Charles Durkee was born around 1827 in New York. He married a woman named Mary, and they had at least two children: Nellie, born around 1856; and Kittie, born around 1861. They lived in Malone, New York, and Durkee worked as a merchant. He supported the Democratic Party, and he served as a local postmaster during President Franklin Pierce’s administration. By 1860, he owned $1,200 of real estate and $3,000 of personal property.

 

He received a commission as a lieutenant colonel in the 98^th New York Infantry on January 10, 1862. The regiment took part in the Peninsula campaign. Durkee was promoted to colonel on July 4, 1862, and he resigned on February 25, 1863.

 

Durkee returned to Malone after leaving the army, and he resumed his work as a merchant. By 1870, he owned $12,000 of real estate and $11,000 of personal property, and he employed at least one white domestic servant. He played an active role in local politics. According to one local writer, he was “a genial companion, a kind friend and a popular citizen.” He died in Malone on January 7, 1879.

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