New York
Gov. Morgan Lewis
- April 23, 1804 - July 1, 1807
- Democratic-Republican
- October 16, 1754
- March 7, 1844
- New York
- Princeton University
- Married Gertrude Livingston; one child
- Army
About
MORGAN LEWIS, the fourth governor of New York, was born in New York City on October 16, 1754. His education was attained at Princeton University, where he graduated in 1773. He went on to study law, and around 1783 was admitted to the bar. During the Revolutionary War, he served in the New York militia as a captain, and later became the quartermaster general for the Department of New York. Lewis first entered politics in 1789, serving as a member of the New York Assembly, a position he won reelection to in 1792. He also served as the attorney general of New York from 1791 to 1792; and was a New York Supreme Court justice in 1801. Lewis next secured the Democratic-Republican gubernatorial nomination and was elected governor by a popular vote on April 23, 1804. During his tenure, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point was established; the state’s militia system was restructured; and educational improvements were sanctioned. After completing his term, Lewis served as a member of the New York State Senate, a position he held from 1810 to 1814. He served again as quartermaster general during the War of 1812; and was president of the New York Historical Society. He also was involved in the establishment of New York University. Governor Morgan Lewis passed away on April 7, 1844 and was buried in the St. James Cemetery in Hyde Park, New York.
Source
Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 3, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.
