Zephaniah PLATT, Congress, NY (1735-1807)

PLATT, Zephaniah, (father of Jonas Platt), a Delegate from New York; born in Huntington, Long Island, Suffolk County, N.Y., May 27, 1735; received an English education; studied law; was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; Member of the Provincial Congress 1775-1777; member of the council of safety in 1777; served in the state senate 1777-1783; Member of the Continental Congress in 1785 and 1786; member of the council of appointment in 1778 and 1781; county judge of Dutchess County 1781-1795; founded the town of Plattsburg in 1784; delegate to the state constitutional convention in 1788; moved to Plattsburg, N.Y., in 1798 and continued the practice of law; regent of the state university from 1791 until his death; one of the projectors of the Erie Canal; died in Plattsburg, N.Y., September 12, 1807; interment in Riverside Cemetery.

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