Peyser, Theodore

Theodore Albert Peyser (February 18, 1873 – August 8, 1937) was an American salesman and politician. A member of the Democratic Party, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 17th congressional district between 1933 and his death.

Born in Charleston, West Virginia on February 18, 1873, Peyser attended Charleston public schools until he was 11 years old and then had to leave school and turn to working to support his family. He moved to Cincinnati, Ohio in 1893 and worked as a traveling salesman until 1900 when he moved to New York City and entered the life insurance business. Peyser was a very successful life insurance salesman he is credited with having sold million dollar life insurance policies to thirty three clients. He was elected to Congress in 1932 defeating incumbent Ruth Pratt and represented New York's 17th congressional district from March 4, 1933 until his death.

During his time in congress, Peyser was a vehement opponent of prohibition offering a plan to "tax the thirsty and feed the hungry" as a solution to the problem of alcohol. He also helped allocate funds for a airport on Governor's Island. While Peyser agreed with President Franklin Roosevelt on most legislation, including the New Deal, he disagreed with the president's attempt to expand the Supreme Court.

Peyser died in New York City. He was interred in United Cemetery in Cincinnati.