Gabriel Hiester (1749–1824) was an American political and military leader from the time of the American Revolution to the early-19th century, and was a member of the Hiester Family political dynasty. A brother of John Hiester and Daniel Hiester, he was a Jeffersonian Republican who served in Pennsylvania's unicameral Assembly, House of Representatives and State Senate, representing Berks and Dauphin counties. He also practiced chattel slavery, according to early nineteenth century newspapers. Biography Gabriel Hiester was born in Bern Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania on July 17, 1749, the son of German immigrants Daniel and Rosanna (Hager) Hiester. He received his early education at the school associated with the Bern Church. As an adult, he took up farming, married Elizabeth Bausman and fathered six children: Gabriel, Jonathan, William, Jacob, Mary, and Elizabeth. According to early nineteenth century newspapers, Hiester enslaved at least two young Black men during his farming years. The Lancaster Intelligencer published the following advertisement of Hiester's in its September 20, 1800 edition: "Ten Dollars RewardRAN-AWAY from the subscriber on Wednesday, the 10th inst. a Mulatta lad, named SIGHE, about 19 or 20 years of age, 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, stout made, light complexion and generally wears his hair queued. Had on and took along with him 2 shirts, 1 pair gray tow trousers, 1 pair do. stripe, 1 pair [two unintelligible words], small clothes line with leather, 2 wool hats, 1 pair shoes newly patched and soled, besides sundry other clothes which cannot be ascertained. Whoever apprehends said runaway and secures him in any jail shall have the above reward and reasonable charges if brought home.GABRIEL HIESTER.Barn township, Berks county.September 11, 1800.P.S. All persons are hereby notified not to harbor said runaway." Philadelphia's Aurora General Advertiser then published this advertisement of Hiester's on the front page of its June 24, 1806 edition: "TWENTY DOLLARS REWARD.RAN AWAY from the subscriber, living in Berne township, Berks county, state of Pennsylvania, on the night of the 7th inst. a mulatto man named LISH, about twenty-five years of age, five feet 8 or 9 inches high, stout built, smooth face, has a scar occasioned by a cut on his instep; is fond of spiritous liquors and when a little intoxicated his eyelids appear heavy, and his tongue thick; a great boaster of his activity, strength and capacity for working; his wool is short, being fresh shorn excepting a little