Gelston, David, 1744-1828
Name Entries
person
Gelston, David, 1744-1828
Computed Name Heading
Name Components
Surname :
Gelston
Forename :
David
Date :
1744-1828
eng
Latn
authorizedForm
rda
Genders
Male
Exist Dates
Biographical History
David Gelston (July 4, 1744 – August 21, 1828) was an American merchant and politician.
Born in Bridgehampton in Suffolk County on Long Island in what was then the Province of New York, as the American Revolution approached, Gelston became politically active. He signed the articles of association in 1774, agreeing to avoid British imports, even though this hurt his own business. Gelston represented Suffolk County in the New York Provincial Congress of 1775 to 1777, as well as the 1777 New York State Constitutional Convention that debated and enacted the first constitution of the State of New York. He was a member from Suffolk County of the New York State Assembly from 1777 to 1785. During his last term, Gelston was Speaker. As speaker, he took a leading role in reconciling the differences between Tory and Whig factions. He oversaw the repeal of all the laws that had imposed civil and legal penalties on Tories. In 1787, Gelston moved to New York City, serving as Surrogate of New York County from 1787 to 1801. In 1789, the State Assembly appointed him a delegate to the last session of the Continental Congress. Gelston was a member of the New York State Senate from 1791 to 1794 and from 1798 to 1802.
In 1801, Gelston was appointed Collector of the Port of New York by President Thomas Jefferson, and held that post until 1821 when he retired. Gelston died on August 21, 1828, in New York City. He was buried in New York City's First Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
eng
Latn
External Related CPF
https://viaf.org/viaf/4011697
https://www.worldcat.org/identities/lccn-n88027052
https://id.loc.gov/authorities/n88027052
https://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q1174530
Other Entity IDs (Same As)
Sources
Loading ...
Resource Relations
Loading ...
Internal CPF Relations
Loading ...
Languages Used
eng
Latn
Subjects
Ships
Beef industry
Custom houses
Customs administration
Customs administration
Embargo
Embargo, 1807-1809
Families
Finance, Personal
Iron industry and trade
Ports of entry
Privateering
Real property
Seizure of vessels and cargoes
Shipping
Smuggling
Sugar trade
Whale oil
Nationalities
Britons
Americans
Activities
Occupations
Delegates, U.S. Continental Congress
Merchants
State Representative
State Senator
Legal Statuses
Places
Bridgehampton
NY, US
AssociatedPlace
Birth
New York City
NY, US
AssociatedPlace
Death
Convention Declarations
<conventionDeclaration><citation>VIAF</citation></conventionDeclaration>