DEXTER, Simon Newton, manufacturer, born in Providence, R. I., 11 May 1785; died in Whitesboro, New York, 18 November 1862. He was a son of Andrew Dexter, the first manufacturer of cotton goods in the United States, and a nephew of Samuel Dexter, of Boston, secretary of the treasury under President John Adams. He matriculated at Brown University, but soon left that institution to engage in business in Boston. In 1815 he removed to Whitesboro, New York, and in 1817 built a section of the Erie canal. In 1824'9 he performed a similar service in the construction of the Chesapeake and Delaware canal. On returning to Whitesboro he became agent of the Oriskany Manufacturing company, and in 1832 assumed charge of the Dexter company. He was also largely interested in manufactures elsewhere in the state of New York and in Elgin, Ill. He served as a trustee of Hamilton College, and for several years supported a professorship, giving the College in all about $32,000. He was president of the Whitestown bank (1833'53), canal commissioner in 1840, and manager of the State lunatic asylum from 1849 till 18(;2.