September 15, 1789-September 14, 1851
-Attended Yale University at age 13 but was expelled in his third year
-Sent to sea as a merchant marine
-Served three years in the US Navy as a midshipman
-Married Susan DeLancey in 1811 and settled down as a gentleman farmer
-The couple moved abroad, but he energetically defended American democracy while overseas
- His works were more popular overseas than in America
- His novels are said to "engage historical themes"
- Helped to form the popular view of American history
- Died in 1851, and is buried in the cemetery in Cooperstown, NY