William Pope Duval

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.

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.

Duval continued to live in Florida for a number of years, practicing law. His former mansion burned in 1905, and the site now houses the Carnegie Library at FAMU. 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. Thomas' daughter, Florence Duval West, was a poet.

William Pope Duval died in Washington, D.C.; his remains were interred at the Congressional Cemetery.

• Duval County, Florida, was named for him.[2]
• Duval County, Texas, was named for his son, Captain Burr H. Duval.
• The World War II Liberty Ship SS William P. Duval was named in his honor.

There are many roads in Florida named after him, the most well-known being Duval Street in Key West, Florida.

• Official Governor's portrait and biography from the State of Florida
• Territorial Governor Duval's Message to Legislative Council, 1822 The message is in Duval's own handwriting; from the State Library and Archives of Florida.
• Allen, William B. (1872). A History of Kentucky: Embracing Gleanings, Reminiscences, Antiquities, Natural Curiosities, Statistics, and Biographical Sketches of Pioneers, Soldiers, Jurists, Lawyers, Statesmen, Divines, Mechanics, Farmers, Merchants, and Other Leading Men, of All Occupations and Pursuits. Bradley & Gilbert. pp. 272–273. ISBN 9780608434209. Retrieved 2008-11-10.
• United States Congress. "William Pope Duval (id: D000577)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
• William Pope Duval in the Handbook of Texas Online
• William Pope Duval at Find a Grave