Clinton, De Witt (1769–1828)

American political leader. After serving in the US Senate 1802–03, he was elected mayor of New York City 1803–15 and governor of New York State from 1817. A strong promoter of the Erie Canal, he was instrumental in the initiation of that project, completed 1825.

Clinton was born in Little Britain, New York, educated at Columbia University, studied law, and became the personal assistant of his uncle George Clinton, governor of New York. He sat in the state legislature 1797–1802, serving simultaneously as lieutenant governor. In Congress, Clinton identified himself with the movements for the abolition of slavery and of imprisonment for debt, and for improvement of the free public schools.