Peters, Rev. Hugh

Rev. Hugh Peters (baptized 29 June 1598 – 16 October 1660) was from Cornwall England.

Rev. Hugh Peters arrived in Salem in 1635 and settled over the First Church in Salem. According to Osgood,

"He speedily took a prominent part of the town affairs, aiding in reforming the police, stimulating industry and

encouraging the spirit of improvement. During his administration as pastor, a water-mill was erected, also a glass house

and salt-works. Commerce received earnest attention." He was especially interested in building up the fishing business,

especially cod and dried codfish. Before returning to England in 1641, he took a leading part in the affairs of the colony,

and interested himself in the founding of the new colony in Connecticut. He was also active in the establishment of Harvard College.

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See Also

Salem in the Seventeenth Century Phillips, p. 132-33

Historical Sketch of Salem, 1629-1879 Osgood, p. 81

First Church in Salem- The long history First Church website