William Pope Duval
| William Pope Duval | |
|---|---|
 |
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| 1st Territorial Governor of Florida | |
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In office April 17, 1822 – April 24, 1834 |
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| Appointed by |
James Monroe John Quincy Adams Andrew Jackson |
| Preceded by |
Andrew Jackson as military governor |
| Succeeded by | John Eaton |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Kentucky's 10th district |
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In office March 4, 1813 – March 3, 1815 |
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| Preceded by | Mount Comfort |
| Succeeded by | Benjamin Hardin |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
September 4, 1784 (near present-day Richmond, Virginia) |
| Died | March 19, 1854 (aged 69) Washington, D.C. |
| Nationality | American |
| Spouse(s) | Nancy Hynes Duval |
| Signature |  |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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