The English Origin of William Claude Dukenfield of Philadelphia, Aka W. C. Fields
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Hewlett, Sandra M. The English Origin of William Claude Dukenfield of Philadelphia, Aka W. C. Fields. Digital Collections. https://genpa.r2infosys.com/s/collections/item/12806
Hewlett, Sandra M. "The English Origin of William Claude Dukenfield of Philadelphia, Aka W. C. Fields." Digital Collections, , https://genpa.r2infosys.com/s/collections/item/12806.
Hewlett, Sandra M. "The English Origin of William Claude Dukenfield of Philadelphia, Aka W. C. Fields." Digital Collections. Accessed . https://genpa.r2infosys.com/s/collections/item/12806.
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THE ENGLISH ORIGIN OF WILLIAM CLAUDE DUKENFIELD OF PHILADELPHIA, AKA W. C. FIELDS by Sandra M. Hewlett, ex;' M uch lias been written about the life of the notable entertainer and Fields, who was born probably in Philadelphia as comedian W. William Claude Dukenfield, but little has been published about his ances¬ tral family or their origins. This article establishes the family in Philadel¬ phia as well as their Yorkshire origins. In 2003 James R. Curtis authored a biography with the cooperation of W. C. Fields’ descendants that mentioned W. C. Fields’ father’s birth in Sheffield, Yorkshire. Curtis discovered the Civil War pension file for W. C. Fields father, James Leydon Dukenfield, which contained a certified tran¬ script of James’ 1 S i 1 birth from Sheffield, Yorkshire, records.1 Curtis stated that W. C. Fields’ grandfather, John Duckenfield and John’s elder brother George were respectively the second and first sons of a George Duckenfield,2 which this research has not confirmed. Tin: DUKHNFIFI.D SURNAME IN ENGLAND The first recorded example of the surname is in Yorkshire circa 1250— Robert de Dukingl’eld granted land to William Scott of CalvcrleyA The ' The author (shewlett@vcrizon.net) is a past hoard member of the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania and the proofreader for the Pennsylvania Genealogical Maga¬ zine. Por their superb knowledge of Yorkshire and Sheffield, their review of this manu¬ script, and their helpful comments, I am indebted to lingiish surname expert George Redmonds of Lepton, Yorkshire, and David I ley of Sheffield, Yorkshire; to Roger Joslyn, GG, and Marie Melchiori, GG, CGI., for locating records valuable to the story; to Phila¬ delphia City Archives staff Angela Owens, Raven Darkholmc. and David llaugh for retrieving numerous records; to Philadelphia Orphans’ Court, Marriage License Bureau, staff, especially Freddy Reyes, for locating an abundance of marriage licenses, and to Joanne Glare, Friends of Greenwood Cemetery, Philadelphia, for assistance in identify¬ ing the Duckenfield family burials. James Dukenfield invalid pension application #26.323, certificate #6B8 18; pvt., Company M, 72nd Regiment and Company M, .Gil Pennsylvania Infantry; and Katie S. Dukenfield widow's application #1006 139, certificate #761361 (NARA RG I 3: Civil War and Later Pension Files 1861 - 193-1. Department of Veterans Affairs). 2 Janies R. Curtis, W. C. Fields: A liiogra/ihy (New York: Alfred Knopf, 2003). The hook, which is undocumented, contains details on the family, including information not in public records, which is not repeated herein. W. P. Baildon and S. Margcrison, The Calverley Charters in Thorcsby Society 6( 1904):28. ' Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. -16(2010) 293 294 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Voi. 46 surname, which literal means “field of the ducks,” 1 derives from the ham¬ let of Dukinfield in the parish of Stockport, Cheshire,'’ now a suburb east of Manchester, since 1974 part of the county of Greater Manchester, where there lived a gentry family with the same name, usually spelled Dokenfiekl until the seventeenth century.6 15y the end of the seventeenth century the surname seems to have been established in southern Yorkshire, when an Edward Duckenfield of Kirkburton parish is recorded in 1669/ Two men bearing the surname are recorded in parishes near to Sheffield in the Hearth Tax of 1672: Edward Duckinfeild of Treeton, was taxed on one domestic hearth and one smithy hearth” and Francis Duckinfield of Aston cum Aughton was recorded with one hearth.9 In Treeton, where the surname appears in the 1672 Hearth Tax, there was a blacksmith, Thomas Duckenfield, whose three sons were appren¬ ticed for eight years to Sheffield cutlers in the early 1700s: John Duttonfield in 1707; Thomas Duckenfield in 170S; and William Duckenfield in 17 13. 10 The first evidence located of a Duckenfield family in nearby Shef¬ field is in 1718 when John Duckenfield, a cutler, married Hannah Mor¬ ton.11 After that there are frequent references to the name in the Shef¬ field parish registers; most commonly for Thomas Duckenfield, cutler, and William Duckenfield, sissersmith.1An analysis of the 1881 census shows that the surname remained rare and geographically centered in the north of England. Of the 2.35 occur¬ rences in England of Duckenfield, Duckinfield , Dukinfield, and DnkenJ'ield, 169 were in the West Riding of Yorkshire, 16 in Nottinghamshire, and 12 in Lancashire, with others scattered elsewhere. 1 1 The word “field” here referred to open county, not an enclosure (communication from < icorge Redmonds). s K. Cameron, The Place-Names of Cheshire. Part I (English Place-name Society (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1970) 27(>. 6 J. P. Earwakcr, Past Cheshire Past anti Present or .1 History of the lltnulretl of Mac¬ clesfield (London: the author, 1877), 817- 18 (pedigree chart). P. A. Collins, The Parish Registers of Kirkbnrton (Exeter: W. Pollard, 1902) 2:72. Kirkhurton is just east of the Cheshire border with Yorkshire. David Hey, The Hearth Tax Returns for South Yorkshire: Lady Day K>72 (Shef¬ field: Names Project Team, Centre for English Cultural Tradition and l anguage, 1991) 66, from the copy at West Yorkshire Archive Service. Wakefield, Yorkshire. 9 David Hey, Colum Giles, Margaret Spufford, and Andrew Warcham, West Riding Hearth tax Assessment /672 (London: British Record Society, 2007) CSS. from the hearth tax list at the National Archives (UK). 10 Robert Eason Leader, History of the Company of Cutlers, Hallamshire (Sheffield: Pawson & lirailsford, 1906), 2: 1 93. I For example, see T. W. Hall. The Parish Register of Sheffield, Part 1 (Sheffield: Hunter Archaeological Society of Sheffield, 1927), 220. 1 See. for example, The Parish Register of Sheffield, Part VI, volume 1 13(1981 in Yorkshire Archaeological Society Parish Register Section. 1 Steve Archer, British 19th Century Surname Atlas, CD-ROM (2003). ” - 2010 The English Origin of W. C. Fields 295 In Philadelphia the surname was equally rare, as only George and John Duckenfield and their descendants have been found in Philadelphia rec¬ ords in the mid- to late-nineteenth century, with the surname variously recorded as Duckenfield, Duckinfield, Dukenfield, Dukinfieid, Duffenfield , Dugenfield, DunkinJ'ield, Duncanfield, DnttonfieUf and DusenJ'ield. Dl ICKENFIEI.D BROTHERS IN SHEFFIFXI) In 1841 Sheffield business directories record the joint business venture of George and John Duckenfield on Carver Street as “Comb Manfr.”1' By 1852 their business was listed under the heading of Comb (Horn) Manufrs. at 50 Rockingham Lane, and in this same directory their home addresses as 1 1 & 13 Backfields. 