Gelston, David, 1744-1828

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.