Philip's father Robert emigrated to America and obtained a large grant of land on the Hudson river. There he became very wealthy farming the rich acreage, which came to be known as Livingston's Manor. When Robert died, Phillip, the eldest of three sons became heir to the Manor.
Phillip graduated from Yale College and entered the business world in New York. His honest and upright dealings earned him great respect and trust.
Phillip became an Alderman for the East Ward and served there for nine years. Then when the Governor of the Colony was made Rear Admiral in the Royal Navy his successor dissolved the Assembly and ordered new elections. Both Phillip and brother Robert were elected to seats in the new Assembly. There Phillip quickly became a driving force and several French frontier forts were taken from the French and Canada became a subject.
Phillip resigned from the Assembly when Toryism took over. In 1774 he was elected to the first Continental Congress and was on the committee that prepared the address to the people of Great Britain; "an address replete with bold and original thoughts, prespicuous propositions and convincing arguments".
The next year a General Congress was formed (the Continental Congress being taken over by tories) and the Declaration of Independence was signed. Livingston was elected to the senate of New York in 1777 and, although in very poor health he took his seat in 1778, said goodbye to his family and never returned home. True service to his new country...Medicineman!
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