Biography

John Duer was born on October 7, 1782, in Albany, New York, to Catherine Alexander and William Duer.

John joined the army at the age of sixteen, but resigned two years later to pursue a law career. John began the study of law under the supervision of Alexander Hamilton in New York City. In 1800, John moved to Goshen, New York, where he practiced law. This is also where he met and married his wife, Annie Bedford Bunner, in 1804. While in Goshen, John assisted William H. Seward in his law studies. By 1820, John moved back to New York City. In 1821, he was elected to serve as a delegate at the State constitutional convention. From 1825 until about 1827/28, John served on the Commission that revised the State statutes. From 1828 until 1830, he served as the U.S. District Attorney for the Southern District of New York. In 1849, John was appointed a Superior Court judge of New York City and became the chief judge of the Court in 1857. He documented and published his decisions from the Superior Court in Duer’s Reports.

John died on August 8, 1858, on Staten Island at the age of 75. He was preceded by his children, including Congressman William Duer.