Samuel Peters

Reverend Samuel Andrew Peters (1735–1826) was a Connecticut Anglican clergyman and historian. A nephew, John Samuel Peters (1772–1858), served as Governor of Connecticut 1831-33. Another nephew, John Thompson Peters (1765–1834) served as Justice of the Supreme Court of Connecticut 1818-1834.

For the American congressman, see Samuel R. Peters.

Biography

Samuel Peters was born December 1, 1735 in Hebron Connecticut Colony, being third youngest of twelve children of John Peters (1695–1754) and Mary Marks (1698–1784).

In 1757 he graduated from Yale College and was elected Rector of St. Peter's Church, Hebron, Connecticut. In 1758 he sailed to England where he was ordained Deacon in March 1759, before being advanced to the Anglican Priesthood a month later. In the following year he returned to America and took charge of St. Peter's Church parish at Hebron, Connecticut. in 1763 he climbed Killington Peak, and allegedly named the area Verd Mont giving the state its future name.[1]

In August 1774 Peters fled to England after several visits from the "Sons of Liberty" because of his Loyalist sympathies. In 1781 he published, under a pseudonym, "General History of Connecticut, from its first settlement under George Fenwick, to its latest period of amity with Great Britain prior to the Revolution; including a description of the country, and many curious and interesting anecdotes. With an appendix, pointing out the causes of the rebellion in America; together with the particular part taken by the people of Connecticut in its promotion. By a Gentleman of the Province". This work is noted for its unflattering descriptions of the colonists and for its misrepresentation of the Connecticut Blue Laws. The work was negatively received.[2] In February 1794 he was nominated Anglican Bishop-elect of Vermont but was never consecrated.[3]

Peters returned to America in 1805. In 1817 he visited the Saint Anthony Falls, taking up a large claim there, but again settled in New York in 1818.[3] He died in poverty in New York City on April 19, 1826.[3]

Marriages and issue
  • February 14, 1760 : First marriage to Hannah Owen (1740–1765) who bore him three daughters.
  • June 25, 1769 : Second marriage to Abigail Gilbert (1751–1769).
  • April 20, 1773 : Third marriage to Mary Birdseye (1750- ) who bore him two sons.

References
  1. Starr, Tena (29 September 2010). "Do warriors haunt the ruins on Pisgah?". Barton, Vermont: The Chronicle. p. 1B.
  2. According to "Kacirk, Jeffrey (1997). Forgotten English. New York: William Morrow & Co. ISBN 0-688-15018-7., the Monthly Review proclaimed the book as "altogether unworthy of the public attention.""
  3. New International Encyclopedia

Resources
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