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Samuel OsgoodAmerican businessman and statesman
Date of Birth: 03.02.1747
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Samuel Osgood
- Revolutionary War
- Political Career in Massachusetts
- Commissioner of Finance and Postmaster General
- Presidential Mansion
- Later Career in New York
- Legacy
Samuel Osgood
Early Life and EducationIn 1638, John Osgood immigrated to Massachusetts from Andover, England, and founded the settlement of Andover in 1646. Four generations later, in 1748, Captain Peter Osgood of Andover welcomed the birth of his third son, Samuel.
Samuel attended Dummer Academy and Harvard College, where he studied theology and graduated in 1770. Upon completing his education, he returned to Andover and pursued a mercantile career.
Revolutionary War
Osgood joined the local militia and was elected to represent his town in the colonial assembly. In 1775, he became a member of the provincial congress, the revolutionary government of Massachusetts during the American Revolutionary War.
As commander of a company of minutemen, Osgood fought in the battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775. He participated in the siege of Boston, serving as a brigade major under General Artemas Ward and later being promoted to colonel.
Political Career in Massachusetts
After the siege ended in 1776, Osgood left the army and resumed his role in the provincial congress. He served on the Massachusetts Board of War until 1780, and concurrently represented Massachusetts in the state's constitutional convention from 1779 to 1780.
Osgood was elected to the Massachusetts Senate under the new constitution and served two terms. He was chosen as a delegate to the Continental Congress from 1782 to 1784. In 1784, Osgood became a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, and in 1785, he was appointed a state judge but resigned shortly after.
Commissioner of Finance and Postmaster General
In 1785, the Continental Congress appointed Osgood as Commissioner of Finance. He relocated to New York City to fulfill this role, which he held until the expiry of the government.
In 1789, President George Washington appointed Osgood as the first Postmaster General under the new U.S. Constitution. He replaced Ebenezer Hazard, who had served as postmaster under the Continental Congress. Osgood served as Postmaster General from 1789 to 1791.
Presidential Mansion
The federal government was initially located in New York City, and the official presidential residence was at 3 Cherry Street, the home of Samuel Osgood and his family. Osgood offered his mansion to President Washington, believing that the president and his wife should occupy the finest home in the city. Thus, Osgood's home became the first presidential mansion in the United States.
Later Career in New York
After the federal government moved to Philadelphia in 1791, Osgood remained in New York and resigned his post as Postmaster General. He became an elector in 1792 and cast his vote for George Washington and George Clinton.
Osgood served in the New York State Assembly from 1800 to 1801 and 1802, and he was its speaker during 1800-1801. In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson appointed Osgood as Naval Officer of the Port of New York, a position he held until his death. Additionally, Osgood served as the first president of the newly established City Bank of New York in the final year of his life.
Legacy
Samuel Osgood was a member of the American Philosophical Society. He died at his home in New York City in 1813 and was buried in the Presbyterian Church in Manhattan. A street in his hometown is named in honor of the Osgood family. The Osgood family home in North Andover and Samuel's New York City residence are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A portrait of Colonel Osgood hangs in the President's Room in the U.S. Capitol building.
