Col. And Mrs. Duke Built First Swank Hotel

Col. and Mrs. Duke were married in Lynchburg, Va., in 1855 and came to Texas in 1858.  They settled in Weatherford but in 1892 they moved to Mineral Wells where they built the second cottage home, at that time there were only tent houses.  The first Episcopal services held in Weatherford and Mineral Wells were held in their home.  They had the first fine hotel in Mineral Wells known as the Piedmont; this was the second hotel, the first was called the Duke House and both were known for their good food.  They had two daughters, Rosa who married a Mr. Stevenson, an early lawyer in Mineral Wells.  She graduated from Mar Baldwin Seminary, Stauton, Va., and was a leader in early days of Mineral Wells.  She organized and fostered the Cultural Club.  They had one daughter, Carolyn (Carrie) who married James Sorley.  Emma, the second daughter was also sent to Virginia to school.  She married Isaac Newton Wynn and went into the Presbyterian Church with him.  She was known for many years as a well versed Bible teacher.

This entire family is buried in Elmwood Cemetery.