Born a middle son in the high-pressure Livingston family, Gilbert was not as successful as his more famous older brothers, Philip and Robert. His father had made a good income as the collector of taxes. Given a figure that he had to collect, Robert Livingston paid that amount back to England, and then kept whatever tax monies he collected.

He passed this position on to Gilbert who, unfortunately, was not able to make the success of it that his father had. Gilbert held the responsibility at a time of economic downturn. The amount he was able to collect being significantly less than the amount he had to pay, he was forced to sell some of his wife's inherited property to make up the difference. So, while Philip and Robert's fortunes waxed, Gilbert's waned.

Though he did not have great financial success, he did have a good life. His wife, Cornelia Beekman, was the daughter of Hendrick Beekman, a large landowner, Colonel of Militia, and politician in the NY Assemblies for over 40 years. Through a very long and happy marriage, Gilbert and Cornelia had 14 children.

A lawyer, Gilbert held the positions of registrar of the Colonial Court of Chancery in 1720, and county clerk of Ulster the same year. For ten years (1728-1738), Gilbert represented the Manor as a member of the Assembly.

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http://www.iment.com/maida/familytree/henry/genealogy/robert2.htm#gilbert

Gilbert Livingston b: 3 Mar 1689/90 in Albany, Albany County, NY d: 25 Apr 1746 in Kingston NY

               +Cornelia Beekman    b: 18 Jun 1693 in Ulster City NY Kingston NY    d: 24 Jun 1742

Their son: Dr. Henry Livingston, Sr b: 27 Aug 1714

baptized 8 Sep 1714? Kingston d: 10 Feb 1799 in Poughkeepsie

                   +Susanna Storm Conklin    b: 9 Jul 1724 in Philipsburgh NY; Tarrytown, NY    d: 22 May 1793 in Poughkeepsie

Their son: Major Henry Livingston, Jr b: 13 Oct 1748 in Poughkeepsie NY d: 29 Feb 1828 in Poughkeepsie

                           +Sarah Welles    b: 7 Nov 1752 in Stamford CT    d: 1 Sep 1783 in Stamford CT