David Provost

Who is David Provost?

David Provost was the 24th Mayor of New York City from 1699 to 1700.

David Provost was born at his family's Pearl Street home, near Fulton Street, in New York, New York, on January 16, 1670, to David Provost, Sr., one of New Amsterdam's Dutch burghers, and Tryntje Laurens Provost. He died in 1724 and his will probated on January 27, 1724. David Provost married, June 1, 1691, Helena Byvanck of Albany; married 2d, January 28, 1699, Maria De Peyster, widow of John Spratt; married 3d, May 15, 1708, Elizabeth Wakeman, widow of Albert Dinny, of Fairfield, Connecticut.

In 1699, David Provost was appointed Mayor. During his administration, two new market houses were erected, one at Coenties Slip and the other at the foot of Broad Street. A hospital-home for the poor was established. Public street cleaners were hired, and homeowners were directed to pave in front of their houses or face fine of twenty shillings.

The ferry to Long Island was contracted out for a term of seven years at a rent of one hundred and sixty-five pounds sterling per year. By the conditions of lease, the lessee was required to keep two large boats for corn and cattle, and two smaller boats for passengers. The city engaged to build a ferry-house on Nassau or Long Island, which the ferry operator was required to keep in repair.