1 s In 18-il John’s family resided by Barker’s Pool16 in Sheffield: John, 35, born in Yorkshire, a comb maker; Ann, 30, born in Ireland (ages of adults in the 1841 census are given to the nearest five years); Walter, 5; John, 3; Edmund, 2; James, 3 months. 17 George was not living with his wife and daughters in Sheffield in i 84 I : Eli/a Dukenfield, 29, not born in Yorkshire, comb maker; Hannah, 4; Mary, 1, both born in Yorkshire; Mary Day, 34, straw bonnet maker.18 In 1851 John’s family resided at II Backfields in Sheffield: John, 41, comb maker; Ann, 36, comb maker’s wife; Walter, 15; John, 13; Edmund, 1 1; James, 10; George, 8; Clara, 6; Arthur, 4; Alfred, 2; Ann, 3 months; all born in Sheffield except Ann, born in Ireland; and Dominick Lydon, 39, born in Ireland, married, a visitor,19 likely Ann’s brother. George lived next door at 13 Backfields in 1851: George, 45, born in Sheffield, comb maker, master of 1 man, 3 women; Eliza, 38, Manchester, 1 Henry and Thomas Rodgers, Sheffield and Rotherham Directory, 18-il (online at ' sheffieldindexers.com). IS William White, Gazetteer & General Directory of Sheffield and All the Parishes, Townships and Village within the Distance of Twenty Miles round Sheffield (Sheffield: 1852), 98, 26(1 (image online at Historical Directories, A University of Leicester Project, historiealdireetories.org). 16 Barker’s Pool was a spring enclosed hy a stone wall in the 15th century to supply the town with water. It is now a well-known street near city hall. Backfields is a street leading front Barker's Pool (e-mail 7 May 2010 front David Hey to author). iJoint Duckenfield household, 1811 England Census, Sheffield, Sheffield West, Yorkshire, P.D 17, folio 30, page 52 (image on Aneestry.com front National Archives |1IK|). 18 Eliza Dukenfield household, 18-11 England Census, Sheffield, Ecclesall Bierlow, Yorkshire, folio 8, page 1 1 (image on Ancestry.com front National Archives | UK]). 19 John Duckenfield household, 1851 England Census, Sheffield, Ecclesall Bierlow, Yorkshire, folio 6, page 344 (image on Ancestry.com front National Archives |IIK|): age 41. 296 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 46 Lancashire; Hannah, Manchester, 14; Mary, 10, Sheffield; William, 2, Shef¬ field; John Edward, 5 months, Sheffield.20 In 1853 Robert Edwards, employed by the Duckenfields, was jailed for six months for stealing 288 combs from the workshop of his masters.21 They appeared in the Sheffield section of the 1857 directory for Derby¬ shire as business partners, although John had left for Philadelphia. Dukinfield Geo. & Jno. comb mfrs., 13 Backfields22 EMIGRATION The family members emigrated at different times. John was in Philadelphia by 1.3 November 1854 when John Dukinfield, 45, declared his intention to become a US citizen. 2A lie was naturalized 21 September 1863 in Philadelphia.2 ' Ann Dukinfield and seven of her ten surviving children arrived 2 Janu¬ ary 1857 in Philadelphia on the steamship Kangaroo with four boxes of belongings to join John: Ann Dukenfield, 42, wife; Edmond, 13; James, 12; Clara, 10; Arthur, 8; Alfred, 6; Mary, .3; Godfrey, l.25 Walter Dukinfield, 22, combmaker, arrived in New York City two years later, It) May 1858, on the Universe.1(' James, Alfred, and Arthur were naturalized 20 September 1870 in Philadelphia.27 The arrivals for sons John Lydon and George were not found, but George was in Pennsylvania by 10 August 1861 when he enlisted in the Pennsylvania Volunteers and John had arrived by 1865 when a son was born in Pennsylvania (see below). 20 George Duckenficld household, 1831 England Census, Ecclesall Bierlow township, Sheffield, Yorkshire, folio .343, page 3 (image on Ancestry.com from National Archives |UK|). 21 The Sheffield ntul Rotherham Independent, Sheffield, England, 9 April 1833 (issue 1748) page 6. “Spring Quarter Sessions" (find.galcgroup.com) “19th Century British Library Newspapers,” British Library News Demo. 22 “White's 1837 Directory of Derbyshire; Sheffield Directory" History, Gazetteer and Directory of the County of Derby (_ Francis White & Co., Sheffield, 1837), 834. 2\|ohn Dukinfield declaration of intent, Philadelphia District Court, KG22. 1834, page 1 2 (copy from the Philadelphia City Archives in possession of the author). 21 John Dukinfield naturalization petition, Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, RG20, 186.3 (copy from the Philadelphia City Archives in possession of the author). 2'> Kangaroo passenger list, Philadelphia, 2 January 1837 from Liverpool, England (Passenger l ists of Vessels Arriving at Philadelphia, 1800-1882; image at Ancestry.com from NARA M423, roll 80). 20 Walter Dukinfield entry. Universe passenger list, New York City, 10 May 1838, from Liverpool, page 36 (Passenger Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York City, 18201897; image at Ancestry.com from NARA M237, roll 183). 2 James Duckenficld naturalization petition, Philadelphia District Court, RG22 (copy from the Philadelphia City Archives in possession of the author): Dreer St., signed his name; arrived in Philadelphia in 1834 |.s4c]. Alfred Duckenficld naturalization petition, Philadelphia District Court, RG22 (copy from the Philadelphia City Archives in posses¬ sion of the author): Emerald St. above Dauphin; made his mark; arrived in Philadelphia in 1833 [,v/e|. Arthur Duckenficld naturalization petition, Philadelphia District Court, RG20 (copy from the Philadelphia City Archives in possession of the author). 2010 The English Origin of W. C. fields 297 George was not found in the 1860 US census or the 1861 England cen¬ sus, which points to this time frame as a possible immigration period. No immigration or naturalization records were found for George or his fam¬ ily,28 although son William Holt Duckenfield stated lie immigrated in 1861 and was naturalized (1900 census; 1910 census) and son John Edward Duckenfield stated lie immigrated in 1862 and was naturalized (1900 census) or unknown and was naturalized (1910 census) (see below). GENEALOGICAL SUMMARY — 1. ?— A DUCKENFIELD was born by say 1777-1780 in England. He mar¬ ried by say 1802- 1805 (child born say 1803- 1806), wife unknown. Children of—?— ' Dnckcnfie/d. i. GEORGE1 DUCKENFIELD, born about 1803-1806 in Sheffield; died 28 2 November 1878 in Philadelphia; married after 1 November 1833 in liecles, Lancashire, ELIZA HOI.T. 3 ii. JOHN1 DUKENFIEI.D, born about 1810 in Sheffield, Yorkshire; died after 1880 probably in California; married 24 December 1832, at liecles, Lanca¬ shire, ANNA LYDON. 2. GEORGE i DUCKENFIELD was born about 180.3 (1870 census) or about 1805 (age at death) or about 1806 ( 1851 census) in Sheffield ( 1870 cen¬ sus) and died 28 November 1878 in Philadelphia in his seventy-forth year.29 lie married after banns 1 November 18.35 in Eccles, Lancashire/0 ELIZA HOLT/1 who was baptized 27 November 1811 in Manchester, Lan¬ cashire, daughter of William Holt and Hannah Isherwood/2 Eliza Dukcnficld, widow of the late George Dukenfield, died 31 July 1897 in Phila¬ delphia, in her 85th year/* The funeral was held at the home of her son28 Searches included the Philadelphia Courts Naturalization Index 1790-1880 (Phila¬ delphia City Archives), which covers seven separate courts whose records are held by the City Archives. 29 George Duckenfield death notice, I’lnliidelplnii inquirer. 