David Gelston (July 4, 1744 – August 21, 1828) was an American merchant and politician.

Early life

Gelston was born on July 4, 1744, in Bridgehampton in Suffolk County on Long Island in what was then the Province of New York.

Career

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. He 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 Democratic-Republican and he worked closely with Aaron Burr.

He was a member from Suffolk County of the New York State Assembly from 1777 to 1785. During his last term, he 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.

Personal life

Gelston was married to Phoebe Mitchell (1753–1836). Together, they were the parents of:

  • Phoebe Gelston (1771–1836), who married Nicoll Floyd, the son of William Floyd. who was a member of the New York State Assembly and who served as president of the Bank of the Manhattan Company.

In 1792, Gelston commissioned Charles Willson Peale to paint a portrait of him along with a companion piece of his wife and daughter. This painting is currently displayed at the La Salle Art Museum.

Gelston died on August 21, 1828, in New York City. He was buried in the First Presbyterian Church Cemetery in New York.

References

  • GELSTON, David, 1744-1828, Guide to Research Collections