Melancton SMITH, Congress, NY (1744-1798)

SMITH, Melancton, a Delegate from New York; born in Jamaica, Long Island, N.Y., May 7, 1744; was educated by his parents; engaged in business in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; delegate to the First Provincial Congress in New York, May 22, 1775; served in the Continental Line Regiment which was organized June 30, 1775; organized and became captain of the Dutchess County Minutemen; secret service commissioner and sheriff of Dutchess County, N.Y., in 1777 and 1778; moved to New York City in 1785 and engaged in mercantile pursuits; Member of the Continental Congress 1785-1787; member of the state ratification convention at Poughkeepsie in 1788; served in the state assembly in 1791; died in New York City July 29, 1798; interment in Jamaica Cemetery, Jamaica, Queens County, N.Y.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present