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Descendants of Robert Dukes - June 24, 2003

11. DAVID CARTER⁴ DUKES (JAMES BASIL³, ROBERT S.², ..¹) was born Bet. 1837 - 1838 in Rheatown, Greene Co, TN, and died Aft. 1870 in Greeneville, Greene Co, TN. He married SARAH J. MCDANNELL 21 Jul 1860 in Greene Co, TN ¹⁴, daughter of BLACKSTONE MCDANNELL and ELIZABETH BRITTON. She was born Abt. 1843 in "Sallie" (McDaniel?), and died Bet. 1870 - 1887 in Greene Co, TN.

Notes for DAVID CARTER DUKES:
Greene County, Tennessee Marriages 1783-1868 shows D. C. Dukes as bond or witness for marriages in November 1865, September 1866, and 20 Dec 1867, as well as showing his own marriage in 1860.

US Census, Greene County, TN. Greenville Civil District 10, 3 Jun 1870. HH 69/69:

      Dukes, David C. 32M saddler b. TN pp $500
            Sarah J. 27F keeps house
            Alice 8F
            Leni 6F
            Blackstine 4M
            Joseph 2M

Miscellaneous references from Bonnie Hill (bonnieh@bigskytell.com) sent to Ed Kutz in May 1999:

"Greeneville, Tennessee - 100 Year Portrait, 1775-1875," by Richard Doughty. D. C. Dukes is mentioned on p. 33

Greene County, Tennessee Marriages, 1783-1868.

14 Nov 1865, Joseph Scott & Martha Cochran, by F. M. Fanning, MG, witnessed by D. C. Dukes.

20 Dec 1867, James P. Self & Martha C. Brown, md. 25 Dec 1867 by D. A. Beauchamp, MG, witnessed by D. C. Dukes.

Greene County, Tennessee Chancery Court Minutes, Nov. 1825 - Jan 1831.

17 Nov 1871. O. B. Headrick vs. George & James Jones et al.

Judgement taken against all defendants except James Holly and Polly El, Pauline, Isabella A., Martha F., and Carrie E. and Rebecca Jones. Isabella A., Martha F. and Carrie E. Jones are minors and without guardian. D. C. Dukes appointed guardian and makes defense for them. Rebecca is insane.

Greene County, Tennessee Guardian & Orphans Court Records, etc. p. 66

1 Feb 1875, (p. 30 of original records). William L. Mitchell appointed guardian of Mattie P. Mitchell and Franklin B. Mitchell, minors. D. C. Dukes and J. C. Gass, securities.

Letter from C. E. Ernst, son of Martha McCurry Ernst Canaday, April 19, 1935, Albany, MO:

"Uncle Carter Dukes of whom you enquired was a son of James Dukes and Jane Gass. I remember him well as I do uncle Eb who was a brother of uncle Carter Dukes...I went with my mother to East Tenn, in 1875 and of course at that time I knew many of the Dukes. Small as I was, I can remember distinctly many things about Rheatown and something of Greenville where uncle Carter lived. He has visited us here at times. He was a great singer and also had a license to preach and traveled on a ministeral pass. His daughter has also visited us. Uncle C's son, Mack or Mac, perhaps McDonald was a very active man in business affairs in Greenville. I have been told that he has delved into genealogy of the family for many generations back, but I would now know how to get to his records now. I am not acquainted with the traditions of the Dukes family, but I remember that a feud was raised among them to recover quite a fabulous fortune from the old country. Hence the delving into the past by Mac Dukes."

From a letter, A.B. Cranor, DeQueen Ark. 10 Mar 1935, son of Kittie Emily McCurry Cranor:

"She (his mother) frequently spoke of uncle Carter Dukes and I am quite certain that he migrated to Missouri with the rest of the family (note they migrated in 1856. C. E. Ernst visited him in Greenville TN in 1875, MRB) ...I know nothing of any brothers or sisters of Elizabeth and Emily Dukes except the above reference to mother's "Uncle Carter."

Notes for SARAH J. MCDANNELL:
There is a Sarah E. Dukes (10 Apr 1837 - 9 Jul 1888) buried at Rheatown Cemetery, in Rheatown, Tennessee. It is probable that this is Sarah, the wife of David Carter Dukes, although David himself is not listed as buried in this cemetery.

Others buried at the cemetery, besides Jane Dukes (1804-1866) died after Sarah. Only one, Homer L. (1888-1898) may be directly connected to her.

