Coxe, Daniel W. (Daniel William), 1769-1852

Daniel William Coxe was a Philadelphia merchant who turned to speculation in Spanish Grant lands. In 1793 he formed a mercantile partnership with Daniel Clark of New Orleans, and in 1801 they joined forces with Beverly Chew and Richard Relf, also New Orleans merchants. In 1803 Clark began extensive purchases of land in Louisiana, West Florida, and elsewhere on behalf of himself and Coxe. By 1811, with all partners heavily in debt, they liquidated their connections, but due to Clark's death, the final settlement of accounts was not made until 1819. Forever after, Coxe's primary occupation would be the confirmation of his claims to the southern property, particularly the large Louisana tract on the Ouachita River, the "Maison Rouge Grant." To this end, he made repeated applications to the federal government and was involved in continuous litigation with squatters and heirs of former owners who challenged his title.

From the description of Papers, 1793-1868. (Historical Society of Pennsylvania). WorldCat record id: 122489675

Daniel William Coxe was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1769, the son of William and Mary Francis Coxe. As a merchant, he participated in the cotton and flour trades and frequently did business with merchants in Liverpool and London. Coxe married Margaret Burd (1781-1845) on January 9, 1800, and died on June 4, 1852.

From the guide to the Daniel W. Coxe collection, Coxe, Daniel W. collection, 1802-1838, 1802-1812, 1816-1838, (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan)