Genet, Edmond-Charles, 1763-1834

Edmond Charles Genet, often refered to as "Citizen Genet," was born in France in 1763 and followed his father into governement service. In 1793, he was appointed as France's minister plenipotentiary to the United States, but his political activities caused the American government to demand his replacement. He was, however, permitted to remain in this country. He lived near Jaimaica on Long Island for a few years, before moving to upstate New York. His first wife was Cornelia Tappen Clinton, a daughter of the governor of New York. After her death, he married Martha Brandon Osgood, the daugher of the first postmaster general. Genet died on July 14, 1834. On some of the bills in this collection, his name is listed as Charles Edmond Genet. On other bills, he is referred to as Citizen Genet.

From the description of Accounts, 1794-1803. (Winterthur Library). WorldCat record id: 82731459

Biographical Note

• 1763, Jan. 8: Born in France
• 1777: Secretary to his father in the Bureau of Interpretations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• 1780: Student, Gressen and Berlin, Germany
• 1780 - 1781 : Served in secretariat of Baron de Breteuil, Vienna, Austria
• 1781 - 1783 : Assumed offices held by his father
• 1783: Acting secretary, French legation in England
• 1787: Sent to French embassy, St. Petersburg, Russia
• 1789: Chargé ďaffaires, French embassy, St. Petersburg, Russia
• 1792: Expelled from Russia Appointed French minister plenipotentiary to the United States
• 1793: Arrived at Charleston, S. C. Toured eastern United States Recalled from United States
• 1794: Purchased a farm on Long Island, N.Y. Married Cornelia Tappen Clinton
• 1800: Moved to a farm in Rensselaer County, N. Y.
• 1814: Married Martha Brandon Osgood
• 1834, July 15: Died

From the guide to the Edmond Charles Genet Papers, 1734-1895, (bulk 1789-1793), (Manuscript Division Library of Congress)