Succeeded by John Eaton Name William Duval Preceded by District created Resigned April 24, 1834 | Succeeded by Benjamin Hardin Children Burr H. Duval Nationality American | |
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Appointed by James Monroe
John Quincy Adams
Andrew Jackson Preceded by Andrew Jackson
as Military Governor Born September 4, 1784
(near present-day Richmond, Virginia) ( 1784-09-04 ) Role Former Governor of Florida Died March 19, 1854, Washington, D.C., United States Previous office Governor of Florida (1822–1834) Books The the Argument of Wm P Duval, on Claim of the Citizens of Texas for Compensation for the Property Taken from Them by the Camanche Indians, Since People also search for Burr H. Duval, John Crittenden Duval, Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay | ||
Talk by author James M. Denham on "Florida Founder" William Pope DuVal, June 9, 2017
William Pope Duval (September 4, 1784 – March 19, 1854) was the first civilian governor of Florida Territory, succeeding Andrew Jackson, who had been military governor. In his twelve-year governorship, from 1822 to 1834, he divided Florida into four territories, established the local court system, and chose Tallahassee as the territory's capital because of its central location. Duval County, where Jacksonville is located, Duval Street in Key West, and Duval Street in Tallahassee, Florida are named for him.
Contents
- Talk by author James M Denham on Florida Founder William Pope DuVal June 9 2017
- Early life
- Congressional service
- Territory of Florida
- Post governorship
- Legacy
- References
Early life
William Duval was born to Major William Duval and Ann Pope in "Mansfield," Henrico County, Virginia (near present-day Richmond). At the age of 14, he left home and struck out on his own, settling in Bardstown, Kentucky. He began to study law and was admitted to the bar at age 19, in 1804. On October 3, 1804 (then 20), he married Nancy Hynes, daughter of Colonel Andrew Hynes, in Bardstown.
Congressional service
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.
Territory of Florida
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, on account of 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.
Post-governorship
Duval continued to live in Florida for a number of years, practicing law. He moved to Texas in 1848. He and his wife had eight children, many of whom began families in Texas.
All three of his sons were distinguished Texans: Burr Harrison Duval, Thomas Howard DuVal, and John Crittenden Duval.
William Pope Duval died in Washington, D.C; his remains were interred at the Congressional Cemetery.
Legacy
There are many roads in Florida named after him, the most well-known being Duval Street in Key West, Florida.