30 November 1878, page 2: funeral front his late residence 625 West Cumberland Street. h is curious that George and his brother John Duckenfield were married in liecles. both men were born in Sheffield, a considerable distance from liecles. Eliza Holt, wife of George, was born in nearby Manchester, and Anna Lydon, wife of John, although born in Ireland, was living in Manchester prior to her marriage. 1 George Dukinficld-liliza Holt marriage entry, Bishop's Transcripts, liecles, Lanca¬ shire, 1613-1864, page 119, *356 (PHI. *1,545,550, item 3). Eccles, Lancashire parish register, 18.55, *356: both of this parish, both signed their names. Thanks to Peter Ii. Park of Preston for photocopying the parish register. *2 Eliza Holt baptism, IGI controlled extraction batch (4)97891, from Cathedral Church, Manchester, parish registers (FHL *44.3,328): child of William Holt and Han¬ nah. William Holt and Hannah Isherwood were married 24 December 1804 at the cathedral (IGI batch M005464 [FHL *438,188)). .3.3 Eliza Dukenfield death certificate, Philadelphia, 1897, *2486 (copy from the Phila¬ delphia City Archives in possession of the author). * 298 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 46 in-law John Stevenson, 1940 N. Eleventh Street, interment at Greenwood Knights of Pythias Cemetery.' 1 in 1870 the family was in Philadelphia.'1’ After George’s death in 1878, his widow, Eli/a, maintained the dry goods business at 625 Cumberland Street.'6 In 1880 three of her children and a grandson were living with her in Ward 19 at 625 Cumberland Street.'7 Children of George' and Illiza (Holt) Duckenfield : i. HANNAH ISHERWOOD/MARIA/E.2 DUCKENFIELD, born 30 August 1836 in Manchester, Lancashire, baptized 2 July 1837 at the Collegiate Church, Manchester;'8 died 25 January 1907 at 316 West Huntington Street, Phila¬ delphia; buried in West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia;'9 married after banns 24 November 1857 at St. George's Church in Sheffield JOHN DAY, stone mason, 19, son of William Day, stone mason. *0 Their son Alfred was born 10 April 1858 in Sheffield. '1 ii. GEORGE EDWARD DUCKENFIELD, baptized 4 March 1838 at the Cathedral Church, Manchester; '2 died 10 May 1841, Moor Street, Ecclesall Bierlow, Sheffield." 'ÿ' Eliza Dukenficld death notice, Philadelphia Inquirer, 2 August 1897, page 9. Cireenwood Cemetery was chartered 26 October 1869 as The Greenwood Cemetery Company of Philadelphia. The president of the company, a member of the Knights of Pythias, amended the charter to change the name to The Knights of Pythias Greenwood Cemetery Company of Philadelphia, which was recorded IK March 1870, hence the variations in the name of the cemetery in obituaries, death certificates, etc. 5S George Duckenfield household, 1870 US Census, 1st enumeration, 2 June 1870, Philadelphia Ward 19, page 5|stamped] (NARA M593, roll 1404): George, 67, retail dry goods merchant, $2500 in personal property; Eliza, 58; William, 21, trader; John, 19, tile cutter apprentice; Emily, 16; Hannah Day, 32; Alfred Day, 12; all born in England. Geo. Duckenfield household, 1870 US Census, 2nd enumeration, 18 November 1870, Phila¬ delphia Ward 19, Germantown Road, page I07A, page 19 (NARA M593, roll 1432): Geo: 65; Eliza, 58; Anna, 31; Mary, 28; William, 23; John, 20; Emily, 17; Alfred, 12. '6 Capsi/I's Philadelphia City Directory, ISSI, lists Eliza N. Duckenfield, trimmings; in 1882 Eliza N. Dukenficld, drygoods, is at the same address. 37 Eliza Dukinficld household, 1880 US Census, Philadelphia, ED 376, page 81) (NARA T9, roll 1 178): Eliza Dukinficld, widow, 60, dry goods store; Hannah E. Day, 37, daughter; Win., 29, clerk in store; Emily, 24, clerk store; Alfred Day, 22, grandson, paper box maker. '8 Hannah Ishcrwood Dukinficld baptism, Collegiate Church, Manchester, Bishop's Transcripts, baptisms 18.37 (Lancashire Online Parish Clerks database at lan-ope.uk/ Scarch/indexp.html from Fill. #1,545,61 1 ): parents George Dukinficld and Eliza. '9 Hannah Maria Day death certificate, Philadelphia, 1907, #2653 (copy from the Phil¬ adelphia City Archives in possession of the author): age 69. 10 John Day-1lannah Duckenfield marriage registration, General Register Office (UK), 1857, #423: Hannah Duckenfield daughter of George Duckenfield, comb maker. ll Alfred Day birth registration, General Register Office (UK), Sheffield, County of York, 1858, #82: son of John Day, grinder, and Hannah Duckinficld. *2 George Edward Dukinficld baptism, IGI controlled extraction batch C097897, from Cathedral Church, Manchester, parish registers, 1573-1946, Baptisms 1836-1838 (Fill,# 138,173): parents George and Eliza. i3 George Edward Duckenfield death registration, General Register Office (UK), Ecclesall Bierlow, County of York, 1841, #410: 3 years 4 months, son of George Duck¬ enfield, comb maker. Eliza Duckenfield, Moor Street, present at death. 2010 The English Origin of W. C. Fields 299 iii. MARY2 DUCKENFIELD, born 13 August 1840 in Sheffield;1' buried 24 Feb¬ ruary 1922 in Greenwood Cemetery, Philadelphia; ‘s married 23 March 1 866 as Miss Mary, daughter of George Duckenfield, by Rev. W. II. Wood, JOHN STEVENSON,16 who was born in January 1844 in New Jersey (1900 census) and buried 23 March 1903 in Greenwood Cemetery;. r in 1880 they were in Philadelphia, lH in 1900 they were in Ward 32, at 1946 North 1 I th Street, with five of their six children and two grandchildren. '6 iv. WILLIAM HOI.H DUCKENFIELD, born 20 August 1848 in Sheffield;150 died 6 February 1940 in Christiana, New Castle County, Delaware;151 married about 1884 (1900 census) MARY A. PINKER;152 in 1900 they were in Pennsauken Township, Camden County, New Jersey with their three chil¬ dren;'5'5 in 1910 in Camden Ward 1 1,"5' 1920 in Pennsauken,1515 and in 1930 ' ' Mary Duckinfield birth registration, General Register Office (UK), 1840, #171, Kcclesal! Bierlow, Sheffield: parents George Duckinfield, comb maker, and Eliza Holt. .lolin Stevenson, lot 18, Greenwood Cemetery records (Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania |GSP] microfilm XR799:1 at Historical Society of Pennsylvania |HSP|). 16 Philadelphia Public Ledger, Marriage Notices, 29 March 1866, page 2. Rev. W. 1$. Wood was at Hancock Street Methodist Episcopal Church (McElroy's City Directory. Id67, 1678). ■i7 John Stevenson burial record. Friends of Greenwood Cemetery report on Duekcnlield burials, 18 August 2010, sent to the author: division 1), lot 19C. 115 John Stevenson household, 1880 US Census, Philadelphia, ED 411, page 161) (NARA T9, roll I 180): John, 33, dr>' goods store; Mary, 33; George, 13; Jennie, I I; Charles, 3; Ray, 2. 16 John Stevenson household, 1900 US Census, Philadelphia Ward .32, ED 803, page 2A (NARA 1623, roll 1428): John, January 1844, married 34 years, salesman in dry goods; Mary, August 1844, 6 children, 6 living; Milton W., November 1872, bookkeeper; Chas. II., September 1876, bookkeeper; Rae D. (daughter), June 1880; Halton E., August 1882; Wm. J. Shaw, February 1866, married 7 years, son-in-law, manager; Jennie A., October 1869, 2 children, 2 living; Mary S July 1894; Wm. J., August 1898. 150 William Hoult Dukinfield birth registration, General Register Office (UK), 1848, F.eclesall liierlow, #211: parents George Dukinfield, comb maker and Eliza I lolt. 151 William II. Duckenfield death certificate, Delaware, 1940, #183 (image at beta. faniilyseareh.org, citing EMI. #1,944,079). 152 Hannah M. Dukenficld birth certificate. New Jersey, 1897, 33:130 (image at beta. faniilyseareh.org from FHL #494,237): born 13 March 1897, Camden, parents Will. II. Dukcnfield and Mary Pinker. 