WILLIAM JEFFERSON DUCKWORTH is one of the most energetic and progressive farmers of Hood County, who makes his home in Acton, and is also successfully engaged in ginning cotton. In 1871 he came to Texas, and for the first five years made his home in Johnson County, but since that time has lived in Hood County, locating first near Acton on his farm. He devoted his attention to its improvement and cultivation, with most excellent results. He is honored and respected by the entire community, who look upon him as one of their most wide-awake farmers and model citizens.

The birth of our subject occurred in Arkansas, on the 17th of March, 1851, at the home of his parents, William and Civilla Jane (Wilborn) Duckworth, who were of Scotch-Irish descent. He was reared to farm life, receiving the education common to such, but has always been somewhat of a student, and has become well-informed on current events. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, which important event in his life was celebrated June 29, 1869, Miss Arkansas Gibbs becoming his wife. She was born in Mississippi, but during childhood was taken to Arkansas. Eight children belong to this union, namely: Carrie, wife of J.T. Brooks, of Eastland County; Josephine, wife of I.F. Powell, of Hood County; Annie, wife of R.M. Johnson; Emma, Hugh, Earl, Audie and Lorena,

After his marriage Mr. Duckworth engaged in farming on his own account in Arkansas until coming to Texas. In 1888 he purchased a cotton gin at Acton, and since that time has engaged in its operation, which has proved a paying investment. He also owns another gin and mill near Joshua in Johnson County, Texas. His farm, which he rents, comprises one hundred and fifty acres of valuable land, forty-five of which is under cultivation and lies three miles southeast of Acton. His prosperity has been brought about by his untiring and persistent labors.

Mr. Duckworth is a popular and influential citizen, was elected county commissioner in 1888, and was twice re-elected, serving in all six years. At the primaries he received the nomination for a fourth term, but withdrew from the race. In 1886 he was elected justice of peace, which office he has filled about eight years in all, and is the present incumbent. He has also served as school trustee for eight years. He is strongly Democratic in his political affiliations; socially, is connected with Acton Lodge, No. 285, F. & A.M.; and religiously is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. His prosperity cannot be attributed to a combination of lucky circumstances, but has risen from energy, enterprise, integrity, and intellectual effort well directed, and he well deserves the success which has come to him.

~ Web Page by Jo Ann Hopper ~

1999 HOOD COUNTY TEXAS GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY