Background
DUKE, Basil C. was born on March 31, 1815 in Orangeburg, Mason County, Kentucky, United States, United States. Son of Dr. Alexander and Mary M. (Broome) Duke, who had moved to Kentucky from Maryland.
DUKE, Basil C. was born on March 31, 1815 in Orangeburg, Mason County, Kentucky, United States, United States. Son of Dr. Alexander and Mary M. (Broome) Duke, who had moved to Kentucky from Maryland.
Private school.
He attended private schools in Mason County and studied medicine in Baltimore in 1831 under Professor N. R. Smith. He was an Episcopalian and a Clay Whig. He married L. M. Mitchell on November 13, 1835.
He was a member of the Medical Department of the University of Maryland in 1834 and some years later had a large practice in May slick, Kentucky. In 1860, he supported John Bell for the presidency. When the war began, he enlisted in the Confederate Army as a private in the 5th Kentucky Volunteers.
Duke was made a regimental surgeon in late 1861 and later was promoted to brigadier general, though the position was never confirmed. In 1862, he served under Humphrey Marshall^, v.) as medical director of southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, and east Kentucky. He also fought in various engagements in Virginia and Tennessee.
After the war, he became a Democrat and moved his medical practice to Memphis.
"Peculiar institution" of slavery was not only expedient but also ordained by God and upheld in Holy Scripture.
Stands for preserving slavery, states' rights, and political liberty for whites. Every individual state is sovereign, even to the point of secession.
Spouse L.