15:5 William Dukenficld household, 1900 US Census, Pennsauken Township, Ward 1, Camden County, New Jersey, ED 103, page 14 A (NARA T623. roll 939): William, August 1838, married 16 years, immigrated in 1869, 31 years |s/c], janitor in office building; Mary, April 1863, 6 children, 3 living; Elsie, June 1883, pen splitter; lennic, April 1887; William, April 1893. 15,1 'Vni. II. Dukenficld household, 1910 US Census. Camden Ward II, Camden County, New Jersey, ED 76, page 1 A (NARA 624, roll 874): Wm. IE, 34, married 26 years, immigrated in 1861, naturalized, porter in office building; Mary A., 32, 3 children, 3 living; Elsie M. Benoit, 24, married 6 years, 2 children, 2 living; Joseph E. Benoit, 3; Barton C. Benoit, 3; Win. F„ 17, morocco finisher. 1515 Joseph Benoit household. 1920 US Census, Pennsauken, Camden County, New Jer¬ sey, ED 127, page 8A (NARA T623, roll 1023). . 300 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. »6 in Christiana, New Castle County, Delaware, they shared a household with their son-in-law Joseph E. Benoit and daughter Elsie M.56 v. JOHN EDWARD2 DUCKENFIELD, born 31 October 1850 in Sheffield;'’7 died between the 1910 and 1920 censuses; married 25 August 1879 in Camden, New Jersey, KATE IVINS of Camden;1’8 resided in Camden, New Jersey, in 1900,59 1910,60 and 1920.61 vi. EMII.Y2 DUCKENFIELD, born 14 August 1852 in Sheffield;6- baptized 3 Sep¬ tember 1853 at Manchester Cathedral, Lancashire/1' JOHN1 DUKENFIELD was born about 1810 in Sheffield, Yorkshire 3. (censuses), lie died after the 1880 census probably in California, lie mar¬ ried 24 December 1832, at Eecles, Lancashire, ANNA LYDON6'* who was born about 1815 in Ireland (1851 census). She died 29 January 1873 in Philadelphia,615 age 58, and was buried 1 February in Greenwood Ceme¬ tery.66 Anna’s probable brother, Dominick Lydon, a comb maker, his wife Catherine, and their children lived in Manchester in 1 84 1 67 and in 56 Joseph Benoit household, 1930 OS Census, Newport, New Castle County, Dela¬ ware, ED 88, page 2A (NARA T626, roll 287). 57 John Edward Dukinfield birth registration, General Register Office (UK), 1850, #238: Eeelesall Bierlow, parents George Dukinfield and Eliza Holt. 58 John E. Duckcnfield-Kate Ivins marriage return, New Jersey, 1879 (New Jersey State Archives): he was 28. 59 John Dukinfield household, 1900 US Census, Camden Ward 12, Camden County. New Jersey, ED 89, page 4A (NARA T623, roll 959): John, October 1852, married 22 years, day laborer, immigrated in 1802, naturalized; Kate, October 1850, 4 children, 2 living; Stephen, January 1884, paperhanger; Eva, February 1885. no John E. Dukinfield household, 1910 US Census, Camden Ward 1 2, Camden County, New Jersey, ED 80, page 4A (NARA T024, roll 874): John E., 52, married 30 years, machinist in machine shop, year of immigration unknown, naturalized; Kate, 53, i chil¬ dren, 2 living; Eva, 25, daughter, married 0 years, 1 child; Marie Littleton, 5, grand¬ daughter. 61 Elmer Dool household, 1920 US Census, Camden Ward 12, Camden County, New Jersey, ED 81, page 0A (NARA 1025, roll 1024). Eva Dukenfield married Elmer Dool 9 February 1918 in Philadelphia (marriage license #379448). 62 Emily Dukinfield birth registration. General Register Office (UK), 1852, Eeelesall Bierlow: parents George Dukinfield, comb maker, and Eliza Ilolt. (»3 Emily Duekinficld baptism, Cathedral Church, Manchester, parish registers, bap¬ tisms 1853- 1857, page 432 (Fill. #438,178): father George Duekinficld. 6 ' John Dukinficld-Anna Lydon marriage entry, Eecles, Lancashire, Bishops Tran¬ scripts, page 292, #870 (Fill. #1,545,549, item 4). John Dukinfield-Anne Lydcn marriage entry, Eecles, Lancashire, parish register, marriages, 1832: both of this parish, marriage by Wm. Maelvor, Curate. Thanks to Peter B. Park of Preston for photocopying the par¬ ish register. 65 Anna Duffcnficld death certificate, Philadelphia, 1873 (image at bcta.familyscarch. org; copy from the Philadelphia City Archives in possession of the author). 66 Anna Duckenfield burial record, Friends of Greenwood Cemetery report (note 47): section T, lot 355. 67 Domk Lydon household, 1841 England Census, Manchester, Lancashire, ED 19, folio 28, page 51 (image on Ancestry.com from National Archives |UK] ): German Street (Aneestry.com image from Fill. #438,728). 2010 The English Origin of \V. C. Fields 301 Sheffield in I8516K and 1861,w Dominick died 8 November 1876 in Sheffield, age 66,70 and his wife Catherine Lydon died there 3 December 1898, age 87.71 About 1859 John Dukcnfield had deserted the family. Ann Dukenfield, 46, stated 29 October 1863 that . . her husband abandoned her without just cause four years ago Her 29 March 1865 sworn statement to the Prothonotary of the District Court in Philadelphia states: My husband John Dukenfield deserted me almost six years ago. I do not know where he is nor have 1 heard anything from him during that time: he is beyond reach of legal compulsion to contribute to her maintenance. I do not know if he is living or dead.7- The entire family, including John, a comb maker, was listed in the Kensington section of Philadelphia in I860,7"' even though John was gone by then according to Ann’s later statements. Once known as “Little England” because of the large English population that settled there in the nineteenth century, the Kensington section of Philadelphia was home to numerous textile and carpet factories, a source of ready employment for immigrants.”1 By the mid-nineteenth century, the textile industry had become the city’s largest employer.75 In 1870 Ann and the three youngest children were residing in Philadel¬ phia, still in Ward I9.7(’ By 1871 John was in San Francisco, a merchant ('H Catherine Lydon household, 1851 England Census, Manchester, Lancashire, St. George, folio 402, page 80 (image on Ancestry.com front National Archives |IIK|): 54 German St. Dominick Lydon household, 1801 England Census, Ecclesall Bierlow, Borough of Sheffield, folio 17, page 20 (image on Aneestry.com front National Archives |IIK| from FHL #54.5, 1 57): 1 1 Princess Street. 0 Dominick Lydon death registration. General Register Office (I IK) 1870, #5.50, Ecclesall Bierlow, County of York: eontb maker, no parents named, informant M. A. Lydon, daughter. "I Catherine Lydon death registration. General Register Office (UK). 1808, #280, Ecclesall Bierlow, County [s/c] of Sheffield: widow of Dominick Lydon, eontb maker. 11 Anna Dukenfield, mother of George Dukenfield, affidavits, Civil War pension application #078 i t; certificate #54840, (RG 1 5: Records of the Veterans Administration, Civil War Pensions). She was granted a pension 5 April 1805 of eight dollars per month “commencing July 2, 180.5.’’ 73 John Duckcnficld household, I860 US Census, Philadelphia Ward 1'), page 799/329 [written |, #2.552/2079 (NARA M05.5, roll 1170): John, 50, contbmaker; Ann, 44; Walter, 25; John, 2.5; Edmund, 21; James, 20; George, 18; Clara, 16; Arthur, 14; Alfred, I 1; Mary, 8; Godfrey, 5. 1\ Russell E. Weiglcy, Nicholas B. Wainwright, Edwin Wolf, et aL, Philadelphia: /1 .{()()Year History (New York: W. W. Norton, 1982) 488. 5 Gary B. Nash. First City, Philadelphia and the Forging of Historical Memory (Phila¬ delphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2002) 152. Ann Duckcnficld household, 1870 US Census, Philadelphia, Ward 19, page 67/ 209 (NARA M59.5, roll 1405): Ann, 49, innkeeper, $000 in personal property; Alfred, 21, huckster; Godfrey, 15, huckster; Maty, 17. 