Early Family History

It is believed that Bennett Crafton Duke was descended from 17th century Isle of Wight Co VA settler John Duke. Bennett Crafton Was born around 1810 in North Carolina. As a young man he moved with his father to Tennessee.

Not long after, he joined a company of Kentucky volunteers traveling to Texas to join with Texans in their fight for independence. It has been reported that he was wounded at the Battle of San Jacinto. He later returned to Tennessee where he married Martha Jones in 1838.

While still in Tennessee, the couple had at least three children; Amanda, Henry and James. The family moved to Panola County Texas in the early 1850's. Bennett Crafton died there in 1854.

Amanda Remained in Panola County where she married James Carter and started a family.

Henry Duke fought during the civil war. When the war ended he returned to Panola County to be with his mother. He married Lourena Bryson in Panola County in 1878. Henry and Lourena left Panola county in 1882, possibly after the death of his mother, Martha.

I believe that Amanda Carter (Duke) died sometime between 1885 and 1890. I cannot find any record of her after 1885. Her youngest known child was Charles Carter and he was born in 1885.

James Carter had remarried and had several children with his new wife, Sarah. Their oldest child was born aroun 1890.

Henry Duke and his family moved to other areas of Texas. Most of the family ended up in Wilbarger County in Western North Texas, east of Witchita Falls. Henry died there in 1933.