Background
Stockton, Robert Field was born on August 20, 1795 in Princeton, New Jersey, United States. Son of Richard and Mary (Field) Stockton.
Stockton, Robert Field was born on August 20, 1795 in Princeton, New Jersey, United States. Son of Richard and Mary (Field) Stockton.
Attended Princeton, 1808.
Commissioned midshipman United States Navy, 1811, Lieutenant, 1812. First lieutenant in ship Spitfire in War with Algiers, 1815. Interested in American Colonization Society, carried Doctor Eli Ayres (agent for society) to West Coast of Africa and obtained by treaty new site for agency Cape Mesurado (later Liberia).
Employed in suppressing piracy in West Indies, 1822.
Had surveying duties, 1823-1824, 27-28. Invested in Delaware & Raritan Canal, circa.
1829, 1st president Invested in Camden & Amboy Railroad Owned racing horses.
Organized New Jersey Colonization Society, 1st president Commissioned master commandant, 1830, captain, 1838.
In command of Ohio as fleet captain and captain, 1838. Campaigned for Harrison in presidential election, 1840.
Assisted in construction of steamer Princeton, 1st commander, 1843-1845.
In command land operations in California, 1846. Combined forces of navy and army, entered Los Angeles and claimed it for United States. Organized civil and military government as governor and commander in chief, resigned, 1850.
Member United States Senate (Democrat) from New Jersey, 1851-January 10, 1853, introduced bill providing for abolition of flogging in navy and urged adequate harbor defenses.
President Delaware & Raritan Canal Company, 1853-1866. delegate to Peace Conference, Washington, District of Columbia, 1861.
Member United States Senate (Democrat) from New Jersey, 1851-January 10, 1853, introduced bill providing for abolition of flogging in navy and urged adequate harbor defenses.
Married Harriet Maria Potter, 1823/24, 9 children including John Potter.