Zezina (sic) B. DURKEE, a native of Kalamazoo county an a life-long resident, died suddenly at 1:30 o’clock yesterday afternoon at his home in Galesburg. Though he had been in ill health for some time, Mr. DURKEE was about the house yesterday. Death was due to neuralgia of the heart. Seventy-one years ago Mr. DURKEE was born on a farm about two miles south of Galesburg and on the Comstock and Charleston township line. Here he grew to manhood. His education was received in the district school. He lived on the old homestead for 65 years, when he purchased a home and moved into Galesburg. For the past few years, Mr. DURKEE had not been actively engaged in business. Since going to Galesburg he had dealt some in real estate. Failing health prevented his farming and he moved into the village to pass his few remaining days. Mr. DURKEE was a charter member of the Masonic lodge at Galesburg and one of the early members of the Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Association. He was also greatly interested in the Kalamazoo Pioneer Society. Always a Democrat, Mr. DURKEE was an active partisan, though he was never an office seeker. He was, however, a public-spirited man and was with the leaders in any move which was for the advancement of the county and the village in which he later resided. He is survived by a widow, two sons, Oel W. and Thomas P. DURKEE; one step-son, Archie BRONSON, all of Galesburg and a sister, Miss Sarah E. DURKEE of Kalamazoo. The funeral will be held at 2 o’clock Tuesday afternoon from the home in Galesburg. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. source: Galesburg Express Dec 1910 (submitted by a volunteer, no family connection)