Mayor Abraham De Peyster (1657–1728) was born in New Amsterdam, now known as Manhattan. De Peyster came from a prosperous mercantile family. He was influential in the young city; he had many positions, including alderman, mayor, member of the king’s council, and acting governor. By the end of his life, De Peyster was allegedly one of the city’s wealthiest inhabitants.
The sculpture has moved around several times in lower Manhattan. It was originally in Bowling Green and then rested in Hanover Square till 2003. Then it was removed and put into storage to make room for the British Memorial Garden. It is currently in Thomas Paine Park.