The gentleman of whom we write is the youngest of three sons born to James and Elizabeth H. (Mitchell) Duke, and opened his eyes to the light in Indianapolis, Ind., August 30, 1860. In the same city his father was born, while his mother’s birthplace was near Maysville, Ky. In 1867 the parents removed to Peoria, where they have since resided. The boyhood of our subject was passed in attendance at the public schools where he completed the course of study. He began his mercantile experience as an errand boy, advancing to the position of clerk in the old store of Day Bros. & Co., of Peoria, with whom he remained three years.

At the expiration of that time Mr. Duke accepted a clerkship with Ottenheimer Bros., and still later with Wolgamot & Co., continuing with the latter firm five years. In August, 1888, he entered into trade on his own account, having from the start a fair run of custom among those to whom his pleasing manners and thorough knowledge of business methods had given him good repute. He is a member of Peoria Lodge, No. 250, K. of P., occupying the chair of Chancellor Commander. In politics he is a strong Republican. He and his wife are members in good standing of the Congregational Church. The reputation of Mr. Duke is that of a thoroughly honorable man, whose business relations are trustworthy, social and domestic life kindly, and character irreproachable.

The pleasantly located and attractive home of Mr. Duke is under the careful oversight of an amiable and cultured lady who became his wife March 18, 1885. She was known in her girlhood as Miss Anna Jaeckel. She was born in the city of New York, but reared in Pekin, Tazewell County, Ill., to which her parents, Franz and Jane Jaeckel, removed during her infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Duke have two children—Chester Clark and Leslie Burton.

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