William Alexander Duer

William Alexander Duer (September 8, 1780 – May 30, 1858) was an American lawyer, jurist, and educator associated with New York. He served as the President of Columbia University from 1829 to 1842.

Early Life and Family Background

William Alexander Duer was born in New York City. His father, William Duer, was a member of the Continental Congress, and his mother was Catherine Alexander Duer. He had a brother named John Duer, who was a lawyer and jurist in New York. His nephew, William Duer, the son of John Duer, also served in the United States Congress.

Education and Early Career

Duer studied law in Philadelphia and later with Nathaniel Pendleton in New York. During the quasi-war with France in 1798, he was appointed midshipman in the United States Navy and served under Stephen Decatur. After the conflict with France concluded, he resumed legal studies and was admitted to the bar in 1802. He initially engaged in business with Edward Livingston, then district attorney and mayor of New York City. Following Livingston's move to New Orleans, Duer partnered professionally with Beverley Robinson, his brother-in-law.

Legal and Political Activities

Duer contributed to the partisan weekly newspaper "The Corrector," edited by Peter Irving, in support of Aaron Burr. He moved to New Orleans at one point to form a law partnership with Livingston and studied Spanish civil law, which had historically governed New Orleans. Due to health concerns and his marriage to William Denning's daughter, Duer returned to New York City.

In New York, Duer contributed to the "Morning Chronicle," edited by Peter Irving. In 1814, he was elected to the New York State Assembly, where he served as chairman of a committee on colleges and academies and successfully promoted legislation concerning common-school income. He also served as chairman of the committee that examined the constitutionality of a state law related to navigation rights vested in Livingston and Robert Fulton. Duer played an active role in advancing canal legislation.

Judicial and Academic Career

From 1822 until 1829, William Duer served as a judge of the New York Supreme Court. In 1829, he was elected President of Columbia College (now Columbia University), a position he held until 1842 when health issues led to his resignation. During his tenure, he delivered a course of lectures on the constitutional jurisprudence of the United States, published as a book in 1833 and revised in 1856. He also delivered a eulogy on President James Monroe from the portico of New York City Hall.

Later Life and Writings

After retiring from Columbia, Duer resided in Morristown, New Jersey. He authored a biography of his grandfather, Lord Stirling, published by the Historical Society of New Jersey. He delivered addresses on topics including the early history of New York and the inauguration of George Washington, which were published.

He wrote pamphlets addressing Cadwallader D. Colden concerning the steamboat controversy and authored the "Life of William Alexander, Earl of Stirling" (published in 1847).

Personal Life

William Duer married Hannah Maria Denning, daughter of William Denning, a notable New York politician and businessman. Their children included Henrietta Amelia Duer (deceased 1824), Frances Maria Duer (1809–1905), Catherine Theodora Duer (1811–1877), William Alexander Denning Duer (1812–1891), Eleanor Duer (1814–1892), Edward Alexander Duer (1815–1831), Sarah Henderson Duer (1817–1856), John King Duer (1818–1859), Elizabeth Denning Duer (1821–1900), and Henrietta Duer (1828–1832).

William Alexander Duer died on Staten Island on May 30, 1858. He was buried at the First Presbyterian Churchyard in Morristown, New Jersey.