James R. Duke of Texas County, Missouri

James R. Duke, proprietor of the Clipper Stables at Houston, Mo., was born near Richmond, Va., on the 11th of September, 1849, his parents being Richard and Elizabeth Ann (Pulland) Duke, whose deaths occurred in Texas County, Mo., in 1860, the mother's being about six months after the father's. They moved from their native State of Virginia to Ohio, thence to Illinois, residing in Pike and Jasper Counties, and in 1858 came to Texas County, Mo., where they afterward made their home. The father learned the stone-mason's trade when a young man, and worked at this occupation in connection with farming and trading, and in his political views was a Democrat throughout life. Mrs. Duke was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Three of their six sons are living at the present time: Minon E., a prominent farmer of Texas County, residing near Houston; James R., and William M., a farmer of Maries County, Mo. James R. Duke was educated in Houston, and after the death of his parents made his home for some time with Nat Rogers, and then began making his home with James P. Bates, of Texas County, Mo., with whom he resided for a number of years. When starting out in life for himself he worked at anything he could get to do to make an honorable living, but was principally engaged in hauling logs. He afterward engaged in farming, and began dealing in stock, which occupations have proved remunerative, and he has taken a great deal of stock to St. Louis. He now owns a valuable farm adjoining Houston, on which is a substantial residence and good out-buildings. Nannie A. Sutton, who was born in Texas County, Mo., and is a daughter of Valentine Sutton, became his wife October 14, 1876, and their union has been blessed in the birth of the following children: Arthur William, born August 24, 1877; James R., who died at the age of eighteen months, having been born May 24, 1879; Jennie J., born September 26, 1881; Charles H., born December 30, 1884, and Bessie. Mrs. Duke is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Duke belongs to the I. O. O. F., and in his political views is a Democrat.