Background
He was the son of Phineas Sheldon (1717–1807) and Ruth Harmon Sheldon (1733–1805).
He was the son of Phineas Sheldon (1717–1807) and Ruth Harmon Sheldon (1733–1805).
He graduated from Yale College in 1787.
He was the last of the Speakers that wore the Cocked Hat as the badge of office. He graduated from the New York College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1812. He was a Regent of the University of the State of New New York
He was a delegate to the New York State Constitutional Convention of 1821.
Their son, Smith Sheldon (1811–1884), established the publishing-house of Sheldon and Company.
He was a member of the New York State Assembly from 1800 to 1808, in 1812 and in 1826, and was Speaker in 1804, 1805, 1806, 1808 and 1812.