DUPLEX FAMILY GENEALOGY

This genealogy record documents the descendants of Prince Duplex (1754-1825), a Revolutionary War soldier. He and and Lement Parker (1764-1847), African Americans raised in Colonial times, united at the dawn of America’s independence to raise a family in Wolcott, Connecticut. They later resettled in Danby, New York where they are now buried. Despite oppressive and prejudicial societal norms, their descendants gained access to mainstream social, educational and political positions. A grandson, Cortlandt Van Rensselaer Creed, M.D., became the first African American graduate of Yale University in 1857. Another grandson, Edward Parker Duplex, was elected mayor of Wheatland, California, gateway to the Gold Rush territory. Still others committed their lives to distinguished military service, the professions, and the cause of social justice.

Many have contributed to the work of documenting the Duplex family, most importantly, the living descendants, including Georgette M. Mitchell, Tracey N. Archer, and Ronald Stickney, whose collective memories and research have illuminated connections spanning over 250 years. The support of the Tompkins County USGenWeb coordinators, in particular the research and editorial assistance of Cheryl L. Hall, has been invaluable. This genealogy record could not have found a better home than these pages of the Tompkins County NYGenWeb Site.

Contact:
Forrester A. Lee
woody.lee@gmail.com