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Daniel TompkinsFull Name: Daniel Decius TompkinsBorn: June 21, 1774 in NY Died June 11, 1825 Vice Presidential Term: 6 (March 4, 1817 - March 3, 1825)
Tompkins was born in Westchester County, New York. He attended Columbia University, graduating in 1795. He was admitted to the bar in 1797 and practiced law in New York City. In 1807, Tompkins was elected as the Governor of New York. He was elected to the position five times, and didn't leave his office until becoming Vice President in 1817 under Monroe. Tompkins was again elected Vice President in 1820. Tompkins had a great love of New York State, especially New York City. He was a member of the New York State Constitutional Convention in 1801 and was elected to the State Assembly. He was elected to the federal Congress in 1804, but declined, instead staying in New York as an Associate Justice of the State Supreme Court. As Governor, he also declined an appointment as United States Secretary of State by President Madison, in favor of staying in New York as Governor. In fact, as Vice President, Tompkins (unsuccessfully) ran for Governor of New York! During the War of 1812, the patriotic Tompkins borrowed extensive money himself to contribute to the war effort, leaving his own personal financial situation in jeopardy. Towards the end of his life, Tompkins was still trying to recover his money ($90,000 - a large amount for those days). He never did recover from this debt, though his heirs did eventually receive some consideration. Tompkins died in Tompkinsville, NY, just a few months after ending his service as Vice President. He is buried in Saint Mark's Church in Manhattan. Historical Sites Related to Daniel TompkinsSaint Mark's Church-In-The-Bowery, New York, NY 10003 |
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