DEWITT CLINTON, the seventh and ninth governor to serve New York, was born in Little Britain, New York on March 2, 1769. His education was attained at Columbia University, where he graduated in 1786. He went on to study law, and around 1788 was admitted to the bar. Clinton first entered politics in 1790, serving as secretary to his uncle, Governor George Clinton, a position he held four years. In 1797 he served as a member of the New York House of Representatives; and from 1798 to 1802 he was a member of the New York State Senate. He also served in the U.S. Senate from 1802 to 1803; and was the mayor of New York City from 1803 to 1807 and 1811 to 1815. Clinton next secured the Democratic-Republican gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by a popular vote in 1817. He was reelected in 1820, 1824 and 1826. During his tenure, educational improvements were lobbied for; and art, history, and literary programs were initiated. Also, the Erie Canal was developed, which initiated the growth of cities along the canal. While still in office, Governor Clinton died suddenly on February 11, 1828. His final resting place was in the Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.