The will of her father, Blackstone McDannell is unclear about listing her children:

"minor children of my deceased daughter, Sarah J. Dukes: Minnie, Henry and Annie Dukes -- John L., Mary Elizabeth, Ninnie (sic), Henry and Annie have received their parts."

The will also refers to no other children unnamed, leaving the assumption that all these are children of Sarah J. McDannell Dukes. "John L." could be Leni, but Mary Elizabeth is a mystery, unless it is Alice Elizabeth.

Children of DAVID DUKES and SARAH MCDANNELL are:

	i.		ALICE ELIZABETH⁵ DUKES, b. 15 Sep 1861; d. Unknown.
	ii.		LENI LEOTA DUKES, b. 05 Jul 1863; d. Unknown.

Notes for LENI LEOTA DUKES:
Could this be the "John L." Dukes, child of "deceased daughter Sarah J. Dukes" referred to in Blackstone McDannell's will of 1887?

	iii.		BLACKSTONE MCDANNELL DUKES, b. 21 Jul 1866, "Mack"; d. Unknown, Greene Co, TN.
	iv.		JOSEPH ALEXANDER DUKES, b. 20 Feb 1868; d. Bef. 1880, (not listed on 1880 US Census w/familiy).
	v.		JANE BRITTON DUKES, b. 19 Sep 1870, ("Minnie?"); d. Unknown.
	vi.		HENRY HORTON DUKES, b. 27 Nov 1874; d. Unknown.
	vii.		ANNA NELL DUKES, b. 26 Sep 1876, "Annie"; d. Unknown.
	viii.		CARRIE DUKES, b. 02 Apr 1878; d. Bef. 1880, (not listed on 1880 US Census w/familiy).

12. ELIZABETH⁴ DUKES (ROBERT SHERARD³, ROBERT S.², ..¹) was born 19 Jan 1832 in "Sis" or "Lizzie" b. Tennessee, and died 14 Jul 1884 in Mexico, Audrain Co, MO. She married ROBERT D. DILLARD 20 Oct 1851 in Independence, Jackson Co, MO, son of .. DILLARD and SARAH ... He was born 23 Sep 1829 in Tennessee, and died 08 Jun 1904 in Mexico, Audrain Co, MO.

Notes for ELIZABETH DUKES:
Married against her father's wishes to the son of a widow living nearby in Independence. Her child Benetta Dukes Dillard was named after her sister who died young. The name was disguised because of the resentment her in-laws had against the Dukes family.

Family stories say that Elizabeth "Sis" left home partly because her mother was jealous of her beauty and made her work too hard.

According to Benetta Maude Barkley in 1932, her mother had already died. One of her mother's sisters were still alive, and "two or three" of her brothers were alive. They "all adore their mother's memory." They had no photographs, but all the siblings said she was beautiful. Margaret Eliza Dillard died of tuberculosis when her youngest child was small, according to Benetta M. Barkley.

Information from Henrietta Mercer Knight letters:

The last I heard of cousin Lizzie Dillard until I received your letter was in 1850.

Blaine Stauffer names Elizabeth "Sarah Elizabeth" and quotes Ed Kutz as the source for the name.

Children of ELIZABETH DUKES and ROBERT DILLARD are:

	i.	ELLA NORA⁵ DILLARD, b. Abt. 1852, Calloway Co, MO; d. 1869, (died of tuberculosis or whooping cough).
37.	ii.	MARGARET ELIZA DILLARD, b. 30 Jul 1854, Calloway Co, MO; d. 08 Sep 1928.
	iii.	ALBERT DILLARD, b. Abt. 1856, (or Albert?) b. Audrain Co, MO; d. Aft. 1932.

Notes for ALBERT DILLARD:
Abner/Albert Dillard married twice and had 6 children, and numerous grandchildren.

iv.

JOHN DILLARD, b. Abt. 1858, Audrain Co, MO; d. Aft. 1932.

Notes for JOHN DILLARD:
John Dillard married and had several children & grandchildren. He lived in St. Louis, Missouri.

AUGUSTUS DILLARD, b. 1860, Audrain Co, MO; d. 1926.

Notes for AUGUSTUS DILLARD:
Augustus Dillard married, and had several children & grandchildren

vi.

JAMES H. DILLARD, b. Abt. 1864, Audrain Co, MO; d. Bef. 1932.

Notes for JAMES H. DILLARD:
James H. Dillard married, and had several children, and numerous grandchildren

vii.

BENETTA DUKES DILLARD, b. 1866, Audrain Co, MO; d. Aft. 1932, Living in Mexico, MO 1924; m. J. D. GREER, Unknown, No children; b. Bet. 1860 - 1870, A minister; d. Aft. 1924, Living in Mexico, MO 1924.

