Peter Silvester Educates a President
Peter Silvester was an inaugural member of the US House of Representatives before educating future President Martin van Buren.
Peter Silvester
After studying law, Peter Silvester moved to Upstate New York to work for Sir William Johnson.
Johnson was arguably the most important person on the New York frontier, having led men in several successful battles during the French and Indian War.
By the time of his employer’s death in 1774, Silvester had already moved to Kinderhook, NY and joined the local Committee of Correspondence.
A Minor Role
In addition to operating a successful law practice, Peter married Jane Van Shaack, a member of one of the most prestigious families in the region.
Due to most of his in-laws remaining Loyalist, Silvester took a minor role in the Revolutionary War.
He served in the New York Provincial Congress but after independence returned to his private practice.
Inaugural Congressman
After the hostilities settled down, Silvester was chosen as a Judge for the county’s Court of Common Pleas.
Shortly thereafter he received election to the State Assembly.
In 1789, Peter was chosen as an inaugural member of the US House of Representatives.
Silvester participated as a Federalist in the first two sessions of Congress before returning to the State Government.
Preparing a President
Arguably the most important contribution to the American Founding was Silvester’s relationship with future President Martin van Buren.
When van Buren was in his early teens he began studying under Silvester in the latter’s law firm.
Martin spent six years in Peter’s office where he learned more than just the law, but also how to carry himself as a gentleman.
During this time, van Buren developed an association with the Democratic-Republican Party.
To help his pupil, the Federalist Silvester sent him to study under William P. Van Ness in New York City.
It was here that Martin van Buren became associated with Tammany Hall and began learning the politics that would lead him to the top of the US Government.
Here are some articles on other early Attorneys General.
The Longest Serving Inaugural Congressman - George Thatcher
Paine Wingate Resists The Judiciary Act
Peter Silvester has a role in the early parts of most biographies on Martin van Buren.
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