The Chapter is named for William Pope Duval (September 4, 1784 – March 19, 1854), the first civilian governor of the Florida Territory, having served from April 17, 1822 – April 24, 1834.
During an outbreak of Indian hostilities in 1812, Duval was given command of a company of mounted volunteers. This service and his law experience helped to win him election to the 13th Congress of the United States in 1812. He served as a representative from the Democratic-Republican Party in the new 10th Congressional District of Kentucky until 1815 when he did not seek re-election. He returned to Kentucky and continued to practice law.
The U. S. Territory of Florida was established in 1821. President Monroe appointed William Pope Duval a United States Judge in Florida Territory on May 18, 1821, and then in 1822, appointed him the first Territorial Governor of Florida. Duval came to Florida from Kentucky, but he was a native of Virginia. He studied law in Philadelphia and then at William & Mary College under George Wythe, who was also Thomas Jefferson’s law professor. As the conflict with the British accelerated, William enlisted to serve the fledgling Union. He also gave large sums of money and supplies to further the cause of the revolution. At the end of the war, he was a Major, a title by which he was known for the rest of his life.
Striking out from home at the age of 14, William Pope Duval settled in Bardstown, Kentucky, studied law, was admitted to the bar at 19, and married Nancy Hynes in Bardstown in 1804. They had eight children. In 1812 Duval participated in Indian campaigns as a captain of mounted rangers. From 1813 to 1815 he represented Kentucky in the House of Representatives of the Thirteenth Congress, after which he resumed his law practice at Bardstown.
In 1821, Florida became a U.S. territory. Duval was named U.S. Judge for the East Florida district on May 18, 1821. On April 17, 1822, President James Monroe appointed him as the first non-military governor of the territory, succeeding Gen. Andrew Jackson.
He was reappointed by presidents John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson. During his twelve-year administration, he selected the small Indian village of Tallahassee as the site for the territory’s capital, due to its (north) central location. He was also known for his peaceful dealings with the Native Americans. He signed the first act of legislation in the Territory of Florida, dividing it into four sections and establishing the local court system.
William’s wealth, legal education, military experience, and general prominence in Virginia brought him into contact with the notable figures of his day. He served under Patrick Henry in the Virginia Troops. George Washington spoke of him as “my very good friend, Major Duval.” Duval had an extended correspondence with Thomas Jefferson over the murder of their mutual friend and professor, George Wythe, who lived across the street from William. William died in 1854 at age 69 at his home in Washington, D.C.
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Updated May 13, 2021