Notes for BENETTA DUKES DILLARD:
Named after Annette, sister of her mother, who died young. Name was disguised because the Dillards resented Elizabeth Dukes' father not approving the marriage of their son, Robert to Elizabeth.

Notes for J. D. GREER:
J. D. Greer had three children by a previous marriage; two girls and one boy. By 1924, the oldest girl was living in Marshall, Missouri, married to a man who worked as Secretary of Missouri Valley College. She married 24 Dec 1923. The second daughter was still living with her father and stepmother in 1924, and the son, Clarence Greer, was living in St. Louis, where he had a business. The Greers lived in Mexico, Missouri.

viii.

DANIEL DILLARD, b. Abt. 1868, Audrain Co, MO; d. Aft. 1932, lived in SE Missouri, unmarried.

13. WILLIAM HALL⁴ DUKES (ROBERT SHERARD³, ROBERT S.², ..¹) was born 03 Sep 1832 in Memphis, Shelby Co, TN, and died 28 Jun 1917 in Martinez, Contra Costa Co, CA. He married LUCY S. KINZER 15 Aug 1865 in Pacheco, Contra Costa Co, CA, daughter of GEORGE KINZER and ANN YATES. She was born 19 Dec 1843 in VA or MO (Prob. Randolph or Jackson Co. MO), and died 23 Oct 1916 in Martinez, Contra Costa Co, CA.

Notes for WILLIAM HALL DUKES:
William Hall Dukes was born in Tennessee, and moved with his father and mother to Jackson County, Missouri. In 1850, he and his father made the second of two trips to California. William H. Dukes' father became ill at Bidwell Bar and returned home to Independence, beginning a separation of many years.

William accumulated a small fortune in mining, but lost it all when he went into mining on a larger scale.

Between 1853 and 1854, he went to Contra Costa County, California, and took up farming. He returned to the mines again and stayed until 1859, again making and losing a small fortune. He returned to Contra Costa County and engaged himself in farming, in which he was successful. He married Lucy Yates Kinzer 15 Aug 1865.

A chart of "Pioneers to California and Pleasant Hill" shows that William came from "Tennessee" to California, arriving "1857" and in Pleasant Hill in "1866" and a landowner in "1875."

In 1865, there were nine houses in Pleasant Hill belonging to the families of David Boss Sr., Charles Clark, William H. Dukes, John Hamilton, John Hazeltine, Barnes Holloway, William Hook, F. M. Warmcastle, and C. E. White.

31 Oct 1875: Letter from Lonnie Dukes to W. H. Dukes:
"Kearney, Clay Co., Mo., Oct. 31st 1875.
Having evidence sufficient to convince us that you are our own brother, I presume I may address you as, Dear Bro. and proceed to state to you the way in which we obtained your where-abouts. Our mother who has been ill for many years, being affected with female disease, died last week. She chose to be
buried in Jackson Co. and while we were there Pa saw Mr. Christman of Danvill in your county, who gave him all the news he has had of you for a number of years. He had long since thought you were dead but having hopes you are yet alive, we continued to make inquiry which at length resulted in the above
information. I wrote to a man about four years ago bearing the name of C. H. Dukes but never rec. any reply. Our father is a shoemaker by trade and lived in Independence until the war living where he now resides in Clay Co. Believing this sufficient for your recognize us as the living Jacob. I shall close asking you to give us a slight history of yourself and shall in return state to you you the events taken place since you left Mo. "We shall anxiously await a reply to this. Hoping that you are our long lost brother I shall close for the present." [Ed File (original) (William H. Dukes apparently did not answer this letter.)

In 1879, William Hall Dukes appears on Contra Costa County, California Assessment Book, pp. 75 and 88 (Stein Collection), Number 1881, township two, road district one, "number of dogs one. Valuation of land enclosed, 160; cultivated 56; wheat 35 acres, 25 tons; barley 15 acres 18 tons; 10 hay, 30 tons; 2 acres of grapevines; 8 wools; 1 hog; 1 cow; 2 horses; 2 vehicles; personal property." Property is described as being in the Canada del Hambre grand bounded on the north by Powers ranch; east by the grant line; south by Sturgis land; west by William Morgan. 90 acres, value per 8; value of land 720; improvements, 400. The land later became parcel sizes of 30, 22, 34, 60, and 25 acres. The second description on an assessment list says, "on the Rancho Las Juntas bounded north by the Boss farm, east by Rodgers land and the grant line and west by the grant line. 70 acres, value per wo, value of land 700, value of improvements 50." This is the same acreage, but it crossed the boundary of the two ranchos, and these are descriptions from each side of the boundary line. This 1879 assessment list revealed that Thomas Dukes resided at Powers place near Dukes place.

