William C. Durkee was born on May 27, 1842, in St. Lawrence County, New York, the son of Dr. Benjamin Durkee. The Durkee family moved west to Mankato, Minnesota, in 1856, where William grew up in the early pioneer years of the community.

When the Civil War broke out, Durkee was among the first from Mankato to enlist. On July 15, 1861, at just 19 years old, he joined Company H, 2nd Minnesota Infantry as a corporal. He served until January 1862, when he was discharged due to disability. Undeterred, he reenlisted later that same year on August 19, 1862, in Company E, 9th Minnesota Infantry, and rose to the rank of First Sergeant.

In December 1863, Durkee was commissioned Captain of Company G, 62nd U.S. Colored Troops, later transferring to Company C. He served with distinction through the remainder of the war and was brevetted Major on March 13, 1865, for meritorious service. Durkee mustered out on March 31, 1866, completing nearly five years of service across three regiments — including one of the Union’s African American units.

After returning from the war, he attended the University of Michigan Law School in Ann Arbor, graduating in 1868, and soon returned to Mankato to practice law. In 1869, he was elected Clerk of the District Court of Blue Earth County, a position he held faithfully until his death. His integrity and dedication earned him the esteem of judges, attorneys, and citizens alike.

Durkee was deeply involved in community life. A devoted member of the Baptist Church, he was active in Sunday School leadership for many years and contributed to the church’s growth in Mankato. Despite the lingering effects of illness contracted during the war, he continued to serve his community with energy and principle.

Seeking relief from declining health, he traveled south in early 1883 to the milder climate of Kansas. He died shortly thereafter, on March 2, 1883, in Columbus, Kansas, at the age of 40. His body was returned to Mankato, where he was received with honor by the Knights Templar, Germania Band, and many friends who gathered to pay their respects.

His funeral was conducted at his family residence, led by Rev. W. Whitney, and interment followed at Glenwood Cemetery. The long procession included civic groups, clergy, Odd Fellows, the Mankato Bar, and citizens of the community — a testament to the esteem in which he was held.

The inscription on his footstone reflects his strong faith:

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”