Edward Duplex
Edward Park Duplex (May 13, 1831 – January 5, 1900) was an African-American pioneer of California. He was elected mayor of Wheatland, California in 1888.
Biography
Edward Park Duplex, born in New Haven, Connecticut, was the oldest son of Prince Jr. and Adaline Duplex. His father died in 1832 leaving Adaline, a dressmaker, to support the three Duplex children. Edward and his brother learned the barbering trade in New Haven before setting out in 1854 to join the California gold rush. Their mother joined them in 1860. The family developed a successful business enterprise of hair care service and products. Edward's establishment in Wheatland, Yuba County, California became a center of political and social discourse, and he personally played a prominent politician in northern California, serving as mayor of Wheatland, a small community near Sacramento. He married Sophie Elizabeth and had several children. His life and accomplishments are described in several articles and books on African American pioneers of California.