Levi Lincoln , Sr. ( May 15 , 1749 â `` April 14 , 1820 ) was an American revolutionary who served as a Minuteman at the beginning of the American Revolutionary War , a state legislator in Massachusetts , Governor of Massachusetts , Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts , a U.S. Representative , Attorney General for President Thomas Jefferson and Acting Secretary of State . Levi Lincoln , Sr. ( May 15 , 1749 â `` April 14 , 1820 ) was an American revolutionary and statesman who served as a Minuteman at the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War , a state legislator in Massachusetts , a participant in Massachusetts ' state constitutional convention , Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts , a U.S. Representative , Attorney General for President Thomas Jefferson and Acting Secretary of State .