David Gelston
David Gelston (July 4, 1744 Bridgehampton, Suffolk County, New York - August 21, 1828 New York City) was an American merchant and politician.
Life
He married Phebe Mitchell and their daughter, Phebe Gelston (1771-1836) later married Nicoll Floyd, the son of William Floyd.
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 member of the first session of the New York State Assembly, and was elected annually from 1777 to 1785. During his last two years, 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.
From 1787 to 1801 Gelston was surrogate of New York County. In 1789 the State Assembly appointed him a delegate to the last session of the Continental Congress. He served several terms in the New York State Senate, including 1791-1793, 1798, and 1802.
Gelston was appointed to the post of Customs Collector for the Port of New York in 1802 and held that post until 1821, when he retired.
He was buried in the First Presbyterian Church Cemetery in New York.