302 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 46 living at 2208 Larkin Street.77 John Dukinfiekl, 70, “roomer,” merchant in general, is in the 1880 census in a San Francisco boarding house on Montgomery Street.7K An 1889 newspaper advertisement for unclaimed letters for Jno. Dukenfield suggests that he had recently been living in San Francisco,79 although a search in San Francisco city directories 18891891 did not find him.80 John' Children of and Anna ( I.ydon) Dukenfield'. i. WALTER EDWARD2 DUKENFIELD, born 27 December 183s, baptized 21 February 1836 at the Sheffield Parish Church;81 died 23 December 1 9 1 2;8at 445 E. Auburn St., Philadelphia; in 1900 he was a boarder in Atlantic City, New Jersey,8-' in 1910 he was single, living in Newark.8 ' ii. JOHN LYDON" DUKENFIELD, born 14 June 1837 (death certificate, bap¬ tism) in Sheffield, Yorkshire, baptized 15 October 1837 at Norfolk Row Catholic Chapel and 27 December 1837 at the Sheffield Parish Church;8ÿ died 29 September 1907 at 12.3 N. 58th St. in Philadelphia, 70 years 3 months 15 days, widower; buried 2 October in Fernwood Cemetery, Delaware County;86 married about 1863 (1900 census) ANNIE/HANNAH 77 John Dukenfield entry, San Francisco city directory, 1871 (Henry G. Langley), 223 (image on footnote.com). 78 Smithcrs household, 1880 IIS Census, San Francisco, California, F.I) 24, page Jno. 6B (NARA T9, roll 73): Jno. Dukenfeld, 70, roomer, merchant in gcnl. 9 “California Digital Newspaper Collection," Daily Alta California, volume 80, #7, 7 January 1889, page 4 (edne.edu). SI i II. I.. Curran, San Francisco, California, Directory, I889-I890\ and Painter and Co. Publishing, San Francisco Directory, 1890-11191 (images online at Aneestry.com). 81 Walter Edward Duckenfield baptism, Sheffield Parish Church (index at Sheffield indexers.com/ParishllaptismIndex.html). 8- Walter Dunkenficld death certificate, Philadelphia, 1912, #28290 (image at beta.familysearch.org; copy from the Philadelphia City Archives in possession of the author): comb maker, parents John Dunkenficld and Ann Lydon. Walter Duckenfield death notice, Philadelphia Inquirer, 26 December 1912, page 7: died 2.3rd December, son of the late John and Ann Duckenfield. 8-' Robert Wark household, 1900 US Census, Atlantic City Ward 1, Atlantic County, New Jersey, III) 4, page 1511 (NARA T623, roll 953): Walter Dukinfiekl, 7 i, comb maker, immigrated in 1856 |sic \ . 8| Catherine E. Bowdren household, 1910 US Census, Newark Ward 1, Essex County, New Jersey, ED 4, page 7A (NARA T624, roll 876): 98 Orange Street; Walter Ducken¬ field, lodger, 75, single, comb maker in comb factory. KS John Dukenfield baptism, Norfolk Row Catholic Chapel, Sheffield, Yorkshire, Bap¬ tisms 1783-1840 (Fill. #828,159): mother Ann Lydon; godfather I)om. Lydon, god¬ mother Mary llennely. John Lydon Duckenfield baptism, Sheffield Parish Church (index at sheffieldindcxers.com/ParishBaptismlndex.littnl): parents John and Ann Duckenfield. He was baptized in both the Catholic church (his mother's faith) and the Church of England (his father’s faith). 86 John I.. Dukinfiekl death certificate, Philadelphia, 1907, #24700 (copy from the Philadelphia City Archives in possession of the author): oiler, father John Dukinfiekl. mother \hlank], parents born England. 2010 The English Origin of W. C. Fields 303 BROOKS,87 who was born in September 1843 in England (1900 census), died 13 December 1900 at 4217 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, and was bur¬ ied in Fernwood Cemetery;88 the family resided in Philadelphia in 1870,89 1880,90 and 1900;91 John L Dukcnfield was a member of Anglo-Saxon Lodge #13, Sons of St. George; and Iroquois Lodge #308, International Order of Odd Fellows.92 iii. EDMUND2 DUKENFIELD, born 19 May 1839, baptized 14 July 1839 at the Sheffield parish church and 1 September 1839 at the Norfolk Row Catho¬ lic Chapel;9* died 4 February 1866 at 319 Norris Street, Philadelphia, sin¬ gle; buried in Greenwood Cemetery.9 1 iv. JAMES LEYDEN2 DUKENFIELD, born 16 February 184 1 at Barker Pool, Shef¬ field, baptized 24 October 1841 at the Cathedral Church of St. Marie; died 13 April 191.3 in Philadelphia; married 18 May 1879 in Philadelphia KATIE/KATE SPANGLER FELTON. v. GEORGE2 DUKENFIELD, born 13 December 1842 in Sheffield, baptized 20 April 1843 at the Cathedral Church of St. Marie;9* died 2 July 1863 at the Battle of Gettysburg; buried in the Gettysburg National Cemetery, section C, grave I8,9<’ unmarried. He enlisted as a private in Company I, 72nd Pennsylvania Volunteers, commanded by Captain [Henry A.| Cook, 10 August 1861 in Philadelphia, in Company M, 72nd Regiment of 4 ,s_7 Walter Dukcnficld-Mary Hutchinson marriage record, 1901, #1 1679 (New Jersey State Archives): 1 August 1901, groom's parents John Lydon Dukenfield and Hanna Brooks. SH Hannah Dukenfield death certificate, Philadelphia, 1900, #11928 (copy from the Philadelphia City Archives in possession of the author): age 36. 89 John Duttonficld household, 1870 US Census, Philadelphia Ward 19, District 39, page 269B-270A (NARA M393, roll 1403): John, 33; Hannah, 23; John, 3; Henry, 4; Wal¬ ter, 2. 9,1 John Duckinfield household, 1880 US Census, Philadelphia, ED 373, page 8D (NARA T9, roll 1 186): John, 43, machinist; Hannah, 34; John, 13, cloth weaver; Henry, 14, works in cotton mill; Walter, 1 2; Hannah, 9; Clara, i; Mary, 2 91 John Dukenfield household, 1900 US Census, Philadelphia Ward 24, ED 347, page 14A (NARA T623, roll 1463): John, June 1837, married 37 years; Annie, September 1843, 9 children, 6 living; Clarra Dukenfield, daughter, April 1873, widow, 1 child, I living; Blanche Vanllorn, granddaughter, July 1897. 92 John L. Dukenfield death notice, Philadelphia Inquirer, .30 September 1907, page 3: in his 7 1st year. 9* Edward Duckenfield baptism, Sheffield Parish Church (index at sheffieldindexers. com/ParishBaptismlndcx.html). Edmund Duckenfield baptism, Norfolk Row Catholic Chapel Baptisms 178,3-1840 (Fill. #828,139, item 7): parents John [Duckenfield] and Ann l.ithgoe [s/c]; godparents Joshua Mahony and Ann Muncy. He was baptized in both the Catholic church (his mother's faith) and the Church of England (his father's faith). 91 Edmund Duckenfield death notice, Philadelphia Public ledger, 7 February 1866, page 2: son of John and Ann Duckenfield, age 26. 9* George Duckingfield baptism, Cathedral Church of St. Marie, Norfolk Row, Shef¬ field, 1840- 183.3, page 33 (Fill. #1,941,821): parents J no. and Ann Leydon; sponsors Robert Edwards and Anne Murray. 96 Samuel P. Bates, History of Pennsylvania Volunteers, 1861-1865 2 volumes (Harrisburg: B. Singerly, 1869-71), 2:838. 304 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 46 Pennsylvania Volunteers to serve 3 years; transferred 1 November 1862 to Company 1, 72nd Regiment.97 vi. CLARA’ DUKENFIELD, born 24 August 1844 in Sheffield, baptized 8 December 1844 at the Cathedral Church of St. Marie;9K married 2S Octo¬ ber 1864 in Philadelphia WILLIAM BROWN, 27, dyer, of Philadelphia;99 resided in Ward I1) in 1870,100 on York Street, Ward 31, in 1880,101 and on Waterloo Street, Ward 33, in 1900. 1112 Clara, a widow, was living with their unmarried son, Charles II., in 1910.10’ vii. ARTHUR2 DUKENFIEI.D, born 24 August 1846 in Sheffield, baptized 27 Sep¬ tember 1846 at the Cathedral Church of St. Marie;19' died 21 September 1930 in Clementon, Camden County, New Jersey, buried 25 September 1930 at the National Cemetery, Philadelphia;10’’ married 17 September 1866 at St. Edward’s Church, Philadelphia. SARAH STICK,109 daughter of Michael and Frederica Stick;10 resided in Ward 10 in 1 870; IIIH at 382 Rosehill Street, Ward 31, in 1880, 109 and at 445 Auburn St., Ward 33, in 97 George Dukenfield Civil War pension application (note 72): “I" and “M” 72nd Pennsylvania Infantry. Clara Duekinfield baptism Cathedral Church of St. Marie, Norfolk Row, Sheffield, Christenings 1840-1853, page 82 (Fill. #1,94 1,82 1 ): parents George and Anne l.eydon. 