William Peery

Who was William Peery?

William Peery was an American farmer, lawyer, and politician from Cool Spring, near Milton, in Sussex County, Delaware. He was a veteran of the American Revolution, a Continental Congressman from Delaware, and a member of the Delaware General Assembly.

Peery lived with his father's family on a farm in Sussex County. Later, he farmed this land himself. In April 1777, during the American Revolution, he was selected to be captain of an independent militia company of 100 Sussex County men, "for the safeguard of the pilots and the persons and goods of other well affected inhabitants...residing or being near Lewistown and the coasts of Delaware Bay." The area was known for the high level of Loyalist activity and the constant threat of British intervention from the sea. Future Governor David Hazzard was the son of one of his second lieutenants.

They saw some action during the winter of 1777–78 in support of the Flying Camp that helped protect Washington's camp at Valley Forge.

Peery was elected to the State House for the eight sessions from 1777-78 through 1784-85.