Duer family papers, 1784-1937
Collection context
- Creator:
- Duer family
- Abstract:
- The Duer Family papers include correspondence, diaries, genealogical manuscripts and notes, miscellaneous poetry, and early photographs, daguerreotypes, tintypes, engravings, and illustrations (the Duer coat of arms). The collection depicts aspects of social customs in Old New York, patriotism, and life abroad.
- Extent:
- 2.515 linear feet 7 manuscript boxes
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
The Duer Family Papers consists primarily of correspondence, documents, and books pertaining to the Duer Family as well as tintypes, daguerreotypes, photographs and illustrations. Also included in the collection are the diaries of Frances Maria Duer Hoyt's travels in Europe from 1864 to 1894, and the diaries of Hannah Maria Denning Duers from 1838 to 1862.
- Biographical / historical:
-
The Duer Family was one of the founding families of New York City. Prior to moving to New York from England, the Duer Family had purchased tracts of land on the Hudson River near Albany. The area, known as Fort Miller, served as their first residence and as the site of their early financial ventures. By 1776 the Duer family had built a successful mercantile business based primarily on lumber production.
The Duer family patriarch, William Duer (March 18, 1743-May 7, 1799), was an American lawyer, developer, and speculator who lived in New York City. A Federalist, he had served in the Continental Congress and the convention that framed the New York Constitution. In 1778, he signed the United States Articles of Confederation. Duer was married to Katherine "Kitty" Alexander, the daughter of the Revolutionary War General William Alexander (Lord Stirling), and together they had three sons: William, Alexander and John.
William Alexander Duer (1780-1858) grandson of William Duer through his son John, was an American lawyer, jurist, educator, member of the New York State Assembly (1816), and one of the first eight New York State Circuit Courts judges appointed (1823). He served as the President of Columbia College (now Columbia University) from 1829 to 1842.
William Alexander and Hannah Denning Duer (1782-1862) had four children: Henrietta Amlie, Frances Maria, Catherine Theodora, and William Denning. The writings and correspondence of William Alexander, Hannah Maria Denning Duer, and their daughter Frances Maria Duer Hoyt are featured throughout this collection.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This collection has no restrictions.
This collection is located on-site.
- Terms of access:
-
Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.
- Preferred citation:
-
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Duer family papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
- Contact:
- rbml@library.columbia.edu