brook dukes
1906-1983
Life Story
Early Life in Jasper County
Brook Dukes (frequently recorded in census logs as Brooks, Brookie, or Dukas) was born on November 25, 1906, in Montrose, Jasper County, Mississippi. He was born to George Dukes and Flora Gray Dukes.
Growing up in Beat 3 of Jasper County alongside a large family of brothers and sisters—including Eddie, Aaron, Maney, Freeman, George, Ezra, Willie, and later Arthur—Brook was raised in the agrarian rural heartland of central Mississippi during the early decades of the twentieth century.
Work and Mobility Across Mississippi
By 1930, Brook had begun forging his own path, working as a laborer for the railroad. During this time, he lived as a boarder in Center, Jasper County, among a community of fellow railroad workers and laborers.
Like many men of his generation, Brook moved to adapt to changing economic opportunities:
- 1940: On his WWII Draft Registration card, Brook was living in Brookhaven, Lincoln County, Mississippi, working for the Lincoln County Times. He listed his son, Andrew Dukes, as his next of kin. He was described as being $5’7” in height, weighing 156 pounds, with a dark brown complexion.
- 1948–1950: Settling in Hattiesburg, Forrest County, Brook returned to his career with the railroad as a trackman. He resided on John Street and later at 208 Robertson Place in Hattiesburg with his household, which included his sons Andrew and Tommie E. Dukes.
Later Years and Final Chapter
In his later years, Brook maintained strong ties to Newton County, Mississippi.
Tragedy struck in his later life during a trip to Forrest County, where he suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen during an incident at a Palmer’s Crossing residence around 7:30 p.m. on a Friday evening. He underwent abdominal surgery at Forrest General Hospital and initially survived the incident.
Brook Dukes passed away in March 1983 at the age of 76. His passing was commemorated in Newton County, where official county records noted the inquest fees paid in connection with his estate and final proceedings in May 1983. His Social Security record reflects his last residence in Newton, Mississippi, marking the end of a long, resilient life spent living and working across the state.
Resting Place
Unknown
Photos/Albums
Sources
- U.S. Federal Census records, 1910–1950, Jasper and Forrest Counties, Mississippi.
- World War II Draft Registration Card for Brook Dukes.
- Social Security Death Index.
- Newton County estate and probate records, 1983.
- Contemporary newspaper reports concerning the Palmer’s Crossing shooting incident.
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