John DUKES, residing on section 33, Union Township, is a native of England, born in Monmouth County, June 4, 1842, son of William and Mary Ann DUKES. He was reared to manhood in his native country, but thinking to better his condition in life he decided to immigrate to America, and May 14, 1867, he landed at New York, immediately proceeded to Joliet, Illinois, where he live five years. He was married at Joliet, August 15, 1869, to Miss Jane PRICE, who was born in Herfordshire, England, July 2, 1840. She came with her parents to America in 1848, and was reared in Wills County, Illinois, her parents living there till their death. Mr. and Mrs. DUKES have five children - Mary B., William, George, Edward and John. Mr. DUKES came to Ringgold County, Iowa, from Joliet, and in 1876 bought eighty acres of his present farm, on which he settled in 1878. He has since added to his original purchase till he has now 320 acres which he has improved from the raw prairie, all being under good cultivation. His farm is located in Union and Monroe Townships, 160 acres being in each township.

Both Mr. and Mrs. DUKES are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. By his straightforward life Mr. DUKES has, during his residence in the county, won the respect and esteem of all who know him. In 1880 the parents of Mr. DUKES came to him from England, the mother dying at his home September 25, 1883, aged sixty-four years. In November, 1885, the father returned to England in July 1885. Another brother of our subject, William, died in Minnesota in 1883, and is buried in Monroe Township, this county.

NOTE: John DUKES died June 4, 1842 at the Methodist Hospital, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa. Jane (PRICE) DUKES was born July 2, 1840, Herfordshire, England, and died February 20, 1940. John and Jane were interred at Oliver Cemetery near Ellston, Ringgold County, Iowa.

SOURCES:
Biography & Historical Record of Ringgold County, Iowa, Pp. 256-57, 1887.

WPA Graves Survey

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, January of 2009

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