Matthew Clarkson
Revolutionary War Patriot

 

CLARKSON, Matthew, philanthropist, born in New York, 17 October, 1758; died there, 25 April, 1825. He was the great-grandson of Matthew Clarkson, who for thirteen years was secretary of the province, and his father and grandfather also held important places in the colony.

At the beginning of the Revolutionary war, in 1775, the Clarkson became a private in a company of fusiliers under Rudolph Ritzema, and afterward he served in Colonel Josiah Smith's regiment of minutemen, which was raised for the purpose of protecting Long Island from invasion. He joined the northern army in 1777, was wounded at Fort Edward, and at Saratoga rendered effective service to Colonel Daniel Morgan, also acted as aide-de-camp to Benedict Arnold, and was present at the surrender of General John Burgoyne.

In 1779 he was appointed aide to General Benjamin Lincoln through the personal request of the President of Congress, John Jay:

From Preft. Congrefs
2d Apl. 1779

Philadelphia 2, April 1779

Sir,

Altho I have not the Honor of a personal acquaintance with you, yet I am so well informed of your Character, as to believe you will always be happy in leading a Young Soldier to Glory, and to afford him that Countenance and Protection, which a brave and generous youth seldom fails to invite.

Permit me therefore to recommend to you Major Clarkson; who is now going to place himself under you Command, and be afsured that you will confer an obligation on me, by becoming his friend as well as his General ---   

I am Sir with great Respect & Esteem

Your most obedt Servnt

John Jay

Major General Lincoln

Under General Lincoln, Clarkson participated in the siege of Savannah, and in the defense of Charleston he served as a major of infantry.  He became a prisoner at the surrender to the British. In 1781 he returned to his place as aide to General Lincoln, and was with him at the reduction of Yorktown. He also served on the expedition of Colonel Abraham Whipple during the siege of Charleston, and later in the "Jason."

When Lincoln became secretary of war, Clarkson acted as his assistant, and on the conclusion of hostilities he received the brevet of lieutenant-colonel, and for more than fourteen years was major-general of the state militia. He served in both branches of the legislature, and was candidate of the Federal party for United States senator.

For twenty-one years he was president of the Bank of New York, one of the first promoters of the free-school system, a regent of the University of the state of New York in 1784-1825, governor of the New York hospital for thirty years, during twenty-three of which he was president, and one of the vice-presidents and founders of the American Bible society.  His name is associated with the foundation of nearly all the early philanthropic societies of New York City.