1915. Contra Costa Gazette, Martinez, CA. "William H. Dukes sold nine acres for $4,000 to George James in April, 1915. He had 69 acres left. He was farming. Thomas Dukes was living in 1915, and digging graves for the county." [Hist. PH pp.91-93]

Ed Note: I know nothing of this Thomas Dukes, except, according to a statement by Ida Kutz, apparently William Dukes would have nothing to do with him. Why?

Jan 1883. Contra Costa Gazette, Martinez, CA article 'Pleasant Hill School'. "In January, 1883, the Contra Costa Gazette newspaper printed the winter time report of the closing exercise of the Pleasant Hill School, and the class recitations given by each pupil [including] Dukes children, Dollie, Jessie, Mary, Nora." [Hist. PH p.212]

1885. Contra Costa Co. Deeds, Gen Index, Deed Grantee, vol. R, 1906. "William H. Dukes had over the years accumulated his lands, and had taken nine deeds from Morgan, Jones, Piper, Joseph, Swanson, Rojas, Mary Ann Boss, and the United States Government Land Office by 1885." [Hist. PH pp.134-135]

12 Jul 1886. Contra Costa Co. CA Assessment Bk 1879 pp.75, 88, in the Stein Collection. William Hall Dukes was listed on the township register, dated July 12, 1886, as being thirty-three years old. He was a farmer. He came to California from Tennesse about 1857, and settled in Martinez. [Hist. PH pp.91-93]

1908. Contra Costa Co CA Land Plat Map. "At Pleasant Hill the new families, and the amount of land they owned, appears on the official Contra Costa County Map of 1908 as follows: [includes] William H. Dukes, 69 acres." [Hist. PH pp.136-137]

"William Dukes was clerk of the Pleasant Hill Grammar School Board of Trustees for many years." [Hist. PH p.216] Ed Note: Unverified. His son Sherard was a school board trustee for 25 years.

======

Myra Holliday Honegger states:

"Since my mother had died when I was yet an infant, Grandpa and Grandma Dukes tried very hard to fill in the emptiness of our lives. They lived about 5 miles from our home in Pleasant Hill and as I remembered them as a small child there were only 2 daughters at home. The one son, Sherard, was given a parcel of the Dukes ranch where he married and they had a daughter older than I and a son about my age. In later years, they had 2 bonus babies, both girls, Hazel and Willie were a part of my life. Aunt Dellie had married Lee Court and had 2 boys our age and later another son. They had come to our home when mama died to care for us. Aunt Dellie married George Griffin, an Alhambra Valley family, and had four children---James and Robert were in school with us - and later they had twins, Bess and Tom. I remember the anxiety that accompanied that birth. The family was so concerned about Dellie having a baby at her age and she was such a little person. When the time of the birth arrived Uncle George rushed to get his sister and then rode his horse from their home in Alhambra Valley to Martinez to get the doctor. By the time the doctor had harnessed his horse, hitched it to the buggy and driven it the 3 miles to his patient, 2 healthy babies awaited him, Bess and Tom.

"Aunt Nellie Bas (?) Nettie Boss was the daughter of grandma's former husband, and never married. Aunt May, the youngest, married Charlie Hall and never left the old home. It was expected of the last married to remain at home and care for the "OLD FOLKS." Grandpa's people came to Virginia in the 1600s--he was a proud old southerner with strict and definite ideas. Their ranch was almost a self-sufficient compound. I well remember the buildings---a large house and enclosed garden--the two mulberry trees and the locust and back of the house two immense old fig trees. Just out from the back door was a small building built into the bank where milk and vegetables and butter and long shelves of canned fruit were stored. It was always cool in there no matter what the weather. Then the closed in tankhouse and windmill. That was the "wash house." There was the big boiler than sat on the rocks, with a fire underneath to boil the ranch clothes. Then along the creek were buildings of all sorts. Room to house the buggies and harness--a quite complete blacksmith shop where I was allowed to pump the bellow when they were sharpening plow shears or repairing broken farm tools. Next was the corn bin where I could enter after taking off my shoes and stockings. It was for cattle feed and must be kept clean. It was a wonderful feeling to walk barefooted on that great bin of shelled corn. Beyond that were the pigpens, the big barn and corral and last on the circle the chicken yard and roosts and the toilet. A few more steps and we were back in the house. There was another building that we were never allowed to enter. Two rooms, I believe, where hired help stayed.\\

