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Van Ness, William Peter

Born February 13, 1778, in Claverack, NY
Died September 6, 1826, in New York, NY

Federal Judicial Service:
Judge, U.S. District Court for the District of New York
Nominated by James Madison on May 25, 1812, to a new seat authorized by 2 Stat. 719. Confirmed by the Senate on May 26, 1812, and received commission on May 27, 1812. Service terminated on April 9, 1814, due to reassignment.

Judge, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
Reassigned on April 9, 1814, to a new seat authorized by 3 Stat. 120. Service terminated on September 6, 1826, due to death.

Education:
Columbia College, 1797
Read law, 1800

Professional Career:

Private practice, New York City, 1800-1801, -1812
Private practice, Albany, New York, 1801-
Private practice, Hudson, New York

Manuscript Collections

New-York Historical Society
New York, N.Y.
William Peter Van Ness papers, 1800-1825.
0 .4 linear ft. (1 box). Correspondence, 1800-1825, of William Peter Van Ness of New York City, primarily consisting of letters from various New York merchants, lawyers, and politicians. Letters relate to financial transactions, land speculations, Van Ness's law practice, breeding and sale of livestock, horticulture, the dispute and duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, etc. Included are many references to local politics, alliances, appointments, etc. Many provide information about the activities of some of Aaron Burr's followers from about 1803 to 1812.

Van Ness family papers, 1743-1951.
ca. 15,000 items; finding aid; William Peter Van Ness's personal and professional papers are interspersed throughout family correspondence, business and legal papers, diaries, account books, and printed items.

New York Public Library
New York, N.Y.
William Peter Van Ness correspondence, 1795-1828.
ca. 100 items; personal and political correspondence.

Rosenbach Museum and Library
Philadelphia, Pa.
Martin Van Buren, letters to William P. Van Ness, 1803-1816.
10 items; correspondence concerning politics and business transactions.

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Van Ness, William Peter