99 William Brown-Clara Duekenfield entry, Philadelphia marriage register, 18601885, D:272 (copy from the Philadelphia City Archives in possession of the author). Clara was of Philadelphia, 18, born in England; marriage by Rev. John G. Wilson, l ilt) Hanover St. too William Brown household, 1870 US Census, Philadelphia, Ward 19, ED 59, page M59.3, roll 1405): William Brown, 36, dyer; Clara, 21, England; Chas. Henry, 1/12, born in May. nil William Brown household. 1880 US Census, Philadelphia Ward 31, ED .379, page 23<: ( NARA T9, roll I 1 79): William Brown, 43. dyer; Clara Brown, 32; Charles Brown, 1 0. 102 William Brown household, 1900 US Census, Philadelphia Ward 33. ED 838, page 41$ (NARA T623, roll 1474): William Brown, September 1841, wool dyer, married 2.3 years |.v/e|; Clara Brown, August 1861 |s/c|, 3 children, 1 living; Charles Il„son, May 1872. Charles II. Brown household, 1910 US Census, Philadelphia Ward 25, ED 768, page 1 1$ (NARA T624, roll 1404): Charles 11., 39; Clara, 57, widow, 2 children, I living, immigrated in 1859. in i Arthur Duekinfield baptism, Cathedral Church of St. Marie, Norfolk Row, Shef¬ field, Christenings 1840-1853, page 1 22 (Fill, #1,94 1,82 1 ): parents Jno. and Ann Duek¬ infield. 105 Arthur Duekenfield death certificate, New Jersey, 19.30 (New Jersey Department of I lealth. New Jersey State Archives): wife Sarah Sleeker |.s/e|. 106 Arthur Duekenfield questionnaire, received t June 1898, certificate #68640, Application #98140 (Case Files of Approved Pension Applications 1861-193 ); Civil War and I.ater Pension Files. Department of Veterans Affairs, NARA RG15, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions): pvt., Co. I), 183rd Pennsylvania Infantry and Co. II, 18.3rd Pennsylvania Volunteers, Civil War. 10 Michael and Frederica (“Fred K.”) Stick are buried in the Duekenfield plot at Greenwood Cemetery, section T, division 2, lot 342 (Friends of Greenwood Cemetery report |note 47]). I OK Arthur Duekenfield household, 1870 US Census, Philadelphia Ward 19, EI) 59, page 2611$ (NARA M593, roll 1 it >5): Arthur, 22, huckster; Sarah, 20; Annie, 2; Elizabeth, I. 109 A. | indexed on Ancestry.com as II.] Duekenfield household, 1880 US Census, Philadelphia Ward .31, ED 537, page 308C (NARA T9, roll I 184): A., 30, huckster; Sarah, 2561$ (NARA 2010 The English Origin ofW. C. Fields 305 1900;1 10 served in the Civil War with Company 1), 183rd Regiment Infan¬ try, and Company II, 183rd regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry, and received a pension;1 1 1 was a photographer (censuses, death certificate). 12 viii. ALFRED" DUKENFIELD, horn 9 November 18 18 in Sheffield;1 baptized 24 '3 Marie;1 died after the St. of Church Cathedral the at 1898 December 1930 census; married about 1870 (1900 census) or by say 1879 (child born about 1873) MARY STOCKMAN,1 14 who died 17 June 1917 in Phila¬ delphia and was buried in Grcenmount Cemetery; 1 ls in 1880 Alfred, a huckster, and his wife were living on beamy Street in Kensington;’ u> by 1900 the family, with eight children, had moved north to Ward 33;" he was still there in 1910 with six of his children;1 IH in 19.30 he was in Phila¬ delphia with his son Alfred. 1 19 ,30, born in Pennsylvania, parents born in Germany; Annie, 12, works in mill; Lizzie, 10, works in mill; Mary, 3; IScnj. F., 6; Godfrey, 1 month. May; Walter, 2; Frederieea Stick, boarder, 66, born in Germany, parents born in England, Pennsylvania. i to Arthur Duckenfield household, 1900 US Census, Philadelphia Ward 3.3, lil> 8.33, page 3A (NARA T623, roll 197 i): Arthur, February 1898, married .39 years, immigrated in 1839 [s/t'l, naturalized, janitor; Sarah, June 1899, 13 children, 7 living, born in Penn¬ sylvania, parents born in Germany; benjamin, December 1872; Emma, July 1889; Harry, October 1883; William, June 1891. 1 1 1 Arthur Duckenfield Civil War pension (note 106). 1 12 Alfred Dukinficld birth registration. General Register Office (UK), 1898, *328. 1 1 Alfred Duckenfield baptism. Cathedral Church of St. Marie, Norfolk Row, Shef¬ field ( Fill. * 1 ,9 1 1,82 1 ): parents J no. Duckenfield and Ann l.cydon. 1 14 George Duckenfield death certificate, Philadelphia, 1872 (image at beta. family seareh.org): died 19 July 1872, 7 months, parents Alfred and Mary. (Mara Duttonficld death certificate, Philadelphia, 191.3, *13960 (image at beta, familyseareh.org; copy from the Philadelphia City Archives in possession of the author), died 29 June 19 1 .3. .30 years 6 months; born 23 December 1882, parents Alfred Duckenfield and Mary Stock- man. ""’Mary, wife of Alfred Duckenfield, death notice, Philadelphia Inquirer, 19 June 1917, page 8: interment Grcenmount Cemetery. Mary Duckenfield burial record, Grcenmount Cemetery records, 1880- 1929 (GSP microfilm XR966:1, at HSP). 1 1(> A. Duckenfield household. 1880 US Census, Philadelphia Ward 23, ED 3.37, page 37A (NARA T9, roll I 189): A., 20, huckster; Mary, 23; Annie, 2; Alfred, 1 month, May; Eliz. Stockman, boarder, 91, married, scrofula; Annie Stockman, boarder, 19, single, spooler. 1 17 Alfred Duncanficld household, 1900 US Census, Philadelphia Ward .3.3, ED 8.36, page 211 (NARA T623, roll 1979): 26.3 Tusculum Street; Alfred, May 1898, married .30 years, immigrated in 1838 |.s7c], naturalized; Mary, April 1838, 8 children |.s7c|, 8 living; Annie, August 1876; Alfred, March 1879; Clara, December 188.3; Rebecca, May 1883; Blanche, April 1890; Mabel, March 1892; Walter, October 189.3; Mary, June 1897. I 18 Alfred Duckenfield household, 1910 US Census, Philadelphia Ward 3.3, ED 786, page 1211 (NARA T624, roll 1909): 26.3 Tusculum Street; Alfred, 61, married 90 years, immigrated in 1837, naturalized, huckster in produce business; Mary, 36, 6 children 1 sic|, 6 living; Annie, 28, fringer in tapestry business; Alfred, 29, huckster in produce business; Blanche, 19, minder in cotton mill; Mabel, 18, minder in silk mill: Walter, 16, huckster in produce business; Emma, 1 1. I 19 Alfred Duckenfield household, 19.30 US Census, Philadelphia Ward 3.3, ED 961, page 1.311 (NARA T626, roll 21 18): Alfred Duckenfield, 99; Rachel M„ 37; James A., 16; Alfred Duckenfield, father, 82. 306 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 46 ix. ANN" DUKENFIELD, born 9 December 1850, baptized 2 March 1851 at the Cathedral Church of St. Marie, sponsors Dominic Lydon | mother's prob¬ able brother] and Eliza Holt;120 died from lung inflammation 14 July 1851, age 7 months, in Sheffield. 121 x. MARY2 DUKENFIELD, born 3 July 1852 in Sheffield; baptized 1 August 1852 at the Cathedral Church of St. Marie;122 died 1 May 1875 in Philadel¬ phia;121 buried 4 May 1875 in Greenwood Cemetery;12 * married JOSEPH CHAMBERS, who married second about 1883 Margaret — ?— ,l2i; xi. GODFREY2 DUKENFIELD, born 19 October 1854 in Sheffield; baptized 12 November 1854 at the Cathedral Church of St. Marie;120 died after the 1930 census probably in Philadelphia;127 married about 1879 (son born in 1880)I2k MARY A. HYDE;120 they were at 179 Tusculiim St., Ward 25, in 1880 110 and at 2847 Kipp Street, Ward 33, in 1 900. 