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William Duer (1747-1799)




William Duer ( March 18 , 1747May 7 , 1799 ) was an American lawyer, developer, and speculator from New York City . A Federalist , Duer wrote in support of ratifying the United States Constitution as "Philo-Publius." He had earlier served in the Continental Congress and the convention that framed the New York Constitution. He was related by marriage-via the Robert Livingston family-to Alexander Hamilton . Duer's inveterate speculating and his mishandling of a joint business endeavor publicly embarrassed Hamilton and caused Duer to spend seven years in debtor's prison.

His son William Alexander Duer was a justice of the New York State Supreme Court, and for many years the President of Columbia University . His Grandson William Duer served in the U.S. Congress .


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