Edward Duplex
Edward Parker Duplex (1830 – January 5, 1900) was an American entrepreneur, politician, and civil rights activist in California. He was the first Black mayor in California, elected to office in Wheatland in 1888, and was a leader in the state's Colored Conventions movement. Born in Connecticut, he migrated to California during the Gold Rush, and was a partner in the Sweet Vengeance Mine. Duplex used his share of profits from the mine to start his own barbershop in Marysville, California, where he employed other Black barbers. He later moved to Wheatland, where his barbershop became one of the two longest running businesses in the town. Early life and family Born free in New Haven, Connecticut, Edward was the grandson of Revolutionary War veteran Prince Duplex Sr. His paternal grandfather was born a "servant for life", but was a "free man of color" by the time he enlisted. His paternal grandmother was Lement Parker. His father, Prince Duplex Jr., worked as a steward on the New Haven Steamship Line which ran between Long Island and New York City. Prince Jr. was an active member of the Temple Street African Congregational Church, the first Black church in New Haven, and died