.
Bio by: Bill McKern
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