Peter H. Silvester

Peter Henry Silvester (February 17, 1807 – November 29, 1882) was a U.S. Representative from New York in the 30th and 31st United States Congress. Silvester was the grandson of prominent attorney and former U.S. Congressmen, Peter Silvester.

Early life Silvester was born on February 17, 1807, in Kinderhook, New York. He was the only son of Francis Silvester (1767–1845) and Lydia Van Schaack, a niece of Peter van Schaack and a descendant of the Schuyler family. He was the grandson of Peter Silvester (1734–1808) and his wife, Jane Van Schaack. Silvester attended Kinderhook Academy, and graduated from Union College, Schenectady, New York, in 1827. He studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1830 and practiced in Coxsackie, New York.

Career He was originally a member of the Democratic-Republican Party, and joined the National Republicans and then the Whigs. Together, Silvester and Bronk had four children, of which two survived to adulthood: who served as District Attorney of Columbia County. John L.B. Silvester (c. 1836) Margaret Silvester, died aged 9 He was interred in Kinderhook Cemetery, along with his family.