Alexander Lafayette Chew
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Alexander Lafayette Chew (October 4, 1824 – November 19, 1911) was an American banker.
Chew was born on October 4, 1824, in New Orleans, Louisiana, where his father served as collector of the port of New Orleans. He was one of six children of Beverly Chew (1773–1851) and Maria Theodora (née Duer) Chew (1789–1837).[1] Three of his siblings married into the Kennedy family of Louisiana and his eldest sister, Lucy Ann Chew, married their cousin, U.S. Representative William Duer.[2] During the Marquis de Lafayette's 1824 visit to the United States, his father hosted the French statesman at their New Orleans home. Young Alexander was born shortly thereafter and Lafayette became godfather of the boy, giving the family an "ornate silver teapot inscribed with the infant's name."[3]
His paternal grandparents were Ann (née Fox) Chew and Col. John Chew Jr. (1740–1799), who served in the Continental Army. His maternal grandparents were Continental Congress delegate William Duer and Lady Catherine Alexander.[a] Among his Duer relatives were uncles William Alexander Duer and John Duer, both prominent Judges. His mother was also a cousin to Edward Livingston, the United States Senator from Louisiana.[5]
He attended Hobart College in Geneva, New York, beginning in 1840.[6]