"That was the only farm house that I remember that had no parlor--it was lived in. It was a large room with a fireplace and ran the width of the house. Off of that room were 3 or 4 bedrooms. On the other side was a very large kitchen. In one end was a wooden sink and running cold water--the wood-burning range with its large woodbox. I cannot recall cupboards or pantry, but they had to have them. Then in the center of the room was the large dining table that could seat at least 12 nicely. It was always set--all the condiments (oil, vinegar, jam, hot peppers, sauce, salt, pepper, etc.) that seemed so necessary. After each meal the dishes were washed, dried, and the table set for the next meal--then 2 people would lift a great mosquito netting and settle it down over it all. In the far end of the room was the sewing machine and a cot on which grandpa could take his midday nap."

=====

Unknown newspaper clipping, probably from the Contra Costa Gazette:
"William Hall Dukes, Pioneer of '52 Dies in Pleasant Hill. Long Illness Ended By Death of Well Known Resident At His Home.

Another of the pioneers of the Golden West, a man who came to California in the early '50s, one of the hardy men who did his bit in laying the foundation of this great western commonwealth passed on to his reward Thursday when William Hall Dukes breathed his last ar the family home of more than half a century in Pleasant Hill. He had been ill for some time, a gradual breaking down of his system due to the infirmities of old age, he had passed four score and five mile stones on life's journey, causing him to gradually weaken and fail until his once sturdy constitution could no longer maintain the battle and with the members of his family gathered at his bedside passed peacefully and quietly to rest, a fitting close to a long, active and useful life.

William Dukes was a respected and esteemed citizen whose love of home and family and his staunch adherence to what was right, just and proper commanded and won for him the highest regard of neighbors and friends who knew him for what he was, a man in every sense of the word.

Born in the Ozarks of Tennessee William Hall Dukes emigrated to California in 1852 in the days when the gold fever was at its height although after the rush of '49 and '50 was over. He mined for a time in Placer county and then with his savings came to Contra Costa county. He purchased the Dukes home ranch in Pleasant Hill a few miles south of Martinez and there built his home, to raise his family and to spend the remainder of his days. His loving wife and help- mate of many years preceeded her husband to her last rest about eight months ago. One son and five daughters blessed the union they being Sherard Dukes, Mrs. Della Court, Mrs. George Griffin, Mrs. Charles Hall, Miss Nettie Boss Dukes and the late Mrs. William Holliday. He was also a brother of L. Dukes, Miss Louise Dukes and Andrew Dukes. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and three great grand children.

The funeral service will be held Sunday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock from the family home in Pleasant Hill, Rev. George E. Atkinson officiating at the short service. The music for the service will be rendered by Mrs. O. L. Marsh and Mrs. G. H. Lyford. Interment will be in the Alhambra cemetary." [Ed Files]

16 May 1917. In the matter of the estate of William H. Dukes, also sometimes known as and called W. H. Dukes, Deceased.

The Petition of S. L. Dukes and Jessie E. Griffin, praying for Letters of Administration of the Estate of William H. Dukes . . . and it being proved by competant evidence that the said William H. Dukes . . . died on the 28th day of June, 1917, intestate in the County of Contra Costa; that he was a resident of said County at the time of his death, and that he has left estate in said Contra Costa County.

That the said petitioner, S. L. Dukes is legally competant and is a son of said deceased and is therefore entitled to Letters of administration of said estate, and is also the nominee of Della G. Court, May L. Hall and Jessie E. Griffin, daughters of said deceased. And that the personal property and the annual rents, profits and issues of the real property belonging to the said estate is of the value of thirty two thousand four hundred ($32400) Dollars, or thereabouts, and that the estate and effects for and in respect to which Letters of Administration are applied for as aforesaid, do not exceed the sum of thirty-three thousand ($33,000) Dollars.

And the Court now finding that Jessie E. Griffin one of the petitioners aforesaid has withdrawn her petition for the appointment of herself as administratrix of the said estate of said deceased, and has requested the said Court to appoint S. L. Dukes, the other petitioner, as sole petitioner, and no person interested in said estate appearing to contest the application of said petitioner, S. L. Dukes, now therefore, it is hereby Ordered, that Letters of Administration of the estate of said William H. Dukes . . . issue to said petitioner S. L. Dukes, upon his taking the oath and filing a bond according to law in the sum of sixty-five thousand ($65,000) Dollars. Done in open Court this 16th day of July 1917.

