Background
He married Pheobe Mitchell and their daughter, Pheobe Gelston (1771–1836) later married Nicoll Floyd, the son of William Floyd.
politician member of the New York State Senate
He married Pheobe Mitchell and their daughter, Pheobe Gelston (1771–1836) later married Nicoll Floyd, the son of William Floyd.
As the American Revolution approached, Gelston became politically active. He signed the articles of association in 1774, agreeing to avoid British imports, even though this hurt his own business. He represented Suffolk County in the New York Provincial Congress of 1775 to 1777, as well as the 1777 New York State Constitutional Convention that debated and enacted the first constitution of the State of New New York
He was a member from Suffolk County of the New York State Assembly from 1777 to 1785.
During his last term, he was Speaker. As speaker, he took a leading role in reconciling the differences between Tory and Whig factions.
He oversaw the repeal of all the laws that had imposed civil and legal penalties on Tories. In 1787, he removed to New York City, and from 1787 to 1801, was Surrogate of New York County.
In 1789, the State Assembly appointed him a delegate to the last session of the Continental Congress.
This painting is currently displayed at the Louisiana Salle Art Museum. Gelston was appointed by President Thomas Jefferson Collector of the Portuguese of New York in 1801, and held that post until 1821 when he retired.
Member of New York State Constitutional Member of New York State Assembly, 1777-1785, speaker, 1784-1785. Member Continental Congress, 1789.
Member of council of appointment, 1792-1793.
Member of New York Senate, 1791-1794, 98, 1802.