William Jefferson Duckworth was born in Arkansas March 17, 1851, the son of William and Civilla Jane (Wilborn) Duckworth. He was reared on a farm and received a common school education for his day. On June 29, 1869, he married Miss Arkansas Gibbs. Eight children were born to them. The Duckworth family came to Texas in 1871 and settled in the Acton Community. In 1888 he bought a gin in Acton and continued in the gin business for many years. During the same year that he bought the gin he was elected County Commissioner from his precinct, and reelected for two more terms. He also served as Justice of the Peace for about eight years. Also in the year 1888 he was elected Clerk of Paluxy Association and served ten years in that office.
| SOURCE Paluxy Baptist Association Centennial Story 1880 – 1980 |