Edward Duplex facts for kids

Edward Parker Duplex (born 1830, died 1900) was an important American businessman, politician, and civil rights leader in California. He made history as the first Black mayor in California, elected in Wheatland in 1888. He was also a key leader in the state's fight for equal rights, known as the Colored Conventions movement.

Born in New Haven, Connecticut, he moved to California during the exciting California Gold Rush. There, he became a partner in a gold mine called the Sweet Vengeance Mine. Edward used his earnings from the mine to open his own barbershop in Marysville, California. He made sure to hire other Black barbers. Later, he moved his business to Wheatland. His barbershop became one of the oldest and most successful businesses in that town.

Edward Duplex's Early Life

Edward Duplex was born free in New Haven, Connecticut. His grandfather, Prince Duplex Sr., was a veteran of the American Revolutionary War. This means he fought for America's freedom. Edward's father, Prince Duplex Jr., worked on a steamship line. His mother, Adaline Duplex, was a skilled seamstress.

Edward and his older brother, Elisha, both learned to be barbers. In 1852, they moved to California. Sadly, Elisha passed away a few years later.

Edward Duplex's Career

Gold Mining Adventures

Edward Duplex arrived in California in 1852. He became a partner in the Sweet Vengeance Mine in Brown's Valley. This gold mine was owned and run by African Americans. Even though a law in California made it hard for Black people to speak in court, Edward was allowed to testify in a robbery case in 1853. This was a big deal at the time.

Barbershop in Marysville

In this June 1858 newspaper advertisement, Edward P. Duplex announced the reduction in price for hair cutting and shampooing to "50 cents each".

In 1854, Edward moved to Marysville, California, in Yuba County. He used his profits from the gold mine to open his own barbershop. It was called the Metropolitan Shaving Saloon. Edward's shop was on D Street, which was known for its many barbershops.

He hired other Black barbers to work with him. In 1859, a newspaper reported that Edward had installed fans in his shop. These fans were powered by a steam engine and kept the shop cool. The newspaper said the constant air circulation was "truly delightful."

Edward was also active in his community in Marysville. He was a member of the Mount Olive Baptist Church. He was also a Freemason, belonging to the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge.

Fighting for Civil Rights

From the 1850s to the 1870s, Edward Duplex was a major leader in the Colored Conventions Movement in California. This movement worked to gain equal rights for African Americans. He traveled long distances to attend meetings in Sacramento and San Francisco.

Edward fought for Black people to be allowed to speak in court. He also pushed for equal education for African American children. In 1874, he spoke to the Board of Education in Marysville. He asked that Black primary school children, who were in separate schools, get access to better education.

Edward also wrote articles for Frederick Douglass' Paper, an anti-slavery newspaper. He supported the creation of Mirror of the Times, California's first Black newspaper, in 1857. After the Civil War, he continued to support Black newspapers like The Elevator and the Pacific Appeal.

Becoming Mayor of Wheatland

In the 1870s, Edward moved his barbershop to Wheatland, California. This was a small town near Sacramento. His shop was called the Hairdressing and Shaving Saloon. He also sold a hair care product and opened a bath house.

On April 11, 1888, Edward Duplex was elected mayor of Wheatland. This made him the first Black mayor in California's history! This happened two years before a state law ended separate schools. He served one term as mayor and then went back to running his successful businesses.

Edward Duplex's Family Life

In the early 1860s, Edward married Sophie Elizabeth, who was from New York. They had at least five children together. Two of their children lived to adulthood: a son named Edward, who also became a barber, and a daughter named Louisa.

Edward Duplex's Legacy

Edward Duplex passed away in Sacramento on January 5, 1900. He is buried at the Marysville City Cemetery. His barbershop in Wheatland was one of the oldest businesses that stayed open continuously in the town.

Today, the Edward P. Duplex Continuation High School in Wheatland is named after him. It opened in March 2019, honoring his important contributions.

See also

• List of first African-American mayors