Hugh Douglas Barclay

Hugh Douglas Barclay (born July 5, 1932) is a former long-time New York State Senator, and a former United States Ambassador to El Salvador.

Life

He was born on July 5, 1932, in Pulaski, Oswego County, New York. He attended Pulaski Academy and Central Schools. He also attended St. Paul's School. He graduated B.A. from Yale University, and LL.B. from Syracuse University College of Law.^[1] He married Sara J. “Dee Dee” Seiter, and they have five children, among them Assemblyman Will Barclay (born 1969).

From 1961 until 2003, Barclay served as a partner for the upstate New York law firm of Hiscock & Barclay, a law firm that receives a tremendous amount of New York State funds, specializing in Banking and Administrative Law. He also entered politics as a Republican.

Barclay was a member of the New York State Senate from 1965 to 1984, sitting in the 175th, 176th, 177th, 178th, 179th, 180th, 181st, 182nd, 183rd, 184th and 185th New York State Legislatures.

His appointment as Ambassador to El Salvador by George W. Bush was announced August 21, 2003, and the nomination was sent to the Senate for confirmation on September 15. The Senate confirmed the nomination on October 3. He was sworn in as Ambassador on November 12, and presented his credentials to El Salvador’s President, Francisco Flores, on December 18. He had no prior diplomatic experience, but has donated more than $215,000 to GOP candidates, including $90,000 to George W. Bush in 2004. He completed his tour as Ambassador in July 2006.

The law library at the Syracuse University College of Law is named in his honor.^[2]

Sources

1. New York Red Book (1967–1968; pg. 75)
2. Dedication of the H. Douglas Law Library at New York Heritage