John Streett


John Streett was an American politician and military officer from Maryland. He served in the Maryland House of Delegates, representing Harford County from 1799 to 1800 and from 1805 to 1812. He served as a lieutenant colonel during the War of 1812.

Early life

John Streett was born in 1762 at "Streett's Hunting Ground" near Rocks, Harford County, Maryland, to Elizabeth and Thomas Streett Jr. His father emigrated from England.

Career

In 1799, Streett was commissioned as justice of the peace by Maryland's governor and council. Streett served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing Harford County, serving from 1799 to 1800 and from 1805 to 1812.
On February 13, 1812, Streett was commissioned as lieutenant colonel of the 7th cavalry regiment district, which comprised Baltimore County and Harford County. He commanded the Harford Horse, the Harford County cavalry regiment, at the Battle of North Point during the War of 1812. Major General Samuel Smith commended Streett for his "bravery and efficiency in action".
After the war, Streett lived on his farm of more than in Harford County. Other sources believe the farm may have been as large as. In 1812, he was named a trustee of the Harford County Academy.

Personal life

Streett married Martha St. Clair on December 11, 1786. They had seven sons and two daughters, James, John M., William, Shadrach, Thomas, St. Clair, Abraham, Mary and Charlotte. His grandson was Maryland politician Joseph M. Streett. His great-grandson was politician Harry Streett Baldwin.
In 1801, Streett built a brick, federal-style home that was later named the Col. John Streett House. Streett died in 1836 or 1837. He was buried at the family's cemetery. In 1998, his tombstone was replaced and dedicated.

Legacy

The community of Street, Maryland, previously Highland, was named after Streett's family following the placement of a post office. It was named Street due to the large land holdings in the area by the Streett family.
In 1915, a portrait of Streett by painter Paul Hallwig was hung at the courthouse in Bel Air. In 1964, a Daughters of the American Revolution chapter was named "Colonel John Streett Chapter" in his honor.