Life Story of Harrison Duckworth, My Great Great Grandfather

Harrison Duckworth was my mother’s paternal great grandfather.

I am the daughter of Deresa Creal Thompson. I would love it if you read “The Life Story Of My Mother By Carolyn A. Thompson” and visit the Creal Family Website for Creal history.

I am the granddaughter of Henry Creal, Jr. and the great granddaughter of Henry Creal, Sr. and Amanda, and the great great granddaughter of Harrison Duckworth. I would love it if your read “The Life Story Of My Great-Grandparents, Henry & Amanda Creal/Creel.”

It is unclear to me which of my great-grandparents was Harrison Duckworth’s child. I have documentation that identifies both Amanda and Henry as members of the Duckworth family.

As of today’s writing, I do not personally know anyone who can recall Harrison Duckworth or who is familiar with any family stories about him. So, all of our information is taken from records except in the cases where assumptions are derived.

On the other hand, there is much more to learn about his life. His offsprings are numerous, ensuring that he will continue to be remembered for many decades to come. So Let’s explore Harrison Duckworth’s history.

Harrison Duckworth’s Birth State

My Great Great Grandfather, Harrison Duckworth was born around 1813 in South Carolina according to the 1870 United States Census, possibly in the city of Pendleton, county of Anderson.

Harrison was probably born on the Duckworth Plantation owned by Benjamin Case Duckworth and Mary Jane Jolly. They owned at least eight enslaved people before Harrison was born.

And they owned 17 enslaved people in 1820 according to the 1820 census. The names of Harrison’s parents and siblings weren’t known at the time this article was written.

Migration from Anderson County, South Carolina To Covington County, Mississippi

Around 1825, Benjamin Duckworth received a patent for a quarter section of land in Covington County, Mississippi. Benjamin sent some of his family members to Covington County, Mississippi, in the late 1820s to establish the farm along with some of his enslaved.

The remainder of most of his family migrated to Covington County, Mississippi, before 1835. It is not known if Harrison was among the first group or the second.

On the Duckworth plantation, they raised horses, cattle, pigs, and sheep in addition to cultivating corn, cotton, wheat, potatoes, peas, oats, and rice. The profits were used to purchase more enslaved people.

Benjamin Duckworth Dieds On His Way To Purchase More Slaves In 1840

According to reports, Benjamin Duckworth passed away in 1840 during his journey to Mobile, Alabama, to acquire additional enslaved individuals, despite the fact that the transportation of Africans had been prohibited in the United States since 1807.

Harrison is thought to have been inherited by one of Benjamin’s sons, either Joseph or RC Duckworth. Furthermore, Benjamin Duckworth was widely recognized as a prominent proponent of slavery NOT ending.

1865 Freedmen’s Agreement Between Harrison Duckworth and Joseph Duckworth

Harrison Duckworth signed a Freedman’s Agreement to work for Joseph Duckworth, the son of Benjamin Duckworth for 10 hours in the summer and nine hours in the winter beginning June 1, 1865, and ending January 1, 1866, in exchange for the following:

• Clothing
• Food of high quality and sufficient quantity,
• Medical treatment when necessary
• And to be treated like a human

Also, Willis, Simpson, Emily, Sarah, Miltida, their children, and three orphan children are listed in the agreement. It is believed Emily was his wife and Willis was one of his sons.

Harrison Duckworth’s 1870 Census Snippet

According to the 1870 census, Harrison had reached the age of 57 and was living in Township 1 Range 8 of Smith, Mississippi, with his children, all of whom were under the age of 14. Harrison’s wife or the mother of his children were not mentioned, and neither of their names were given.

• Willis Duckworth (13)
• Hall Duckworth (10)
• Jesse Duckworth (9)
• Levin Duckworth (7)
• Wiley Duckworth (5)
• Amanda Duckworth (3)
• Caroline Duckworth (0)

Harrison Duckworth’s 1880 Census Snippet

According to the 1880 Census, Harrison married Mary sometime after 1870 and had two additional sons, Joseph and James.

Also, Harrison’s surname is now spelled Ducksworth rather than Duckworth. Changing names was a common practice during that time period.

This is the final census in which Harrison was enumerated.

Harrison Duckworth’s Children

The following is a list of Harrison’s children I could locate.

• Willie Duckworth 1833
• Isom Ducksworth 1842–1956
• Henry Creal 1843–1923
• Harrison D Duckworth 1857–1947
• Levingston Ducksworth 1864–1927
• William Duckworth 1857

• Jesse Duckworth 1861–1937
• Hall Duckworth 1860–1927
• Amanda Duckworth 1864–1918
• Wiley Ducksworth 1865
• Caroline Ducksworth 1869
• Joseph Ducksworth 1872–1964
• James Ducksworth 1874–1961

Harrison Duckworth’s Wives

Emily Goldman, mother of Isom Ducksworth according to Isom’s death certificate shown below.

Martha Nichols, mother of Levingston Ducksworth according to Levingston’s death certificate shown below.

Mary Ducksworth, mother of Joseph Ducksworth and James Ducksworth according to the 1880 census shown above.

Harrison Duckworth Land Acquisition 1890

On March 28, 1890, Harrison Duckworth acquired 80.14 acres of land.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the story of Harrison Duckworth will be continued with new discoveries, so stay tuned.

Are You My Cousin? How Are You Related To Harrison Duckworth? Comment Below.