Augustus W. Peters

Augustus Winniett Peters (June 10, 1844 – December 29, 1898) was a Canadian-born New York City political figure who served as the 1st Manhattan Borough President.

In 1878 Peters became Chairman of the New York Consolidated Exchange, a combination of the several different commodities exchanges. Peters remained as chairman until resigning to take office as Manhattan Borough President. Upon his resignation as chairman, he was appointed the Exchange's Second Vice President.

A large, athletic man, Peters was involved in several amateur sports clubs and competitions, and was an accomplished cricket player and swimmer. Peters was also a capable singer and amateur actor, and belonged to choirs and drama clubs in New York City.

Peters was also a Freemason and attained the 33rd Degree of the Scottish Rite.

Having become a citizen of the United States soon after arriving in New York, Peters became active in the Tammany Hall Democratic Party organization. In 1893 he became President of Tammany's General Committee, and in 1894 he was an unsuccessful candidate for New York County Sheriff. In 1894 Peters was also an unsuccessful candidate for President of the Board of Aldermen.

In 1897, Peters was elected borough president of Manhattan. The five borough presidencies were created as the result of organizing Greater New York, which consolidate the five boroughs under one Mayor.

Peters served as borough president until his sudden death from a heart attack at his Manhattan, New York City, home on December 29, 1898. His remains were returned to New Brunswick for burial.