William Duer (1747-1799)

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For other men with this name, see the disambiguation page: William Duer.

William Duer (March 18, 1747 – May 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; he was also a grandson of William Alexander. His grandson William Duer served in the U.S. Congress.