Biographical Sketches of Eminent American Statesmen, with Speeches, Addresses and Letters

The family of Livingston has long been one of the most distinguished families of New York. They are descended from the Lord Livingstons of Scotland. John Livingston, a lineal descendant of the fourth Lord Livingston, was a preacher of the Reformed Church of Scotland, and banished in 1663 for non-conformity. He took refuge in Rotterdam, where he died, leaving seven children. His son, Robert Livingston, emigrated to America, and settled in New York in 1675. He obtained a grant from the Governor for a large tract of land, which was afterwards known as the "Manor and Lordship of Livingston." This grant was afterwards confirmed by royal charter of George I. of England. He was connected with the Schuyler family by marriage. He left three sons. Philip Livingston, one of his grandsons, was a signer of the Declaration of American Independence. William Livingston, another grandson of Robert Livingston, was governor of New Jersey, and a delegate to the first Continental Congress in 1774. John Jay, Chief Justice of the United States, married his daughter. His wife was a daughter of the Revolutionary General Schuyler. Brockholst Livingston was a son of Governor Livingston of New Jersey, Judge of the Supreme Court of the United States. Robert R. Livingston, also a grandson of old Robert, and son of Robert Livingston, was the first Chief Justice of New York, and administered the oath of office to General Washington when he was first inaugurated President of the United States. He was afterwards Minister to France, and made the purchase of Louisiana.

Edward Livingston, the subject of this sketch, was the brother of Chancellor Livingston, and likewise

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