William John Duane (May 9, 1780 – September 27, 1865) was an American politician and lawyer from Pennsylvania.

His refusal to withdraw Federal deposits from the Second Bank of the United States led to his dismissal by President Andrew Jackson.

In Ireland, his father had apprenticed with a local paper, the Hibernian Advertiser, that supported the Volunteer movement for reform, and celebrated the American struggle for independence.

Duane senior then produced his paper in East India Company administered Bengal, until deported by order of the Governor General.

[4] Duane defended his own position in his book Narrative and Correspondence Concerning the Removal of the Deposites, and Occurrences Connected Therewith, published in 1838.

Jackson biographer James Parton heaps high praise upon Duane.

He lauds the Treasury Secretary for refusing to yield to a position that he could not in good conscience accept, therefore preserving his integrity and honor.