Silvester Salisbury
by
Stefan Bielinski

Traditional sources hold that Silvester Salisbury was born in Wales perhaps in 1629. We seek more definitive information on his origins and career prior to emigration.

He is said to have been part of the English force that captured New Netherland in 1664. Thereafter, he was called "Captain" and appeared at court a number of times in New York City. He then was placed in command of the Duke's soldiers at Albany. The English fort overlooking the community was built during his tenure. In 1678, he was instrumental in the construction of a "Water" conduit to the fort.

About 1670, he was appointed schout or sheriff. Over the next decade, he appeared frequently before the Albany court as prosecutor and plaintiff. As fort commander, he also presided over courts martials involving garrison soldiers.

He owned a number of Albany properties. Connected to the provincial government, he also patented land at Catskill in partnership with Marte Gerritse. However, Salisbury's name did not appear on a census of Albany householders taken in March 1679.

Probably during the 1660s, he married Elizabeth Beeck. The marriage produced at least four surviving children.

Silvester Salisbury filed a will in August 1679. He was dead by the following March and his widow remarried in 1682.

biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Silvester Salisbury is CAP biography number 8089. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources. A biographical sketch from Appleton's Encyclopedia appears online - one of many antiquarian/traditional resources available via a "Google.com" search of the name. Schenectady Digital History Archive presents the most substantial sketch; sketch via Sketch and notes. via Wiki Tree. Material from the Magazine of American History; Subsequent litigation regarding real property holdings;



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first posted: 2004; updated and revised 1/31/18