William Peters

William Peters (1702–1786) was lawyer and jurist in Philadelphia in the colonial and revolutionary era. Peters was known for building the Belmont Mansion, which remains a landmark in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park.

Biography Peters was born in Liverpool, England, and emigrated to America in 1739, where he opened a law practice. Upon arrival in Philadelphia, Peters gained the patronage of Thomas Penn. He would go to serve as judge of the courts of common pleas, quarter sessions, and orphans' court.

In July 1742 he purchased 220-acres on the west side of the Schuylkill River.

In 1760, Thomas Penn allowed William Peters to follow his brother as secretary of the Pennsylvania Land Office. Over the next five years in the role, Peters' conduct and considerable time away from the city to develop his estate led to a rift with Thomas Penn.