Peter SILVESTER, Congress, NY (1734-1808)

SILVESTER, Peter, (grandfather of Peter Henry Silvester), a Representative from New York; born at Shelter Island, Long Island, N.Y., in 1734; completed preparatory studies; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1763 and practiced in Albany, N.Y.; member of the Albany Common Council in 1772; member of the committee of safety in 1774; served in the First and Second Provincial Congresses in 1775 and 1776; moved to Kinderhook, N.Y., and practiced law; appointed judge of the court of common pleas of Columbia County in 1786; regent of the University of the State of New York 1787-1808; elected as a Pro-Administration candidate to the First and Second Congresses (March 4, 1789-March 3, 1793); served in the state assembly in 1788; member of the state senate 1796-1800; again served in the state assembly 1803-1806; retired from public life; died in Kinderhook, Columbia County, N.Y., October 15, 1808; interment in Old Van Schaack Cemetery, over which the Reformed Dutch Church was built in 1814.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present