[A handwritten accounting of estate finances on a scrap of paper is included.]

17 May 1918. Contra Costa Co. CA Superior Court: Inventory and appraisement
of the estate of William H. Dukes:

1917             Description of Property       Appraised Value
June 28       U.S. Gold coin in Bank of Martinez (svgs. @)      22,519.39
Oct. 1       Interest in above sum to date       450.38
1918
Apr. 1       Interest on above sum to date       459.38
1917
Jan. 28       U.S. Coin coin in First National Bank of
      Contra Costa County at Martinez, (svgs. @)       9,610.16
June 30       Interest to date       178.00
Dec. 31       Interest to date       179.34
Jan. 28       U.S. Gold coin in First National Bank of Contra
      Costa County at Martinez (commercial @)       109.90
      Moneys found on person of William H. Dukes
      at time of death       13.85
Nov. 2       Received from S. L. Dukes                  35.00
      Received from W. B. Holleday       40.00
      Cert. no. 48 calling for 250 shares of the
      capital stock of Walnut Creek Oil Co.       00
      Cert. no. 103 calling for 100 shares of the
      capital stock of the Aetna Mining Co.       00
                                    -----------------
                                    $33,595.40

From Contra Costa Co. CA Historical Society, Card Index File: Dukes, ___ Grand jury notes re: Dukes v. Morgan (misc. fragments, Doc 41) (undated) E62.

Dukes, William H.; Martinez; Witness, road case (People v. B. R. Halliday et al, doc. 29) (1856-60) A22.

Dukes, W.; Rancho Las Juntas (Welch Ranch) Defendant, Land title suit (Jose Ramon Castro et al vs. C. Fish et al docs. 1 & 2) (1868) A19.

Dukes, William; Las Juntas Rancho; Def. Land title suit (William Welch v. C. Fish et al Docs. 1-44) (1868-69) E16.

Dukes, William H.; 1871 land dispute re: Rancho Las Juntas. see cases with O. F. Alley et al as defendant. E16.

Dukes, W. H.; Las Juntas Rancho; Def. Suit for title (Susan Birnie v. Joseph Swanson et al, Docs. 1-39) (1871-72) E16.

Dukes, William; Las Juntas Rancho; Def. Suit for title (Susan Birnie v. Joseph Swanson et al, Docs. 1-39) (1871-72) B6B. [Note: same suit, different card above; following on same card:] Def. suit for title (S. H. Chrothers v. O. F. Alley et all, Docs. 1-15) (1871-72) E16. [also same card:] Def. Quiet Title action (N. C. Fassett et al v. O. F. Alley et al, Docs 1-17) (1871-72) E16.

Dukes, William H.; Rancho Las Juntas; Def. Ownership of land (Matthew R. Barber vs. O. F. Alley et al, Docs. 1-10) (1871-72) E16. [also same card:] Martinez; Def. Land ownership (Thomas A. Brown v. O. F. Alley et al, Docs. 1-14) (1871-72) E16.

Dukes, William H.; Las Juntas Rancho; Def. Quiet Title Action (Paul Shirley v. O. F. Alley et al, Docs. 1-12) (1871-72) E16. [Note: Paul Shirley a distant cousin of wife Lucy (Kinzer); also on same card:] Def. Quiet title action (F. W. Warmcastle v. O. F. Alley et al, Docs. 1-17) (1871-72) E16.

Dukes, W. M.; Pacheco; creditor (Est. of William Morgan, Docs. 33) (1878-83) B6B.

Dukes, William H.; Somersville; Juror )People v. John Watson, Doc. 2) (1888) E17.

Dukes, W. H.; Antioch; Jury panel (people v. Thomas Griffin & Robert Love, Doc. 20) (1896) B3.

Dukes, William H.; Pleasant Hill; Probate #4243, 1917. E15.

Dukes, William H.; Pleasant Hill; Probate (Est. of Wm. H. Dukes Docs. 1-10) (1917-18) E15.

Dukes, S. L.; Pleasant Hill; Administrator (Est. of Wm. H. Dukes. Docs 1-10) (1917-18) E15.

Originals in Kutz records:
11 Nov 1867. $100 promissary note to C. B. Nottingham.