111 120 Ann Duckinfield baptism, Cathedral Church of St. Marie, Norfolk Row, Sheffield, Baptisms 1840-1853, page 241 (EHI. #1,94 1,821 ): parents Jno. and Ann Leydon. 121 Ann Dukinfield death registration. General Register Office (UK), 1851, #248: father John Dukinfield, comb maker. 122 Mary Duekingficld baptism, Cathedral Church of St. Marie, Norfolk Row, Shef¬ field, Baptisms 1840-1853, page 296 (EMI. #1,941,821 ): parents John and Ann hoyden. 123 Mary Chambers death certificate, Philadelphia, 1875: 24, residence 22 1 2 Coral St., Ward 19 (image at beta.familysearch.org; copy from the Philadelphia City Archives in possession of the author). Death notice, Philadelphia Public Ledger, 3 May 1875, page 2: Maty wife of Joseph Chambers and daughter of John and the late Ann Dukinfield in the 2 4th year of her age. 21 Mary Chambers burial record, Friends of Greenwood Cemetery report (note 47): section T, division 1, lot .355. 12S Joseph Chambers household, 1900 US Census Ward 25, ED 612, page 3A (NARA T623, roll 1467): Joseph Chambers, July 1849, carpet mfr., married 17 years; wife Mar¬ garet, March 1859; six children; one servant. 1 20 Godfrey Duckcnficld baptism, Cathedral Church of St. Marie, Norfolk Row, Shef¬ field, Baptisms 1840-1853, page 8 (Fill. #1,941,821): parents John [Duckcnficld] and Ann Lydon. 127 Godfrey Dukenfield household, 19.30 US Census, Philadelphia Ward 33. ED 51, page 18A (NARA 1626, roll 21 18): Godfrey Dukenfield, 75, huxster; Mary, 69, wife; Adolph Seeds, 3 1, weaver; Elsie Seeds, .3 1, wife. 128 Wm. Duckcnficld death certificate, Philadelphia, 1881 (image at beta.family search.org; copy from the Philadelphia City Archives in possession of the author): died 10 February 1881, 1 1 months, buried 12 February in Franklin Cemetery, parents God¬ frey Duckcnficld and Mary', residence 171 Tusculum St, Ward 25. 12') Adolph Seeds-Elsie Duckcnficld marriage license, Philadelphia, 1920, #418020 (Orphan’s Court, Marriage License Bureau; copy in possession of the author): her par¬ ents Godfrey Duckcnficld and Mary Hyde. 1.30 G. Dukenfield household, 1880 US Census, |Ward 25 1 ED 537, page 41A (NARA T9, roll 1 184). G. Dukenfield, 26, huckster; Mary A„19, tends store. Son William is not listed, although his 12 February 1881 death certificate (note 128) gives his age at death as I 1 months. 131 Godfrey Duncanficld household, 1900 US Census, Philadelphia Ward 33, ED 8.36, page 5A-5B (NARA 162.3, roll 1474): Godfrey, May 1855, immigrated I860, not natural¬ ized, produce dealer; Mary, June 1861, married 22 years, 8 children, 5 living; Lillie, May 1882, fringe knotter; Edward, April 1885, chenille cutter; John, February 1888; Elmer, December 1894; Elsie, April 1898. ' 2010 307 The English Origin ofW. C. Fielils 4. JAMES LEYDEN2 DUKENFIELD was born 16 February 1841 at Barker Pool, Sheffield, Yorkshire, England;1*2 baptized 24 October 1841 at the Cathedral Church of St. Marie.1** He died IS April 191.3 in Philadelphia and was buried 17 April in the Knights of Pythias Cemetery, now known as Greenwood Cemetery. I.Vl He married 18 May 1879 in Philadelphia KATIE/KATE SPANGLER FEI.TON,1** 24, born in July 18SS ( 1900 census) in Philadelphia. In the church marriage register, Reverend J. Dickerson noted James was 40, born in England, a produce dealer.1*6 Katie was the daughter of Thomas J. Felton and Annie Eliza Miller (see below). She died 12 July 192S1*7 and was buried 1 3 July in Greenwood Cemetery.1*8 James was in the produce business (marriage certificate), worked as a hotel keeper (1880 census), dealer in produce ( 1900 census), and was a retired merchant by the 1910 census. They lived in Philadelphia at Wood¬ land Avenue near 64th Street in 18801*9 and 1900— when son William’s occupation was actor,1*0 and on North Marshall Street in 1910— when sons Claude and Walter were both actors.141 In 1920 Katie, 64, a widow, * *2 James Leyden Dukenfield birth registration, Registration District of Sheffield, Distriet of Sheffield West, Yorkshire, transcribed from book 5, page 72, column 356, copy in James Dukenfield Civil War pension file (note 1 ). 135 James Duckenfield baptism, Cathedral Church of St. Marie, Norfolk Row, Shef¬ field, Baptisms 1840-185.3, page 20 (EHL #1,941,821): parents John [Duckenfield] and Ann Loidcn. 134 James Lydcn Dukinfield [indexed as Dickcnfieldl death certificate, Philadelphia, 191.3, #9726 (image at beta.familysearch.org from Fill. #1,421,379). James Dukenfield-Katie S. Felton marriage certificate, #2990 (Philadelphia Bureau of Health, Division of Vital Statistics), copy in James Dukenfield Civil War pension file ( note 1 ). The certificate contains their ages and places of birth. He gave his wife’s name Felton, and when on an 8 May 1898 questionaire as Kate Spangler Duckenfield asked “What record of the marriage exists? " responded “Very faverable.” To the same question 16June 1899 he responded "Happy marriage.” 1 *6 James Dukenfield-Katie S. Felton marriage entry. Memorial Methodist Church records, 1878- 1895, marriages 1879 (GSP microfilm Xch276 at MSP). 137 Kate li. Dukenfield death notice, Philadelphia Public Ledger, 1.3 July 1925, page 18. 13« Kate S. Duckenfield burial record, Greenwood Cemetery records (GSP microfilm XR799:4 at HSP): lot 3, #68. I.. Dukenfield household, 1880 IIS Census, Philadelphia Ward 27, ED 576, page 5A (NARA T9, roll 1 186): J. 1.., 40, hotel keeper; Katie S., 25; Claude W., 4 months, Janu¬ ary. i in James I.. Duckenfield household, 1900 US Census, Philadelphia Ward .33. FI) 866, page 111 (NARAT623, roll 1475): James I.., February 1840, married 21 years, immigrated in 1855, naturalized, dealer in produce; Kate, July 1855. 6 children, 5 living; Claude, January 1869 [sic], actor; Walter R, July 1883, laborer; Elsie M„ May 1888; Adell C., Sep¬ tember 1889; Leroy R„September 1895. 1 11 James Dukenfield household, 1910 US Census, Philadelphia Ward 43, ED 1093, page 8B (NARA '1624, roll 1412): James, 69, married 41 years, immigrated in 1856, naturalized; Kate, 54, 6 children, 5 living; Claude W„30, actor; Walter F„ 27, actor; Elsie M., 22; Leroy R., 13. '** ... **9J. 308 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 46 was living alone at 3923 Marshall Street, near 6th Street (Ward 43). 142 Children of James Leyden2 anti Katie .S'. ( Felton) Dukenfield. 1 44 i. WILLIAM CLAUDE' DUKENFIELD, born 29 January 1880 in Philadelphia; lii died 23 December 1946 in Los Angeles, California;1 |S married in April 1900 in San Francisco, California, HAITI F. V. HUGHES.146 They had one child, William Claud, horn 28 July 1904 at 423 West 27th Street, New York City. i r A 1908 legal notice published in the Philadelphia Inquirer by his attorney, John R. K. Scott, announced that the Philadelphia Court of Com¬ mon Pleas had approved his name change to W. C. Fields. I IS ii. WALTER F.' DUKENFIELD, horn 26 July 1882 at 2532 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia; i i') married between 1910 anil 1920 censuses AGNES— i 13(1 iii. ELSIE M.' DUKENFIELD, born in 1887 (1910 census; pension) or May 1888 ( 1900 census) in Pennsylvania. iv. ADELE/DELLA C.' DUKENFIELD, horn 21 September 1888 in Pennsylvania; married 21 September 1908 in Philadelphia JOHN SMITH, who was horn 7 June 1885 in Philadelphia;1,1 in 1910 they were in Philadelphia Ward 43;1,2 in 1920 they were living in Chiselluirst borough, Camden County, New Jersey.1,4 142 Katie Dukenfield household, 1920 IIS Census, Philadelphia Ward 43, Id) 1593, page 9B (NARA T625, roll 1644). 