Peter, George, 1779-1861

Major George W. Peter was born on September 28, 1779 to Robert and Elizabeth Scott Peter. He was married three times during his life. First, to Ann Plater in 1809. Together they had two children, George and Thomas. His wife and two children all died in 1814. Secondly, in 1815 he married Agnes Buchanon Freeland. They had five children, Robert, Ann, James, Agnes, and David. Agnes, his wife, died in 1825. Only a month later, he again married, this time to Sarah Norfleet Freeland, the sister of his second wife. Together, they had nine children: Sarah Agnes, George, Alexander Scott, Margaret Dick, Elizabeth, Armistead, Walter Gibson, William, and Katherine Norfleet. Major George Peter was an officer in the army, a representative in Congress, and a farmer. During his career in the army, he was first appointed first lieutenant 2nd, Artillery and Engineers on February 16, 1801. He was promoted to Captain on November 3, 1807, and finally was transferred to the Light Artillery in May of 1808. He resigned in June 11, 1809. In 1815, he was elected to Congress to cover the sixth district in Maryland. He would continue this appointment until after 1828. He died June 22, 1861.