Tyler, John Duke  (1794 - 1860)

HOUSE, 25th General Assembly, 1843-45; representing Montgomery County; SENATE, 26th and 27th General Assemblies, 1845-59; representing counties of Montgomery and Robertson; Whig. Born in Caroline County, VA, Oct 11, 1794; son of Richard Keeling and Mary D. (Duke) Tyler. After attending country schools, “studied under a well known professor”. Married first, Dec 15, 1813, to Harriett Redd, who died Aug 8, 1820; their three children were - Mark Cluvius, Quintus Marcellus, and Mary; second marriage in 1830 was to Mildred Waller; their five children were - John Duke, Nannie Waller, Joseph, Charles Waller, and Emmie. Taught school at Warrenton, NC, at age of fifteen; returned to Virginia, 1811, and opened a school; taught school near Clarksville. Montgomery County, 1819-23; opened own school on Spring Creek, 1820; bought farm “Hickory Wild”, Montgomery County, 1823, and lived there remainder of life, combining teaching with management of farm; taught in county twenty-seven years. One of founders of Bank of America, Clarksville, 1856; listed among doctors of Clarksville, 1859, though nothing else found indicates he ever studied or practiced medicine. Presidential elector, 1844, on Whig ticket of Henry Clay and Theodore Frelinghuysen. Served in War of 1812, with rank of Capt. Died at home, “Hickory Wild”, May 20, 1860; buried in family graveyard on place.

Sources: Information supplied by granddaughter, Mrs. Emily Tyler Bailey, Franklin; Titus, Picturesque Clarksville, 208; Beach, Along the Warioto, 129, 133, 152.

 
Biographies submitted by Jill Hastings-Johnson, Montgomery County Archivist