1877-1915. State and County Tax receipts (typical description):
"In the Canada del Hambre Grant, bounded N by the Powers ranch, E by the Grant Line, S by Sturgis land, and W by the W Morgan farm, 90 acres"
      North            East            South            West
1877      n/s            n/s            n/s            n/s
1879-80       Powers            Grant line            Sturgis            Morgan
1880-81      n/s            n/s            n/s            n/s
1883      n/s            Grant line            n/s            n/s
1885       n/s            Grant line            n/s            Sturgis
1889      Mary Powers      "       Joseph Sturgis       do
1891      "             "             Josiah Stugis       do
1893       J. F. Landrigan       "       "       "
1897-98       P. B. Ladd       "       "       "
1898-99       "       "       J. Sturgis       do
1899-00       "       "       "       "
1900-01       "       "       F. W. Sturgis       do
1901-02       "       "       "       "
1902-03       "       "       "       "
1904       "       "       "       "
1905       "       "       "       "
1907       "       "       "       "
1910       "       "       "       "

"In the Rancho Las Juntas bounded N by the Boss farm, E by the Rodgers land, S by Rodgers land and the Grant line and W by the Grant line, 70 acres."
1877       n/s       n/s       n/s       n/s
1879-80       Boss       Rodgers       Rodgers & G.L.       Grant line
1880-81       n/s       n/s       n/s       n/s
1883       Boss       Rodgers       Rodgers & G.L.       Grant line
1885       "       "       "       "
1889       Eliza Webster       Patrick Rodgers       E. Rodgers       "
1891       Mrs. Eliza Webster Mrs. M. A. Rodgers Edward Rodgers       "
1898       J. N. Buttner       Mrs. M. A. Rodgers      "       "
1897-98       J. Buttner       E. Rodgers       "       "

Personal property: "Fur 25. S.M. 15. Wagons 30. H. 15 F.W. 50. 3 houses 60. 3 (?) 45. Calves 20. Porch 20." [Some difficult to decipher]

1898-99       J.Buttner       E. Rodgers       E. Rodgers       Grant line

"In the Rancho Las Juntas, a tract of land bounded N. by land of J. Buttner, E. & S. by land of E. Rodgers, W. by the Grant line, 70 acres less than that tract 37-75/100 acres sold S. L. Dukes & that tract sold to Antone Fashing 18-30/100 acres".
1899-00      J. Buttner       E. Rodgers       E. Rodgers       Grant line
1900-01       "       "       "       "
1901-02       "       "       "       "
1902-03       "       "       "       "
1904       "       "       "       "
1905       "       J. Rogers       J. Rogers       "

"in the Rancho Canada del Hambre, a tract of land bounded N. by land of Mary Boss & C. L. Hall, E. by land of J. Buttner, John Duane and S. L. Dukes, S. by land of W. S. Withers & W. by land of A. Fashing. 63.21 acres . . ."

1912       Mary Boss & C. L. Hall W. S. Withers A. Fashing J. Buttner, John                                     Duane & S. L. Dukes
1914       Hall & Co. Road       S. L. Dukes       James & Fashing       n/s
1915       "       "       Graceland acres       James &
                                          Fashing
17 Apr 1878.       Dog Tax receipt.
24 Apr 1883.       Road Tax receipt.
21 Jul 1884.       Deed to Lot 20, Alhambra Cemetary, Martinez, CA, 150 sq. ft.
30 Mar 1885.       Poll Tax receipt.
11 Feb 1888.       Personal Property Tax receipt.
27 Jun 1888.       Poll Tax Receipt.
28 Jun 1889.       Road Poll Tax receipt.

Census (to be looked up):
1870. Martinez, Contra Costa Co. CA. p.372 #10 (includes):
Dukes, Wm. H.      38 M      TN
Lucy S.      27 F      KY
Sherard      4 M      CA
Leonora       2 F      CA
son       1/12 M      CA
Kinzer, James W.       17 M MO
Boss, Annetta       7 F      CA

1880. Contra Costa Co. CA. ed.47 s.13 #219/222 (includes):
Dukes,      Lucy S.      35 F      MO
      Isabel       6 F
      May L.       6 F
Boss, Mary Ann       17 F      CA

1900. Same. ed.411 s.2 l.45-48? (includes):
Dukes, Lucy S.      b. Dec. 1843      MO
Boss, Mary Ann       b. Mar. 1863       CA

1910. Same. ed.166 #195 (includes):
Dukes, Lucy S.       67 F      MO       father b. VA      mother b. KY
            m. 45 yrs.      6/5 children
Dukes (?),
      Mary Ann      47 F      CA      step-daughter      father b. TN
            mother b. MO

Contra Costa County Cemetary Records, Vol. I, 1854-1964", C. C. Gen. Soc.:
"Dukes, William H., 1 July 1917, 85 yrs."
Ed Note: The family had apparently set funds aside to purchase a tombstone, but due to family squabbling, a tombstone was never erected. The grave markers of Sherard Dukes and his wife, Ida, were removed when their graves were removed to Oakmont Cemetary in Pleasant Hill, which overlooked the lands which Sherard Dukes had lived upon all his life. The only remaining gravestone in the family plot at the Alhambra Pioneer Cemetary in Martinez is that of Robert S. Dukes.

