He was born in Metuchen to parents that had been slaves owned by the Mundy family.
He was a school custodian in Perth Amboy. He was active in the Republican Party and became the city's first African-American to hold elected office, on the Middlesex County Commission. He was also the city's first "colored" person to serve on a jury.
Decades later, the school Peterson previously worked at was renamed after him.
In New Jersey, March 31st is annually celebrated as Thomas Mundy Peterson Day to mark the rights of all citizens to vote.
Though the 13th Amendment (1865) to the U.S. Constitution ended the institution of slavery, and the 14th Amendment (1868) granted citizenship to former slaves, it was not until the ratification of the 15th Amendment (1870) that all men, regardless of race or color, were guaranteed the right to vote.
This medal was issued by the citizens of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and presented to Peterson in 1884.
OF PERTH AMBOY N.J. Peterson, the son of parents who had been slaves owned by the Mundy family, was politically active and became the first African American to hold an elected office (on the Middlesex County Commission) in the city of Perth Amboy.
On March 31, 1870, ThomasMundyPeterson (1824 - 1904) of Perth Amboy, New Jersey became the first African-American to vote in an election under the just enacted provisions of the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution.
He was born in Metuchen to parents that had been slaves owned by the Mundy family.
In New Jersey, March 31st is annually celebrated as ThomasMundyPeterson Day to mark the rights of all citizens to vote.
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