1 43 Affidavit of James Duckenficld, 16 June 1899, in James Dukenfield Civil War pen¬ sion file (note I ) lists children with years of birth: Claude, 1880; Walter, 1884; Elsie, 1887; Della, 1889; Leroy, 1896. 14 < william C. Dukenfield, "stage name W. C. Fields," passport application, #4123, 7 November 1902 (Department of State, US Passport Applications, 1795-1925; image at Ancestry com): born 29 January 1880. 143 william Claude Fields entry, California Death Index, 1940-1997 (Aneestry.com) 1,6 San Francisco Call /9N5-/9/.5, 8 April 1900, page 30, column 3 (image on "Chronicling America," Library of Congress, loc.gov): marriage license issued to William C. Dukenfield, 21, Philadelphia, and Hattie V. Hughes > > New York City. 147 William Claud Dukenfield birth certificate, Manhattan, 1904, #33961: parents Wil¬ liam Claud Dukenfield and Harriet Hughes. The certificate states, in an addition made 24 August 1948, that the child’s name was legally changed. l (S Philadelphia Inquirer, 28 May 1908, page 15: In the Court of Common Pleas, #4, for the County of Philadelphia, March Term, 1908, #4382: In the matter of the change of name of William C. Dukenfield. 149 Walter Dunkcnficld entry, Philadelphia Birth Register, 1882, page 239 (copy from the Philadelphia City Archives in possession of the author): parents James I., and Katie S. Dunkcnficld. 150 W. F. Dukenfield household, 1920 US Census, Manhattan, New York, HD 406, page 1 I A (NARA T625, roll 1 193): W. F„ 38, Pennsylvania, actor in theatre; Agnes, wife, 36, New York. 141 John Smith and Della C. Dukenfield marriage license, Philadelphia Orphans Court, Marriage License Bureau, #230937. She was a minor and married with the con¬ sent of her father. 1,2 John Smith household, 1910 US Census, Philadelphia Ward 43, ED 1093, page 8A (NARA 1624, roll 1 412): John, 24, married 1 year, shipping clerk in a woolen mill; Adele C., 21,0 children. 153 John Smith household, 1920 US Census, Chiselhurst Borough, Camden County, New Jersey, ED 1 29, page 24A (NARA T625, roll 1025): John, .35. salesman in shoe fac¬ tory; Adcll C„.31; Leroy, 9. 2010 The English Origin of W. C. Fields 309 v. LEROY RUSSELL' DUKENFIELD, born 17 September 1895 in Philadelphia;ls died in November 1974 in Philadelphia; ISS married first about 19 IS (1930 census) MARY A. ? 116 married second 10 June 1932 in Manhattan HELEN GLADYS KENNING, who was born about 1898 (34 at s marriage) in Chicago, daughter of Arthur Walwrath and Bertha Mundt. 1 ' — FELTON THOMAS J. FELTON was born about 1827 in Pennsylvania (1860 census), died 27 May 1882 in Philadelphia, and was buried in the Knights of Pythias (Greenwood) Cemetery. 1,8 He married by say 1853 (child born in 1854) probably in Philadelphia ANNA/ANNIE ELIZA MILLER. 1,9 His occupa¬ tion is given variously as victualer (1860 census),160 pump-maker (I860 city directory),161 butcher ( 1870 census),162 and pumpmaker (1880 cen¬ sus).16-1 Children of Thomas J. and Anna/ Annie Eliza ( Miller ) Teltoir. i. KATIE/KATE SPANGLER FELTON, born in July 1855 in Pennsylvania (1900 census) or 1854 (1860 census); died 12 July 1925 in Philadelphia, buried 13 July in Greenwood Cemetery; married 18 May 1879 in Philadelphia JAMES LEYDEN DUKENFIELD (see above). IS‘ Leroy Dukenfield World War I draft registration card #74, draft board 44, Phila¬ delphia County (World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 19171918, NARA MI509; image at Aneestry.com): Leroy Dukenfield, 3923 N. Marshall St., Philadelphia, married, chauffeur. Leroy Russell Dukenfield, World War II Draft Regis¬ tration Cards, 1942 (NAHA Ml 95 1, roll 79; image at Ancestry.com). 1 Leroy Dukenfield entry. Social Security Death Index. 116 Leroy R. Dukenfield household, 1930 US Census, Lrdcnheim, Springfield Town¬ ship, Montgomery County, HD 138, page 10H (NARA T626, roll 2084): Leroy R„35, mar¬ ried at 20, sales manager in nursery; Mary A., 35, married at 20. IS-’ Leroy A. Dukenfield-IIelcn Gladys Kenning marriage certificate, #1.3053 (New York City Health Department): Leroy A. Dukenfield, 4552 Fernhill Road. Philadelphia, 36, widowed, parents James M. |sic| Dukenfield and Katie Felton; second marriage. Her address was 4 547 Fernhill Road, Philadelphia. 158 •Thomas Felton death certificate, Philadelphia, 1882 (image at bcta.familyscarch. org; copy from the Philadelphia City Archives in possession of the author). Iv; She is named on the death certificates of her sons Abraham and (I. S. Grant (notes 164 and 167). 160 •Thomas J. Felton household, 1860 US Census, Philadelphia Ward 21, page 743 [stamped |, #909/909 (NARA M653, roll I 172): Thomas )., 33, victualer; Anne, 28; Kate S„6; Abraham C„4; William C„ I . 161 Thomas Felton entry, A. Mciilroy's Philadelphia City Directory, 296 (image on footnote.com): residing at Franklin Street near Dauphin | Ward 2 1 1. 162 Thus. J. Felton household, 1870 US Census, Philadelphia Ward 28, HI) 90, page 237 [stamped] (NARA M593, roll 1445): Thos. J., 46, butcher; Anna F.., .38; Kate, 16; Abram C, 14; William C., 10; Thomas N., 5. 161 Thomas Felton household, 1880 US Census, Philadelphia, ED 592, page 101$ (NARA T9, roll 1 187): Thomas, 5.3, pumpmaker; Annie F., 48; Abraham C., 23, mutton butcher; Willie C., 20, produce dealer; Thomas U. S. (L, 14. ■ nil 310 Pennsyli uni in Genealogical Magazine Vol. 46 ii. ABRAHAM C. FEI.TON, born about 1856 in Pennsylvania; died 13 August 1881 in Philadelphia, buried in Knights of Pythias (Greenwood) Cemetery; never married. Hi i iii. WILLIAM C. FELTON, born in June 1859 (1900 census) or about I860 (1910 census) in Pennsylvania; married about 1881 (1900 census) CHRIS¬ Philadelphia in 1900 I (is and TINA MIIXBERGER/MUHI.BERGER; lived in 1910. 166 iv. THOMAS U. S. GRANT FELTON, born 22 June 1864 in Philadelphia (marriage license) or 26 July 1865 (death certificate); died 15 June 1914 in Philadelphia, buried 18 June in Greenwood Cemetery;167 married 7 May 1903 SADIE D. CRANE, I OH who was born 9 November 1875 in Philadelphia (marriage license) or in 1867 (1910 census). 169 1 64 Abraham K. Felton death certificate, Philadelphia, 1881 (image at beta, family search.org; copy from the Philadelphia City Archives in possession of the author): 25, single, parents Thomas J. Felton and Anna Eliza Miller. William Felton household, 1900 US Census, Philadelphia Ward 33, Id) 856, page 151$ (NARA T623, roll 1475): William, June 1859, deputy sheriff, married 19 years; Christina, August 1859, 4 children, 5 living |sic|; Claude, February 1884; Grant, March 1891; Raymond, July 1894; George Muhlbergcr, brother-in-law, May 1870; John Millberger, brother-in-law, September 1873; Maggie Widman, sister-in-law, July 1871. 160 William C. Felton household, 1910 IIS Census, Philadelphia Ward 43, ED 1087, page 7A (NARA T624, roll 14 1 1): William C., 50, city inspector; Christiana, 53; William C. Jr., 25; Thomas Grant, 19; Raymond C., 16; John Millherger, brother-in-law, 34; Martin Millbergcr, brother-in-law, 34. 167 U. S. Grant Felton death certificate, Philadelphia, 1914, #15374 (image at beta. familysearch.org; copy from the Philadelphia City Archives in possession of the author): parents Thomas J. Felton and Anna Fliza Miller. 168 II. S. (i. Felton-Sadie D. Crane Crane marriage license, Philadelphia, 1903, #160292 (copy from Marriage License Bureau, Philadelphia Orphans’ Court, in posses¬ sion of the author). 169 Thomas II. G. Felton household, 1910 US Census, Philadelphia Ward 38, ED 9.35, page 161$ (NARA T624, roll 1408): Thomas, 44, clerk in a brick yard, married 6 years; Sadie I)., 33, no children.