===

Information on this family comes from the following sources:
Roberta Dukes notes to 1935.
Dates and husbands' names from Mrs. Arthur Honegger, wife of grandson of
Leonora Dukes, below, in 1983.
Ed Kutz, great-grandson of William H. Dukes.
Letters of Benetta Barkley.
Obituary of William Hall Dukes
Application for Registration of Pioneers of California initiated by Ida Symonds Dukes about 1933.
Estate Probate of William H. Dukes
Bible records of Dukes/Kinzer in possession of Ella Dukes Wood or other California family members.
Recollections of Myra Holliday Honegger.

Information on the Yates/Yeates family comes from a privately published book copied by Ed Kutz, origin unknown.

Information from Henrietta Mercer Knight letters:

"William Duke in 1887 lived in Napa Valley Cal."

Ida (Symonds) Dukes states "William Hall Dukes was born in Memphis, Tenn.

William Hall Dukes appears on the following US Census:

1850 -- Blue Township, Jackson Co, MO, age 16 b. TN
1870 -- Martinez, Contra Costa Co, CA, age 38, b. TN
      James W. Kinzer, age 17 b. MO living in household
1880 -- Contra Costa Co, CA, age 45 b. TN
1900 -- Contra Costa Co, CA, ED411/S2/L45
      born Sep 1834 TN
      Married 35 years 6/5 children. Father b. VA; Mother b. TN
1910 -- Contra Costa Co, CA, ED166/Fam195
      age 78 b. TN Father b. VA, Mother b. TN

Notes for LUCY S. KINZER:
Lucy Kinzer's middle name has been thought to be Stoeman, but may also be Steurman.

24 Oct 1916, Tuesday. "Oakland (probably Tribune)":
"Funeral of Pioneer Woman to be Held
Martinez, Oct. 24. -- The funeral of Mrs. Lucy S. Dukes (nee Lucy S. Kinzer) a pioneer of California and who is said to have been the first white girl to make Vallejo her home and who had lived in Contra Costa county since the early fifties, will be held Wednesday from the family residence at Pleasant Hill, near here, thence to Oakland for cremation.

"Born in Kentucky, Lucy Kinzer went to Missouri with her parents and later came to California. Arriving in this state after a perilous cross-continental trip the family settled at Vallejo. At that time the present navy town was only a little village and Lucy was the pet of the community, being the only American girl in the settlement.

"Because of her father's poor health, the family moved to Marsh Creek, this county. In 1865 she married W. H. Dukes, who has been prominently identified with the history of Contra Costa county. She is survived by the widower, a son, Sherard L. Dukes, and four daughters, Mrs. Della G. Court, Mrs. Jessie E. Griffin, Mrs. May L. Hall and Mrs. Mary A. Boss; one sister, Mrs. Mattie Bogart of Victoria, British Columbia, fourteen grandchildren and one great grandchild.


Children of WILLIAM DUKES and LUCY KINZER are:

38.	i.	SHERARD LEONIDAS⁵ DUKES, b. 11 Jun 1866, Pleasant Hill, Contra Costa Co, CA; d. 08 Feb 1949, Martinez, Contra Costa Co, CA.
39.	ii.	LEONORA HALL DUKES, b. 20 May 1868, Pleasant Hill, Contra Costa Co, CA; d. 20 Mar 1898, Martinez, Contra Costa Co, CA.
40.	iii.	ISADELLA G. DUKES, b. 22 Feb 1870, Pleasant Hill, Contra Costa Co, CA; d. 18 Dec 1951, Martinez, Contra Costa Co, CA.
41.	iv.	JESSE ELIZABETH DUKES, b. 06 Dec 1871, Pleasant Hill, Contra Costa Co, CA; d. 17 Jun 1947, Martinez, Contra Costa Co, CA.
42.	v.	MAY LOUISA DUKES, b. 09 Nov 1873, Pleasant Hill, Contra Costa Co, CA; d. 29 Dec 1951, Martinez, Contra Costa Co, CA.

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