Peter Matthews was an officer in the garrison at Albany during the second decade of the eighteenth century. He may have been in New York in the early 1690s as a ship captain. By 1697, he was on garrison duty in New York City. In June 1709, he witnessed a will in New York.

He was of Ulster Irish ancestry and married to a woman named "Bridget." Several of their children established themselves in provincial society.

Later in 1709, he was a captain in a company serving on the expedition against Canada. By 1714, he had settled in Albany. He was an officer and supporter of St. Peter's Anglican church. He was instrumental in its establishment - brokering the transfer of title to land literally on State Street.

In 1715, he was appointed to the Commissioners of Indian Affairs - a responsiblity often bestowed on the commander of the fort at Albany.

Calling himself "Colonel," he filed a will in May 1717. It stated that he was a resident of the "city of Albany." The will passed probate on June 27, 1719. His widow moved to New York where she filed her own will in 1721.

In 1712, he was a partner in a patent for lands located in today's Orange County that were later developed by his son Vincent. His widow

Sources: The life of Peter Matthews has not been assigned a CAP biography number. This profile is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources. Some family information is available online. We seek documentation of his military standing!