Hugh Philander Duston
His Story
Hugh Philander Duston was born in Caldwell County Missouri, August 1st,1840. He was the son of Dr. John H.Duston I, a pioneer citizen of America . His mother previous to her marriage to Mr. Duston was Sophia White, sister of the Hon. Hugh White, and a descendent of the firs white child born in America, whose parents came over on the Mayflower
In the early 60’s he was one of a large party to cross the plains in the old time covered wagon train. He kept a diary of life from early manhood to old age. *”It is most interesting to read his account of his trip over the great plains and deserts in 1863.
When the Civil War came on he enlisted in the Provisional Militia under Capt. Filson, then again in the State Militia under Capt. Lankford. He was with Capt. Lankford at the time of the Capt.’s death. Mr. Duston is a member of G.A.R. Ben Loan Post #33, Kingston, Mo.
January 10,1864 he was married to Miss Florena Ernsbarger who died January 20,1897. To this union five children were born: Margaret; Anne; Harlie; John H.; and Robert.
In the census of 1870 Hugh P. Duston and wife Florena lived on farm near Kingston, with three children Margaret-6, Anne-4 and Harlie-1. By the census of 1880 two more children born to the family John H. and Robert. On January 20, Florena (Ernsbarger) Duston had died, and is buried in Bonanza Cemetery, near Kingston, Missouri.
In the census of 1900 Hugh Duston still living on family farm with three of the children , Anna, John and Robert. In the census of 1910 Mr. Duston living on farm with one John. And again in 1920 son John living with Hugh Philander Duston who is now 79 years old.
The obituary states that Hugh Philander Duston ‘s last illness was very brief, and he had been blessed with good health during his long life of 81 yrs. He had spent almost all of his life living on one farm in Caldwell County, Missouri. He died on February 9th 1921 at home and is buried in Kingston Cemetery.